Diagnosis

[tinxy]

Dr Redmond,

I was just wondering if you could give me your opinion. I am 20 years old and my hair has lost about 50% of its volume if not more. My mum and her sister were diagnosed with female pattern baldness 30 years ago. When I went to my GP and a derm they told me it didnt follow the same pattern but they couldn't diagnose it. I have another appointment with a hair specialist in 7 months, but do you think there is any point? Is it just more than likely I have the same thing and there is nothing I can do about it? I don't have big sheds and have never really noticed losing alot of hair. I think it has been very slow and progressive. I have been using minoxidil, but am thinking of using dustasteride. What do you think?

Many Thanks,

Katie.

[Geoffrey Redmond, MD, FACE]

Dr Redmond,

I was just wondering if you could give me your opinion. I am 20 years old and my hair has lost about 50% of its volume if not more. My mum and her sister were diagnosed with female pattern baldness 30 years ago. When I went to my GP and a derm they told me it didnt follow the same pattern but they couldn't diagnose it. I have another appointment with a hair specialist in 7 months, but do you think there is any point? Is it just more than likely I have the same thing and there is nothing I can do about it? I don't have big sheds and have never really noticed losing alot of hair. I think it has been very slow and progressive. I have been using minoxidil, but am thinking of using dustasteride. What do you think?

Many Thanks,

Katie.

Diffuse hair loss is almost always hormonal and contrary to what medical texts say, there are a variety of patterns it can follow. There are also hereditary factors so many women with hormonal hair loss, though not all, have a family history.

Unfortunately most doctors, including dermatologists and endocrinologists are not able to diagnose and treat female hair loss.

Re dutasteride (Avodart) there is serious concern that it can cause birth defects in a male fetus. Since it takes at least 6 months to get out of the body after it is stopped I almost never suggest it for women who may have childbearing ahead of them.

As to what is best for you, this needs to be worked out with a doctor you see for consultation.

[ivm1]

I started to suddenly lose my hair in Central Asia, summer 2007, after arriving there 6 months earlier. I returned home to USA in March, 2008. All bloods and hormone levels are normal for female 50+...thyroid nodules benign, thyroid levels normal. Endocrinologist, dermatologist are not concerned or offering treatment or answers, except steroid therapy and ? stress reduction? Scalp biopsy has not been done and I am not on any meds.

I had Hepatitis B&C vaccine in the summer, 2006, before going, as well as vaccines for Cholera, Pneumonia, Typhoid. The heavy metals (lead, mercury), posr-Soviet nuclear radiation, water pollution, potable water disinfection, lack of hygiene and garbage disposal, nasty bugs, air pollution including > 1000 (?measured in mcg/dL?)formaldehyde, etc. may be enviornmental .. It is now 9 months since returning home and hair loss is continuing, so much so that a blonde newborn has more than I do.

Seems that if it is stress/ ecology/ pollution related, hair loss should have stopped as I returned to US 9 months ago. However, the thinning is persisting and you can now see my scalp through the hair at the hairline. Need advice and referral in NYC-NJ metro area. Thank you.