Is my hair loss normal?

[Cysair]

My hair has been thinning since I was 17, it's been a pretty slow process and hasn't too drastically over the years. I'm now 21 and for the last 2 years my hair has been thinning on the sides too. At first I thought it was normal and ignored it, but I ended up reading a little online about MPB and didn't see anything similar to what I have. Can anyone tell me if my hair loss looks like it's progressing normally?

[NotBelievingIt]

IMO no. That patchy loss on the sides is not normal.

The top of your head perhaps is, but not the sides.

[Cysair]

I'm not to well versed on the subject, but is there a usual common cause for hair lose on the side of the head like this? Also, do you happen to know if it is anything I should be concerned about? Thanks in advance for any help.

[NotBelievingIt]

It is my understanding that loss that is not part of the regular MPB, pattern, is due to some kind of hormone imbalance or vitamin/mineral deficiency and is referred to as Telogen Effluvium. TE is generally fully reversible if the cause is identified.

I would most definitely get your thyroid activity level checked at the minimum.

[Cysair]

I see, thank you for your help. I feel dumb for ignoring it for so long, maybe something could have been done about it by now. I have just one more question, my situation is a little different than usual. I am a U.S citizen, but I grew up in a different country and just moved to the U.S again for studies. I do not have a family or regular doctor I go to. How would I go by getting it checked, do I need to see a hair specialist or anything specific?