Miniaturization Mapping near Toronto?

[StillHaveHair]

Note: I just bumped the thread for an update here, please don't reply to the original post.

 

I'm 23, and I've been going through a truly awful period at home and school. Added to all of that, my hair has been thinning quite drastically over the past few months. I went to see my family doctor in early June, and he told me it was likely related to the situation at home. I had him refer me to a dermatologist, who asked various questions, examined my scalp, did a couple of pull tests, and agreed with him. I have not had any recession, but my hair is noticeably thinner all over.

 

I have absolutely no family history of early hair loss. My grandfathers both lost their hair in their late 60s to 70s, but every other male relative I know still has a full head of hair. However, I am not naive enough to believe my hair loss couldn't be MBP, and I gather stress is pretty unlikely to be doing anything other than help along genetic hair loss.

 

The dermatologist recommended some blood tests which I am going to have done. Assuming they come back negative (or really, either way), I would like to find a doctor who can actually examine my scalp for miniaturization and give me a definitive diagnosis before I decide to take Propecia for the rest of my life. I seriously doubt I will be able to find a dermatologist able to do this locally, but I am not too far from Toronto. I'm not really sure who I would see for this sort of thing. I suppose a hair transplant doctor would be the obvious choice, but will they typically do consultations for patients who don't actually need hair transplants? What sort of cost would I be looking at?

 

Thanks so much

[StillHaveHair]

Note: I just bumped the thread for an update here, please don't reply to the original post.

 

I'm 23, and I've been going through a truly awful period at home and school. Added to all of that, my hair has been thinning quite drastically over the past few months. I went to see my family doctor in early June, and he told me it was likely related to the situation at home. I had him refer me to a dermatologist, who asked various questions, examined my scalp, did a couple of pull tests, and agreed with him. I have not had any recession, but my hair is noticeably thinner all over.

 

I have absolutely no family history of early hair loss. My grandfathers both lost their hair in their late 60s to 70s, but every other male relative I know still has a full head of hair. However, I am not naive enough to believe my hair loss couldn't be MBP, and I gather stress is pretty unlikely to be doing anything other than help along genetic hair loss.

 

The dermatologist recommended some blood tests which I am going to have done. Assuming they come back negative (or really, either way), I would like to find a doctor who can actually examine my scalp for miniaturization and give me a definitive diagnosis before I decide to take Propecia for the rest of my life. I seriously doubt I will be able to find a dermatologist able to do this locally, but I am not too far from Toronto. I'm not really sure who I would see for this sort of thing. I suppose a hair transplant doctor would be the obvious choice, but will they typically do consultations for patients who don't actually need hair transplants? What sort of cost would I be looking at?

 

Thanks so much

[MrJobi]

Hi Still

 

Sorry to hear about you situation which sound very much like mine from the past.. I was 23 or so when my hair starting falling out rapidly.. Yes, I looked for every possible reason

 

Stress

Allergy

irritation

 

At the end of the day , it was Male pattern baldness as I feared.. Sometime we don't want to believe the obvious.. Now, I am not doctor and surely there are a small percentage of exceptions.. BUT if I were to bet i would say it is MPB which a dermitologist shuld be able to detect without all of these tests

[StillHaveHair]

The blood tests came back normal other than a slightly elevated platelet count. The only thyroid test they did was TSH, and I'm not sure if more extensive tests would prove anything. I went to see my family doctor to discuss the results, and he was very reluctant to prescribe propecia (I had to specifically mention it to him by name). I got him to refer me to a second dermatologist. I explained everything in great detail to that guy, and after a quick look at my scalp, he told me specifically that it was telogen effluvium. I also discussed propecia with him, and he told me that he could not see any sign of MPB, and there was no way he would prescribe propecia. He said he couldn't even tell that I'd lost any hair.

 

This is becoming one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. If I knew for sure I was losing my hair, I would be able to start dealing with it and accept it. In my case, I've been in limbo for 4 months, not knowing what's going on. If I'm losing my hair, I will fight it tooth and nail, but I can't even get a bloody propecia prescription or definitive diagnosis.

 

I tried e-mailing Dr. Rassman of baldingblog.com and didn't get anything back. I was hoping he might offer some insight (even "it looks like you may have MPB" would be helpful). It seems the only option left is finding a transplant doctor in Toronto who might be able to do a more extensive examination of my hair. I would really appreciate some suggestions. I will try to post the full text of the e-mail I sent, along with the photos I included.

[MrJobi]

Hi

 

At 23 you are still a bit young for a HT. This si what I would do

 

1 - Confirm the cause of it ( is it MPB)

2 - Start on Nizoral or Revita

3 - If it is , stabilize it. Talk with your doc about meds

 

As you said, you have talked to a doc without any signs of being abnormal.. Go to the next step

3 - Try to relax. Worrying cannot anything

[StillHaveHair]

Confirm the cause of it ( is it MPB)

 

Well, it's been a couple more months, and I'm still working on this step. I have been looking for reputable hair places in Toronto who could do a consult and proper diagnosis.

 

I spoke to one of Dr. Armani's consultants in Toronto. He examined my hair, and noted that the density was higher in the donor area than the rest (20% difference, but I would have guessed higher). He also said he could see some extremely limited signs of miniaturization. His conclusion was that my hair loss was stress-related and it would grow back, just like everyone else keeps telling me. This seems to go against everything I've read on the internet. Diffuse patterned non-genetic stress-related hair loss? Huh? I thought it would help me, but it's just made me even more worried about what's going on. What he told me sounded more like what I've seen called "diffuse patterned alopecia", minus the extreme signs of miniaturization.

 

I've been convinced my hair loss was genetic since I noticed it in March. I've lost a ridiculous amount of density since then, and it's not stopping. It just makes me feel sick to think I've lost so much without treating it, and that I'll probably never get it back.

 

I've resorted to e-mailing anyone I can find in Toronto on the ISHRS web site. I only received two replies, and I don't know whether they are worth seeing. Dr. Martin Unger has a terrible reputation online for surgery, and Dr. Marla Rosenberg is barely mentioned at all. They both say they do regular hair loss consultations, and can even claim it on the provincial health insurance here. Is there anywhere else with a good reputation in Toronto?

 

I really, really need to get this resolved.

[Female_Hair_loss]

StillHaveHair,

 

Stress really can cause DIFFUSE hair loss.

 

What comes through in your post is your extreme anxiety about this hair loss--and I completely empathize with you about the anxiety. It is normal, and I know that a lot of us who have been diagnosed with AGA or MPB live in the hell that is our mind.

 

I would recommend, since you want to take proactive steps, asking your dermatologist to do a biopsy of your scalp. That is how my AGA was definitively diagnosed.

 

Also, start a count of the hair you lose. It sounds arduous, but it isn't. Just collect what you see and set up a daily tally. TAKE that tally with you the next time a doctor says that he doesn't notice your hair loss. That is, tell him/her that he needs to HEAR you and acknowledge your hair loss. If the doctor insists on being a jackass, see if you can find another doctor.

 

Also, talk with a nutritionist. If you are in college or graduate school, your health service may have one because most schools are investing in preventative measures. So, if you are stressed at home and at work, then you are possibly not eating healthily or, maybe, not sleeping well.

 

Identify for yourself: Are you getting necessary nutrients? Are you sleeping enough hours a night. What are you doing to reduce stress in your life?

 

These are very tactile and very practical steps you can take that may not only reduce your hair loss but may at least help your overall well being.

 

Keep a hair transplant surgery a distant option--at least until after you have exhausted ways to reduce stress and anxiety; increase nutrition; start or enhance exercise.

 

I work with/advise people in your age group day in and day out, and I know just how stress affects weight, skin, hair, memory, EVERYTHING.

 

So, yes, be proactive about getting a definitive medical diagnosis for your hair loss, but don't ignore all the things that traditional medical field (and western mindset) considers New Age B.S.--it's not B.S. most of the time. Unless it is New Age music, and we all know what that is, eh?

 

Keep your chin up.

[TheEmperor]

Originally posted by StillHaveHair:

Confirm the cause of it ( is it MPB)

 

Well, it's been a couple more months, and I'm still working on this step. I have been looking for reputable hair places in Toronto who could do a consult and proper diagnosis.

 

I spoke to one of Dr. Armani's consultants in Toronto. He examined my hair, and noted that the density was higher in the donor area than the rest (20% difference, but I would have guessed higher). He also said he could see some extremely limited signs of miniaturization. His conclusion was that my hair loss was stress-related and it would grow back, just like everyone else keeps telling me. This seems to go against everything I've read on the internet. Diffuse patterned non-genetic stress-related hair loss? Huh? I thought it would help me, but it's just made me even more worried about what's going on. What he told me sounded more like what I've seen called "diffuse patterned alopecia", minus the extreme signs of miniaturization.

 

I've been convinced my hair loss was genetic since I noticed it in March. I've lost a ridiculous amount of density since then, and it's not stopping. It just makes me feel sick to think I've lost so much without treating it, and that I'll probably never get it back.

 

I've resorted to e-mailing anyone I can find in Toronto on the ISHRS web site. I only received two replies, and I don't know whether they are worth seeing. Dr. Martin Unger has a terrible reputation online for surgery, and Dr. Marla Rosenberg is barely mentioned at all. They both say they do regular hair loss consultations, and can even claim it on the provincial health insurance here. Is there anywhere else with a good reputation in Toronto?

 

I really, really need to get this resolved.

 

I think your reaction to the hair loss is at least as bad as the hair loss itself. You seem very stressed out.

 

There are only 3 things that help with loss. Propecia, minoxidil, and hair transplant. You might as well get started on the first two.

 

Since your grandfathers went bald, there is a very real chance you have MPB. It appears yo are trying to avoid this possibilty by attributing it to stress.

 

Sounds like you hair loss is minimal, and given your stress level the easiest thing to tell you is that its caused by stress -- which will hopefully ease your mind. Unfortunately this does not help you if MPB is at the root of the problem.

 

My advice is to:

 

1) Get propecia Rx (Go to a doc and tell him about your bald grandfathers)

2) Take a chill pill

3) Get minoxidil foam

4) Bide your time and figure out how to cope. This may include HT down the line.

[StillHaveHair]

I think your reaction to the hair loss is at least as bad as the hair loss itself. You seem very stressed out.

 

Yup.

 

There are only 3 things that help with loss. Propecia, minoxidil, and hair transplant. You might as well get started on the first two.

 

Since your grandfathers went bald, there is a very real chance you have MPB. It appears yo are trying to avoid this possibilty by attributing it to stress.

 

Sounds like you hair loss is minimal, and given your stress level the easiest thing to tell you is that its caused by stress -- which will hopefully ease your mind. Unfortunately this does not help you if MPB is at the root of the problem.

 

 

My advice is to:

 

1) Get propecia Rx (Go to a doc and tell him about your bald grandfathers)

2) Take a chill pill

3) Get minoxidil foam

4) Bide your time and figure out how to cope. This may include HT down the line.

 

I was prepared to accept it was MPB from the beginning, and never tried to attribute it to stress. One of the first things doctors ask me is whether I had a significant stressor before the hair started falling out. My hair loss is not in a typical MPB pattern, so they won't diagnose it as that, which means they won't prescribe anything to treat it. I've seen four doctors, and none of them would prescribe Propecia. Even Rogaine Foam requires a prescription in Canada. I could try ordering generic stuff online and hoping customs doesn't seize it. It's really hard to get around the idea of taking Propecia for the rest of my life after being told repeatedly I don't have MPB and denied prescriptions.

 

When I went to see the person at the hair clinic, I was fully expecting to be diagnosed with MPB, and had told him that up front. Instead I got another "it's just stress, don't worry about it" diagnosis. The main thing I got out of it was the knowledge that my hair is not thinning evenly everywhere, which just makes me even more concerned that it's probably genetic.

 

It's not fair for you to say my hair loss is minimal. It was minimal in March, when I could barely even tell myself. It's been thinning rapidly since then. I keep it very long, which covers the loss. I'm not an idiot, and it's fairly easy for me to tell I've lost a significant amount of density.

 

I'd like to clarify that I'm not seeking a hair transplant in any way at this time. I only put the original post here because I thought I'd have a better chance of finding a good doctor/surgeon to see for a consultation to diagnose the hair loss.

[Bill - Seemiller]

StillHaveHair,

 

Female Hair Loss and the Emperor gave you some great advice.

 

I do think however, getting a second medical opinion would be wise either by consulting a dermatologist or a hair restoration specialist.

 

I am not convinced that you have diffuse alopecia (though I'm not ruling it out) for a couple of reasons.

 

1. Diffiuse Alopecia is typically characterized by hair loss all OVER the scalp including the sides and back of the head rather than just the top.

 

2. Though an over abundant supply of stress such as traumatic stress or grief induced stress can cause hair loss - every day typical stress does not cause hair loss. However, it is possible that if you are naturally over-stressed, suffer from anxiety related conditions, etc - that this could be your cause.

 

3. Miniaturization (whether limited or extensive) is a sign of hereditary hair loss. Of course, it's possible that you may be experiencing the onset of hereditary hair loss AND some diffuse alopecia.

 

But we can only speculate and suspect what might be going on as only a hair restoration specialist or dermatologist can truly diagnose your condition. You may also want to have your hormone levels checked and be checked for any other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders which may cause diffuse alopecia.

 

it's not B.S. most of the time. Unless it is New Age music, and we all know what that is, eh?

 

 

Hey now Female....I like some new age music . What's wrong with a little Yanni, Enya, or Enigma to soothe the soul after a stressful day at work? Of course my favorite genre still remains melodic/progressive metal

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[StillHaveHair]

Thanks for all the replies. After seeing two local dermatologists, I've pretty much given up on getting any answers locally. I'll make appointments at the two doctors I mentioned in my previous post and see what they have to say (neither will cost me anything). Unfortunately, the only doctor in my province on this site's list of specialists is Dr. Rahal, who's more than six hours from here.

 

The particular pattern of genetic loss I'm concerned about is called "diffuse patterned alopecia" on some sites:

 

Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) is an androgenetic alopecia characterized by diffuse thinning in the front, top, and vertex of the scalp in conjunction with a stable permanent zone. Diffuse Patterned Alopecia is usually associated with the persistence of the frontal hairline represented by the hairline position of the Norwood Class II or Class III patient. Especially in the earlier stages, the thinning generally extends to the vertex without significant hair loss in the crown. It differs from the regular Norwood classification in that, when the hair loss is first noted, it is already in a stage resembling a thinning Norwood Class VI, rather than having progressed through the Norwood stages III, III Vertex, IV, and V, which are characterized by continued recession at the temples, an expanding vertex/crown, and the presence of a defined bridge separating the anterior and posterior portions of the scalp. In addition, there is an absence of the residual triangular elevation in the parietal region that helps to define the typical Norwood Class VI patient.

[TheEmperor]

I think most of the major HT docs should be able to write you a proscar Rx if they feel it will help.

 

Good luck.

[Bill - Seemiller]

StillHaveHair,

 

Thank you for differentiating between "Diffuse Alopecia" and "Diffuse Pattern Alopecia".

 

Keep in mind that "Diffuse Pattern Alopecia" is still genetic and not caused by stress - though it may or may not expedite it.

 

It is "Diffuse Alopecia" that can be caused by traumatic stress.

 

Bill

[Female_Hair_loss]

Originally posted by Bill - Moderator:

StillHaveHair,

 

Female Hair Loss

Yay, validation from the only member on this forum who responds to me, really.

 

 

Hey now Female....I like some new age music . What's wrong with a little Yanni, Enya, or Enigma to soothe the soul after a stressful day at work? Of course my favorite genre still remains melodic/progressive metal

 

 

 

Haa, ha: Okay I grant you Enigma. I am not familiar with melodic/progressive metal, but I will be sure to go to my google mobile!

 

StillHaveHair:

My sincerest thanks to you for your brusque response to my detailed post. I have a thick skin, y'all. All the freaking best to you, pal.

[Bill - Seemiller]

Female,

 

I can't tell if your response to StillHaveHair was meant as a joke or if you are truly offended.

 

I often find that when there are a number of replies to a member (as educational and sincere as they are) - many times, personal acknowledgment goes out the window. Notice that SillHaveHair didn't address me personally either .

 

Don't feel unappreciated - it's obvious from your posts that you are educated and intelligent. I know that many members of our community can benefit not only from your shared experiences, but from your intellect.

 

Oh...and if you want an example of one progressive or melodic metal, look up Nightwish (femal vocalist) and Sonata Arctica (male vocalist).

 

Bill

[Female_Hair_loss]

Bill,

You are so sensitive--I really appreciate it. I don't think I am offended, but just a bit hurt. I do make long and very sincere posts, but I feel that the other male members in the forum overtly circumvent my questions or appeals for help or just ignore my posts. But that's not anything new--I experienced that when I joined an anime club which had mostly male members. . I left the club and joined a more gender friendly anime site. Oh well.

 

But really, I am not offended. Contrary to what it may appear, I have feelings. That's all. Woo-hoo, poor me (I am being sarcastic). Sorry for being one of those despicable emo-women!

 

THANK YOU for taking the time to address this. AND we are getting off topic, so I will end the conversation now so that I can get into my batmobile and track down some Nightwish and Sonata.

 

My best to you, Bill.

 

The girly-girl FHL signing off.

 

Live long and prosper.

[StillHaveHair]

I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to offend you I just got caught up replying to TheEmperor's post and forgot about the points you made.

 

 

Stress really can cause DIFFUSE hair loss.

 

What comes through in your post is your extreme anxiety about this hair loss--and I completely empathize with you about the anxiety. It is normal, and I know that a lot of us who have been diagnosed with AGA or MPB live in the hell that is our mind.

 

The problem for me is that I have doctors telling me over and over again that it's just stress, and I get online and everything I read points to the contrary. I've spent the last 8 months feeling miserable and depressed because I believe my hair loss is probably genetic, but I'm unable to treat it or get a doctor to give a reasonable opinion. So, I haven't even even been able to deal with the idea of MPB yet.

 

 

I would recommend, since you want to take proactive steps, asking your dermatologist to do a biopsy of your scalp. That is how my AGA was definitively diagnosed.

 

How did the biopsy confirm your AGA?

 

 

Also, start a count of the hair you lose. It sounds arduous, but it isn't. Just collect what you see and set up a daily tally. TAKE that tally with you the next time a doctor says that he doesn't notice your hair loss. That is, tell him/her that he needs to HEAR you and acknowledge your hair loss. If the doctor insists on being a jackass, see if you can find another doctor.

 

I will give this a try. Believe me, I have spent lots of fun time counting falling hairs. I still count every time I brush, which is depressing enough.

 

 

Also, talk with a nutritionist. If you are in college or graduate school, your health service may have one because most schools are investing in preventative measures. So, if you are stressed at home and at work, then you are possibly not eating healthily or, maybe, not sleeping well.

 

Identify for yourself: Are you getting necessary nutrients? Are you sleeping enough hours a night. What are you doing to reduce stress in your life?

 

These are very tactile and very practical steps you can take that may not only reduce your hair loss but may at least help your overall well being.

 

I didn't mention it in my original post, but the major sources of stress have been trying to meet crazy study deadlines, the hair loss itself, and my parents' ridiculously messy divorce that's been going on all year. I am actually taking a year off school because I was so stressed out at the end of the Summer. I wasn't eating properly for months, but that's improved quite a bit recently. My sleeping has been pretty spotty -- I often sleep well past 8 hours, and still feel fatigued all day. I'm not sure there is a real medical cause, as the blood tests I had done in July were all normal. It is hard to keep upbeat with all that's been going on this year.

 

 

Keep a hair transplant surgery a distant option--at least until after you have exhausted ways to reduce stress and anxiety; increase nutrition; start or enhance exercise.

 

I work with/advise people in your age group day in and day out, and I know just how stress affects weight, skin, hair, memory, EVERYTHING.

 

So, yes, be proactive about getting a definitive medical diagnosis for your hair loss, but don't ignore all the things that traditional medical field (and western mindset) considers New Age B.S.--it's not B.S. most of the time. Unless it is New Age music, and we all know what that is, eh? Wink

 

Keep your chin up.

 

Thanks. It is nice to know there are other people out there who can sympathize with me. It's like talking to a brick wall trying to let my family members know how worried I am about the hair loss itself, let alone the idea that it's been going on for so long without treatment. They have all been in denial about the possibility of MPB from the moment I mentioned it. I thought I was the one who's supposed to be in denial!

 

Again, I'm not even considering the possibility of a hair transplant. The only reason I put the post here was because I thought I would have a better chance of finding a good local doctor to see for a diagnosis.

[Female_Hair_loss]

Hi StillHaveHair (just your username is so positive, eh?),

Thank you for your gracious (and detailed) response, and you didn't offend me. I am sorry for echoing what your doctors have been telling you--I think I reacted instinctively to your original comments where you mentioned going through some extremely stressful events, and I do believe that genetic predisposition to MPB can be exacerbated by stress (even supposed low-grade stress, but if the stress is sustained for long periods of time).

 

Good question about the biopsy: I don't know how that determines AGA. A doctor I was considering for an HT procedure wanted many blood tests and a biopsy to make sure that my loss was due to AGA (many women have polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid imbalances, etc., that need to be addressed first, according to some doctors). So I think the biopsy was simply to see if there is the typical miniaturization. Maybe you don't need one because I don't see other men here having it done.

 

I am glad that you are taking a year off of school. At the very least, it is one less thing for you to worry about. Also, have you considered talking to someone--a therapist or a counselor--just to get you through your parent's divorce. If you are fatigued even after sleeping all day, there may be depression and anxiety acting against your well being. KNOW that most depression and anxiety medication cause hair loss, but maybe talking to someone will be helpful.

 

I do sympathize with you. Unlike some people--MAYBE--I do believe that our obsession with hair loss (however valid) is not an isolated event (although it has managed to put my own self esteem in the gutter), but rather something that comes with or affects many other parts of our lives. So, basically, approaching our mental aspects (how we respond and view ourselves because of our hair loss) should be treated holistically. I don't think a HT or five HT procedures will pull my self esteem out of the gutter. You know?

 

Anyway, I hope you have been able to find a HT specialist to diagnose your loss for sure. Are you finding miniaturized hair (thin, fine, baby-hair type of hair)?

 

All the best to you.

[Bill - Seemiller]

FHL,

 

I am grateful that you are a part of our community. Let me assure you that we do need more females here with us - though it's not that I wish for anyone else to suffer from hair loss. I do know however, that over 20 million women experience hair loss in the U.S. alone. This proves that hair loss is not just a male related problem despite popular belief.

 

So your sensitivity, emotions, and obvious intelligence is appreciated here . So I hope you don't leave us!

 

And I'm glad that you and Stillhavehair have connected as well.

 

Stillhavehair,

 

I can understand the emotional devastation that hair loss can cause. I used to compare myself to the Phantom of the Opera. When I wore my hat, I felt charming and attractive - much like the Phantom with his mask. But when the hat came off, I felt ugly and undesirable. Often times I would not invite particular female friends to social events that involved me without a hat. I didn't want them to see my "ugliness". I quote "ugliness" because I know it was much more in my mind and not necessarily a reality. Though I do believe I look better with hair.

 

If you have any pictures of your hair loss condition - we'd be happy to look at them if you post them on this thread. You can also create a photo album in the photo section adding up to 25 photos. Take pictures of your hair loss in different angles. Though we can't give you a definite answer - typically genetic hair loss follows a particular pattern whereas diffuse alopecia (caused by stress and other) follows a different pattern.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[StillHaveHair]

Well, I went to see Dr. Unger today. He had a quick glance at my scalp, said there was some thinning in the crown (more than 50% loss!), and diagnosed it as MPB. He couldn't see anything in any of the other areas where I've noticed thinning. He doesn't do miniaturization studies or anything like that, which was quite disappointing. If I do have MPB, I wanted to get some proper metrics on what state I'm in now to see if any treatment really helps. All he said was "50% hair loss = 50% miniaturization" and that punch biopsies were the only way to examine the hair for miniaurization.

 

The rest of the appointment was pretty much a sales pitch for the Laser Comb. He apparently believes it is significantly more effective than Propecia, and recommends it as the #1 treatment for hair loss. His clinic is sort of a cosmetic surgery spa type place. He still does procedures like scalp reductions. He's retiring in January, so he didn't want to write me a prescription for Propecia.

 

He was a nice enough guy, but I obviously wasn't terribly impressed with the visit. I'd really like to see another doctor who could actually give me a better idea of what's going on up there. The other doctor I found online apparently works with Dr. Unger's brother, Dr. Walter Unger. The two of them appear to be heavily involved in the whole low level laser treatment thing, and neither has a very good reputation as a surgeon.

 

Even if he was a hack, it seems my hair loss is likely MPB at this point. I'm going to look for another hair doctor, but I'm considering ordering some finasteride online for now. I guess I'll have to deal with being jerked around by dermatologists and doctors for six months for the rest of my life. I would have been in a much better position in March, when I first noticed very slight thinning, or May, when I first went to see a doctor.

[cricketlover]

StillHaveHair,

 

I went through a similar kind of experience that you have currently. searched for answers everywhere! I am 24 & my hair loss matches with what you are describing. I did not want to accept genetic balding but eventually did. So, accept the hairloss & get on propecia, it definitely helps. my hairloss has stopped & i can see minor growth on the crown.

[alsocooleyfied]

I would guess MPB. I think it takes quite significant stress to cause hair loss and your loss has lasted a long time. I know you would characterize your stress as quite significant, and while it might have been at first, I would think that some 8 or so months later, without being enrolled in school, the stress would not be bad enough to cause hair loss.

 

Nutrition is a pretty long shot too. Almost no one has a very good diet at 23.

 

If we refrain from "looking for zebras," then MPB is the no. 1 candidate.

 

I would get on Propecia, I would use minoxidil and use nizoral shampoo. If you are not suffering MPB then you will not need to be taking these meds for "life," but if you are then you have a pretty good chance of slowing down or stopping your hair loss, even a small chance of some regrowth.

[max1010]

I have a question for one of the forum veterans or a DR, speaking of stress.. Is stress related hair loss permanent or temporary?

[Bill - Seemiller]

max1010,

 

Though stress will not cause hereditary hair loss, traumatic or unusual amounts of severe stress can cause other hair loss conditions such as diffiuse alopecia. This type of hair loss, especially when caused by stress is typiocally temporary and will reverse itself once the stressor has been removed.

 

Learn more about diffuse alopecia.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[StillHaveHair]

I was looking around for my old posts on hair loss and remembered this thread and how it documents what I originally went through. I use a different nickname on other hair loss sites, but I remember getting lots of helpful advice here along the way. I thought you guys might appreciate an update.

 

It's pretty clear at this point that I have MPB in a diffuse pattern all over the top of my head. I ordered finasteride online right around the time of my last post in the thread (Nov 2007). I've been taking it since then, and I thought it was at least maintaining my hair. Unfortunately, that's not the case, and I recently noticed it has thinned dramatically since I started.

 

I have long hair I haven't cut since the haircut I got to confirm my suspicions back in 2007. I can still pull it off, but the parting is getting thinner and wider, and I'm rapidly approaching the point where I'll have to shave it all off. I am pretty attached to my long hair, since I know I'll never be able to grow it again, so I'm hanging onto it as long as I can. I'm now thinking of adding minox to see if I can at least get a bit of regrowth, though I am afraid what effect shedding would have on my ability to maintain my current hairstyle.

 

I'm still really angry about how long it took to sort things out. I wasted nine months of shedding and thinning because the doctors I went to see knew barely anything about MPB. I honestly expected to go see my family doctor, be told it was MPB, and get a prescription for Propecia. Instead, I went through him and two dermatologists telling me it was TE and flat-out refusing to prescribe Propecia, a miniaturization "examination" by one of Armani's assistants that was obviously complete bullshit to humour me, and finally got the actual diagnosis from a hack transplant doctor who was only interested in pushing laser combs until he retired.

 

It really bothers me that regular doctors know so little about this stuff. If anyone knew even the basics of how genetic hair loss works, they could have taken a look at my scalp, seen the telltale signs of hair miniaturization, and put me on treatment right away. As I posted before, even the transplant doctor I saw wouldn't check this, and told me he'd have to do a punch biopsy! I don't feel as bad when I see people posting about going to their doctor and immediately having Propecia pushed on them. I'd take that over what I went through any day.

 

I'm also really bothered by all the bald guys on hair loss forums who tell people with minor hair loss to get lost. I was too embarassed to post any photos back when I first noticed thinning, because I'd seen what happened when people like that asked about MPB. It's really important to get on treatment at the first sign of hair loss, so this sort of thing is very counterproductive.

 

Anyhow, I got a lot of good advice here that I obviously should have listened to sooner, and I just wanted to say that I appreciated it. Thank you to everyone who replied.