Female Hair Loss and Thinning – Seeking Suitable Treatment Options
This hair loss question was answered by Dr. Sharon Keene of AZ, an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.
Since the birth of my son in 2005, my hair has been progressively getting thinner. Hair loss started 3 months after his birth and has continued since. I am only 29 years old. I do notice some new hair growth, but it appears to get thinner each time until hair regrowth no longer continues. My mother is has thinning hair that is getting worse in the front and and on the crown of her head. My dad is bald except for the sides and back of his head.
My 16 year old brother is already experiencing hair loss in the center and back of his head. I have been bothered by this for some time, watching it happen right before my eyes. It’s really starting to take a toll on my self confidence. My options on how i wear my hair are now limited to pinning it up or a ponytail. My balding is very noticeable in the center, especially in the front. Although my hair all over has become thinner, I am determined to be proactive in fighting it before it gets the best of me. what are the best hair loss treatment options available to me? Thank you for your time in reading and responding to this.
Thank you for your email.
The first thing I would recommend is a dermatology evaluation to determine if there is a treatable cause for your hair loss. While some thinning hair is caused by genetics, there are other causes such as hormone imbalance, thyroid disease, heavy metal poisoning (lead, arsenic, mercury), some medications (including some birth control pills), skin conditions, to name a few.
Topical minoxidil (marketed as Rogaine) is helpful for women with androgenetic alopecia. Your first step is a correct diagnosis, and if you have insurance they will likely have a recommendation for who you need to have evaluate you. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Best Regards,
Dr. Sharon Keene, MD
—
Bill Seemiller
Associate Publisher
Technorati Tags: hair loss, Hair loss, hair growth, hair regrowth, thinning hair, bald, balding, hair loss treatment, minoxidil, Rogaine, androgenetic alopecia
November 2, 2010 @ 2:55 am
Jo,
Hair loss drugs like finasteride work differently and to varying degrees for each individual patient. Therefore, it is not possible to say whether or not it will work for you. However, since you only started the drug in July, you are quite possibly still experiencing the normal shedding phase.
You must give finasteride between 6 and 8 months before evaluating your results. Hairs that were shed initially need time to regrow.
In my opinion, you should continue using the medication for at least 4 more months but it is always a great idea to consult with your prescribing physician.
David (TakingThePlunge)
November 1, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Hi, I am a 53year old female i have hair thinning which is angregenic alopecia, i have been on minoxodil 5% for some time and Spirolactone 200mg aswell which did help for some years. I came of the spirolactone in July this year. I have been put on Finasteride 5mg every other day since July this year, because of thinning more. I have thinned more, will it help my hair or will it just get worse i am so worried all the time. Also i am still on HRT Angeliqu.
kind Regards
Jo Wakefield