Genetic or Stress Induced Hair Loss?

I’ve always had thin hair, but never any bald spots. When I turned 18 years old, I had a lot of stress and suffered from depression. A few months later, my hair started shedding like crazy and was noticeable that I was going bald. I went to a doctor and she told me that I have male pattern baldness (MPB) mostly because my dad is also bald. I forgot to tell her about my stress. I am 19 years old and my hair loss continues. I’m also still experiencing stress, but not as much. Here are my questions:

1) Is my hair loss from stress or male pattern baldness?
2) Can I take accutane with Propecia? If so, which should I take first?
3) Is there any chance of hair regrowth? I read that stress induced hair loss will come back, but not from male pattern baldness
4) If my hair loss is caused by a combination of stress and genetics, will Propecia and Rogaine stimulate hair regrowth?

It is actually a misconception that regular every day stress and anxiety causes hair loss. Traumatic stress may be responsible for a temporary telogen effluvium but is typically is reversed shortly after the incident, and not progressive like typical male pattern baldness.

If you are experiencing hair loss on top of your scalp in a pattern like others suffering from androgenetic alopecia (see the norwood scale and/or ludwig scale as a guide), the cause is most likely genetic.

I’m not too familiar with Accutane other than that it’s a powerful drug used for acne. I recall someone discussing why you shouldn’t be use Accutane for a period of time before a hair transplant, but I’m not aware of any discrepancies with taking finasteride and Accutane simultaneously. However, please discuss this with your physician before proceeding.

Hair loss treatments like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) work a lot better in areas of thinning hair. Completely bald areas of the scalp will most likely remain that way unless you consider hair transplant surgery as an option in the future. But use of Propecia and Rogaine is typically a good strategy to help slow down, or prevent future loss. Miniaturizing hairs may also rejuvenate into thicker, healthier hairs once again.

Bill – Managing Publisher