Month: May 2012

Can melatonin, a hormone, accelerate hair loss. Does it increase testosterone or lower it?

Thanks drs

Where are you reading these things? Melatonin does not cause hair loss or have anything to do with testosterone other than both being hormones.

Some people have tried using topical melatonin to treat hair loss (likely based on this pilot study that came out in 2004), but that’s not a proven treatment and likely not going to give the results one is looking for.

This isn’t another “does mastrubation cause baldness?” question but it is related. Many people seem to think that mastrubation increases testosterone which increases dht levels but does simple sexual arousion cause a rise in testosterone levels too? If I am sexually aroused, and find myself with an erection, is that enough to influence dht levels or is it ejaculation of semen that is the prime testosterone booster?

I guess this is another way to answer the same issue. Masturbation, erections, sexual arousal, ejaculation, etc do not cause hair loss. Your genetics are the cause of male pattern balding.

I’m not trying to be rude here, but I get this question many times a week and have answered it dozens of times already. And every time I write about it, I get emails from guys that disagree and tell me tales of going celibate with all of their hair regrowing on their previously balding scalp. I don’t buy it. If that was the cure to balding, I think the world would look very different.

If you believe masturbating or sexual arousal can lead to hair loss, then feel free to leave your genitals alone and stay away from anything or anyone that might sexually excite you. If you see your balding continue, you could probably find something else to blame it on.

I know you’ve discussed miniaturization mapping as the best way to predict someone’s future balding pattern. If someone shows mild miniaturization, does this guarantee the area will eventually be bald, or is it possible the person may never completely lose their hair in a miniaturized region?

Thanks!

Hair loss can not be predicted with 100% accuracy. We use miniaturization mapping as one tool to monitor the progression of hair loss, which allows us to give an educated understanding and prognosis for our patients.

Miniaturization does not guarantee balding.

As a 21 year old, I’ve noticed my hair getting thinner and dryer, it’s just not the same thick and healthy hair I’ve had all my life. It sheds like crazy, there’s hair all over my desk and often clothes. The only weird part is that, the hair shedding is occurring pretty evenly all over my head, everyone tells me my hairline and crown are absolutely normal, not juvenile “normal” but not “balding,” and that I’m crazy.

I know only a doctor’s visit in person can make a diagnosis, but could you at least help me out by telling me whether or not this sort of hair behavior is normal or possible for MPB? I thought MPB was unique in that loss occurred in a pattern, but there’s not really any pattern whatsoever. Does telogen effluvium also effect hair density, because I’ve crash dieted numerous times about 7-9 months ago, while also enduring insanely gripping stress.

Would it be wise to start minoxidil, because I don’t even know where i’d apply it if it’s occurring all over.

also, If health insurance is an issue, what type of doctor would you advise I see if I’m paying out of pocket?

I wouldn’t advise you to start a drug treatment program without knowing what you have to begin with. You know that you need to see a doctor for a diagnosis, so that should be the place you start. A hair transplant doctor should be able to determine what’s what. Some clinics offer free consultations, but you can check for a doctor in your area by using the physician search at ISHRS.org. If you want to run it through insurance, you can try a dermatologist.

Male patterned baldness (MPB) is hair loss in a pattern that affects about 50% of the male population to some degree. Generalized balding and diffuse balding is different and there may be other medical issues that are causing the loss you’re seeing. The stress and crash dieting can’t be helping.