Author: Dr. William Rassman

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Adrenal Problems and Hair Loss?

Is there a correlation between adrenal fatigue/insufficiency and hair loss (in the form of total head miniaturization, but yet have no balding, no recession.) I have very low DHEA levels and high cortisol levels…. would chronic/high physiologic stress levels induce hair thinning/miniatuzization?

Yes, it is a possibility, as low adrenal function in such conditions as Addison’s disease affects about 1 in 100000 people. Hair loss throughout the body is a reported finding in this condition. I do not have experience with following people with this disease, as they are treated with appropriate hormone supplements. I have never seen a patient with Addison’s disease and studied the existence of miniaturization or a follow-up of this in a treated patient. Sorry that I can not shed more light on your question.


2006-10-26 12:05:04Adrenal Problems and Hair Loss?

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Addison’s Disease and Propecia?

Hi I’m 30 and suffer from Addison’s disease. I’ve noticed over the past 3 years my hairs been getting thinner and thinner and I want to do something about it. Propecia seems like a good starting point…. only problem is I have this rare endocrine disease and am worried about serious side effects. Should I be worried? Should I try rogaine instead? Many thanks.

You should first see a doctor for an examination and a diagnosis of your hair loss cause. You shouldn’t just jump at trying different medications/products blindly. You can also ask your endocrinologist about your concern with Propecia (finasteride 1mg). First and foremost, make sure your hair loss is due to genetics if you’re even considering Propecia.

I have seen many patients with hormone disorders (though not Addison’s disease specifically) and there is no reason they cannot be on Propecia that I can think of. But even to my own patients, I always advise them to check with their endocrinologist first.

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Adrenaline and Hair Loss

I hear caffeine from coffee i.e. increased adrenaline and you’ve consistently said adrenaline can contribute to hair loss. What’s up with this?

I am not aware of this. I drink a triple espresso every day. Coffee drinkers are not at any higher risk for hair loss than non-coffee drinkers. Genetic balding is the cause of most hair loss.


2008-06-24 14:11:27Adrenaline and Hair Loss

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Advanced balding reversed (photos)

I’m 25 years old. I was starting to lose my hair when I was 16. It was very rapid process so when I was 20 my situation is almost NW7. 132 days ago I decided to take this regime ( I don’t want to mention about decision phase)

first 120 day, I started with the big 3 + dermaroller 0.5 mm x1week (dut(0.5) once everyday+ minox %5 twice everyday + nizoral 2-3 times per week with no side effects) biotin(10000) + zinc(50) + d3(5000) + collagen peptides(tablet) + omega3(with fish oil) all of them x1 everyday ogx biotin shampoo

Everything was good for me. It was like a miracle you know. My hair like born again. My head was full of baby hair and they were getting stronger day by day (or its just it seemed to me like that) On day 118, I just noticed to shedding, probably it has began before that then I shaved my head to zero guard. In this 14 days I shed like crazy. It’s like the first day when I was start this, I read something about shedding but I’m still worried about that this will be failure for me. So I bought something and added my regime. It’s been 2 days since I started using. Apple cyder vinegar tablets(750mg) x1 everyday, l-cysteine (500mg) x1 everyday, vitamin A (25000iu) x1 everyday, iron (65mg + 325mg fer.) x1 everyday, Ubiquinol (100mg) x1 everyday, Collagen peptides powder 15g with cold water everyday, dermaroller upper to 1.5 mm x1 week, Castor oil x3 days of week with massage 2 hours waiting, hyaluronic acid after dermaroller

I uploaded every angle and lights position of my head with day numbers. https://imgur.com/gallery/E0KiyIz. So I just need your help. What should I do? Should I continue or It was just a good short dream that end with failure? If I will continue, what would you suggest me to add?

Amazing results in just 80 days. It seems to be working. I would love to see better focused photographs. My recommendation is stick to it.


2020-06-12 09:38:03Advanced balding reversed (photos)

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Adding Avodart Once a Week to My Daily Propecia?

Doctor Rassman, I am sure you get this questioned asked alot, but in your opinion as a hair restoration expert, do you think by adding 0.5 mg avodart once a week to a every 1 mg propecia regimen can make a difference in loss of hair or even gain?

There was a study of a an individual who took one avodart pill once a week to a propecia everyday regimen and he saw substantial growth. The study was only on one person, but its not a conicidence that it happened when he added the low dose of avodart once a week? or do you think avodart and finasteride at the end of the day still produce the same outcome? I know at the 2.5mg it produces the best results, put more of a high side affect profile, and very expensive.

Both Avodart (dutasteride) and Propecia (finasteride) work in a similar mechanism by blocking the formation of DHT, but I have often stated that treating androgenic alopecia is not only about blocking DHT. I do not believe if you block DHT 100% you will stop or reverse the balding process.

I’m not sure which study you’re referring to, but if it was an anecdotal report on ONE patient, it isn’t something I would put a lot of stock into. Please note that just because there is study results available, it doesn’t necessarily make it the golden truth. Now with that said, many doctors believe Avodart is a better medication for stopping hair loss than Propecia, but I am concerned about sexual side effects and the few reports of sterility that came from Avodart.

A few patients that I treated with Avodart did get a response after Propecia stopped working as well for them. That is as much as I know. I couldn’t tell you if adding a single Avodart dose per week will make a difference, though.

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Aderans Expands Clinical Studies

I´ve found updates from Histogen and Aderans. What can you say about this? Thank you.

Histogen: Hypoxia Induces Stem Cell Gene Expression, Protein Production and Cell Surface Markers

Aderans: Aderans Research Expands Clinical Studies

Thanks for sending these links. Each press release speaks for itself. The Histogen press release isn’t specifically about their hair loss treatment (they have multiple products unrelated to hair loss treatment), but the Aderans Phase 2 clinical trials expansion is for hair regeneration. Once the studies have concluded, they will hopefully be published with the FDA and then we will know better about what is offered.


2010-05-06 14:13:23Aderans Expands Clinical Studies

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African American Female Hairline lowering transplant (photo)

This could never be done with a hairline advancement surgery because only a hair transplant could have matched the original shape of the hairline she is known for. This woman is a successful model and continues that way.


2020-03-03 07:36:13African American Female Hairline lowering transplant (photo)