Hair Loss Causes – Page 281

September 22, 2006

WHY Does Shedding from Hair Loss Medications Occur? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hey, Doc. I’ve been taking Avodart for the past 3 months and have been experiencing what can only be described as a “shed”. While I’ve seen other posts and answers here regarding shedding, I’ve never seen you delve into why it actually happens. Can you enlighten? Thanks.

I do not know why it happens. It seems to happen more through the reports on this blog site than I have seen in my own practice. As I do not have experience with Avodart (dutasteride), I can only assume that any ideas I might have will be a common thread to Propecia (finasteride). It has been suggested by some doctors that shedding can be explained, because acceleration of a hair cycle occurs. Hairs in the growth phase are pushed into a telogen phase (which means that it will have some shedding). The suggestion then is that the growth phase comes in stronger. This is the idea of others, so I am just passing what I hear, not what I know as fact.

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September 21, 2006

Estradex for Androgenic Alopecia? – Balding Blog

I have just been diagnosed with AGA and given some Estradex. This is very costly and i’m wondering if I could get the same effect by using Minoxidil and taking a high oestrogen pill, or a pill that helps inhibit Androgens? Also, do you believe Estradex to be more effective than using Minoxidil alone? My fear is that it may just be an overly priced lotion. Thankyou

I do not understand or appreciate what Estradex is, so I can not comment on it. As you were prescribed this by a doctor, ask that doctor. Androgenic alopecia, also known as AGA (female genetic hair loss), needs to have an extensive evaluation. Have you had it? See previous Female Hair Loss posts for more.

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September 21, 2006

I’m a Dermatologist and I Say Rogaine/Propecia Are Worthless – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Does Dhea cause hair loss? If it does, when it is discontinued can the hair grow back or is it too late. Also can Retin A be used by itself to regenerate hair loss? Also can topical melantonin have any value. As a dermatologuist, i can tell you that rogaine and propecia are close to worthless.

DHEA can cause hair loss. When it happens in men, it often triggers or accelerates the genetic hair loss and in men, this is often not reversible. Retin A can not regenerate hair, nor can topical melatonin.

Your comment about the value of both Propecia (finasteride) and minoxidil does not reflect my thinking nor my clinical experience. I have seen people completely reverse on Propecia — see Propecia Patient Results (with Photos) for one example.

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September 19, 2006

Bumps on Scalp Causing Bald Spots – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hello,

I have a problem with my hair. It seems that lately I’ve been getting these strange bumps on my head that seem to be pimples only on a very different scale. They are quite rough and I can tell that there is a dense liquid behind them. Out of curiousity I’ve popped them and they usually scab and go away. But about a day or two after they go away, they leave a baldspot, usually the size of nickel or dime. Sometimes the spot is bald for more than a month and sometimes only a few weeks. I’m afraid to cut my hair because I know they will be clearly visible. What do you think this is?

It sounds like you have recurrent folliculitis. See a good dermatologist and get it treated. Infections can produce temporary balding around the infection itself.

September 19, 2006

Hair on Back of 12 Year Old Son’s Head Doesn’t Grow Anymore – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

My mixed race (black/white) 12-1/2 year old son has had a mini afro since he was 2. It is sort of his “trademark.” About 3 months ago, the back of his head has lost its growth, and is much shorter than the rest of his hair. He is devestated, and fearing some kind of baldness issue. Why do you think this happened? Any suggestions?

He should be examined by a good doctor (dermatologist) and get his hair mapped out for miniaturization. I am just guessing here without the benefit of knowing much about your son’s history. Is this hair that is located on the high neck, rather than the low scalp? I clearly need to know more. If you’d like, you can send photos and mark on the photo where the notch is on the back of his skull. All men have a prominent notch on the back of the skull (a male characteristic). Please reference this posting if you do send photos.

September 18, 2006

Water with Chlorine or Shampoo with Sulfate Causing Hair Loss? – Balding Blog

Hi Dr. Rassman,

I have heard that shampoos containing sulfate can cause hair loss. Is this true if you have genetic balding? I was also told to buy a shower filter b/c the chlorine from the shower water can cause hair loss. Is there any truth to these statements? I am a 26 y/o male losing his hair and I am taking every precaution to prevent any further hair loss. I appreciate your help Dr. Rassman

I researched the relationships between sulfates, chlorine, and hair loss. There seems to be many opinions, good and bad. It all sounds hokey pokey to me — no science backing up the opinions I read. Who told you to buy a shower filter? I’m just curious to know where your source got their information.

If you believe that you have genetic hair loss, my suggestion, as always, is to:

get your hair mapped out for miniaturization
get a diagnosis after the mapping
build a Master Plan for your hair loss
follow that plan

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September 15, 2006

Body Hair Transplant for Alopecia Sufferers? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hello Dr. Rasman
I have Norwood class 7 diffuse ‘patterened’ alopecia. I am 26. You have seen my scalp and said I am definitely not a candidate for hair transplant because my donor density is poor and I have ’see through scalp.’ I have been on propecia since then for almost one year. My question is: what is the current success rate of using non-scalp hair for a donor region, such as chest. Do you do these procedures for people with poor donor density? Last question: When will hair cloning become available w/Aderans?
Thank you very much.

Body hair is not the solution you are looking for. I do not expect to see hair cloning for at least 5 years or more. For the moment, if I saw you only once, then you should have a yearly visit with me to follow what is happening to you. There is not much to offer other than Propecia and possibly Avodart (something that I might consider using in your case).

September 14, 2006

Hair Loss InformationHair Diameter Thicker Near Middle, Rather than Near the Bulb – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I have read that hair diameter is thickest near the bulb and thinnest as it reaches the tip. Recently I have seen some fallen hairs with the diameter thickest at the center and thinner as it reaches the bulb and tip. Is this indicative of hair loss?

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The hair shaft should be uniform in its thickness through its entire length when the hair is shed during the normal growth phase that all hairs go through. If there is active miniaturization that radically sets in, then that could explain what you see in some of the hairs that you observed. In the miniaturized hair, the hair probably grows slower than in the normal state, so a hair that you are looking at (lets say one inch long) might have taken some time to find its way out (more than the normal 1/2 inch of growth per month). The best indication of hair loss is to assess the degree of miniaturization that is present throughout the scalp, particularly the areas that are thinning. I hope that this helps.

September 14, 2006

Is Weight a Contributing Factor to Female Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

hello! i’m a 21 year old female student that has been experiencing hair loss for a couple years now. my stress levels varies, but i doubt that is the reason why i’m shedding. my mom believes that i’m lacking the correct amount of vitamins and what nots. i eat regularly, but i’m 5′4” and only 102 lbs. do you think my weight is a contributing factor? also, what kind of supplements should i consider? rogaine would be my very last resort, so any advice is greatly apprecaited. thank you.

If you are malnourished, then this is a cause of hair loss along with a variety of medical conditions that require a good doctor to exclude in a diagnostic workup. Diseases like thyroid disease can cause weight loss and hair loss. Focusing upon dietary supplements is the wrong focus. You need to know if you are healthy first, and if you are malnourished second. Taking some natural supplements will delay what you need to do. The best students are those who understand and learn about their body. It is a temple, so treat it with respect.

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September 14, 2006

Patches of Hair Loss from Medication? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am 31 years old, and I have noticed patches of my hair have been falling out in certain areas. Friends have noticed as well, especially right at the front of my forehead. I have been on birth control for several years ortho novum 777, and recently changed to a new pill this month called (low estrogen), due to medicine I am taking for seizures(Topamax) What can I take to help this? I don’t want my hair falling out. Please help me

Some of the medications you are taking can cause hair loss, but patches of hair loss on one side of your head indicate either an infection problem (like ringworm) or a condition called alopecia areata. You need to see a specialist for this. It is not for me (over the internet) to diagnose your problem, but it does need a competent medical expert.

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