Category: Uncategorized

I’ve been reading some of the postings about hair loss on calf. You commented about not knowing age & also about role of DHT & hair being one of the benefits.

With that in mind, here’s another one for you. My fraternal twin & I have both lost the hair on the calves of our legs. Happened in late 30s-early 40s. All the males on father’s side are pretty hirsute, as we are. In my case, I have all the hair I’ve ever had everywhere else, including the tops of my feet and toes! I’m a little thin on top, too, as is my brother. But, I’m also now dealing with rampant eyebrow hair growth & hairy ears needing trimmed. I have pitting edema of lower calves as well, but normal warmth and good pedal pulses. What do you think?

Thanks!

Pedal edema (swelling of the feet) usually reflects some medical problem. With swollen feet, there may be a connection. Does your fraternal twin have pedal edema? Good chance that there is some genetic cause, but I am stumped.

I am a 20 year old male who is worried about some hair loss at the neckline/nape of the neck region. I currently do not have any signs of balding in the crown or the hairline. But for some reason, every time I pull on the sides of the neck hairline, one or two tapered hairs fall out. My question is whether or not androgenic alopecia can affect this region or if it is determined by other genetic factors?

In some individuals, the neck hair is genetically programmed to fall out early. Rarely have I seen this in a 20 year old, but it is not uncommon in a man over 35. A few hairs may not mean that you are losing neck hair but just normally cycling hairs.

I have thinning and recession at the temples and slight thinning at the crown (22 male). This was confirmed under a digital scope. Is it possibly that this process will naturally stop and not progress much further? My father’s hair thinned in his 20s and receded at the temples but seemed to have halted. Same goes for his father.

When miniaturization is the result of your genetic hair loss, it never reverses on its own.

The chart below shows that the scalp hair has the longest growth cycle of any hair on the body. That makes it the best hair for hair transplant. Beard comes in as a close second, but may not last as long for a growth cycle. Chest and hair on your back are very poor with a growth cycle such that only 30% of the hairs will be growinh at any one time. This is important information for those of you who have run out of scalp hair, and need hair from other sources. It is not good news

dr Rassman, does consuming foods rich in phytosterols such as black sesame seeds cause hairloss? I know phytostreols are plant hormones, can they increase testosterone and therefore more DHT?

If it means anything, I’ve seen phytosterols listed as a key ingredient in various herbal hair loss treatments…but I couldn’t say one way or the other if they work (I’m leaning towards them not working).

As to whether phytosterols can cause hair loss — I am not an expert on dietary issues and phytosterols, so I don’t know the answer to that.

My son takes this drug for stressful times. I thought that you were suggesting that you wanted to use if for treating your hair loss. I know that Propranolol can, in rare circumstances, brings on genetic balding or makes it worse if that is what you have. If it helps you, then, by all means, use it.

Dr Rassman,

I am on Minoxidil 5% topical for more than 8 months now, and beginning to see modest yet much appreciated results. I love massages. I remember reading years ago that scalp massages can damage hair in early anagen phase. Would I be putting my newly growing hair at risk if I indulge? For the purposes of your answer, please assume a massage once a month by a skilled masseur applying reasonable amount of pressure.

Where did you read that scalp massage can damage anagen hairs? The only thing I remember writing was a quip about a very vigorous head massage that could potentially cause hair loss in miniaturized hairs — but not damage hairs that are in anagen (growth).

If you must indulge in scalp massage, go for it! If you are scared you’ll lose the hair, then don’t get the scalp massage.