Balding Blog

I began to lose my hair in the frontal region of my head, shortly after beginning to take accutane. Is there any thing that will help?

Hair loss from Accutane is a known side effect. First you must weigh the options of stopping the Accutane. Your doctor should be able to help you make the right decision. The lost hair may return, so you need some time to observe what happens. If the hair does not come back within 8-12 months, then you might need a complete evaluation with a doctor like me, who specializes in hair loss.

I have previously discussed Accutane on my blog, which can be found below:

• Hair Loss and Accutane
• Hair Loss and Accutane, Part 2

Dr.Rassman,
I’m 22 and have been taking propecia since I’ve been about 19. It has definately slowed or stopped my hair loss, but I am still pretty unhappy with my hairline. I don’t think I would need a very large scale hair transplant at this point, my hair is only thin in the front, and I was wondering whether you thought it would be a very bad idea to get a transplant at my age and given the circumstances.

For starters, please see Hair Transplants in Young Men.

As you see from this previous response, I do not have a problem transplanting a man of your age. It is important to read and understand the above link and we would have to develop a relationship. When both of us are comfortable with the analysis and the depth of understanding I require, then we can consider a hair transplant, provided it is indicated and not harmful to you.

I am an active 17 year old high school cheerleader and my hair which used to be thick, is now falling out and becoming thin, like my mother, my grandmother and two of my aunts. They tell me it is in the family, but not when they were my age. What should I do? If I go to a doctor, how do I find one?

Genetic causes of hair loss in a 17 year old female, is unusual. You were correct to ask your female relatives at what age the condition first appeared with them. I would first have a good doctor see you and look for medical causes of hair loss (there are many). The following problems are amongst those that should be considered: anemia, thyroid disease, connective tissue disease, various gynecological conditions and emotional stress. It is also important to review the use of medications that can cause hair loss, such as oral contraceptives, beta-blockers, Vitamin A, thyroid drugs, coumadin and prednisone if you are taking any of these. Many other medications can also contribute to hair loss so if you are taking any drugs of any type, then that should be looked into as well. The following laboratory tests may be useful if underlying problems are suspected: CBC, Chem Screen, ANA, T4, TSH, STS, Androstenedione, DHEA-Sulfate, Total and Free Testosterone.

It is possible that a medical condition may be the cause of your hair loss, so before you jump to conclusions that you are following your female relatives’ fate, I would have you checked out for these conditions. Also, please read my previous blog entry, Female Hair Loss.