Hair Loss Since 14 Years Old – Am I Taking The Right Course of Hair Loss Treatments?

Since I was around 14-15  years old I have experienced hair loss, I’m now 17 and still losing hair. I have attempted minor treatments through a clinic, which determined I had male pattern baldness. When I was younger (15-16), the clinic suggested a hair loss treatment, I believe it contained minoxidil, and involved rubbing it on the scalp. After a year and little change except for irritation on the scalp, I quit.  The clinic suggested a Propecia pill when I was 18, and then a hair transplant at 21. After the scalp treatment I feel I have been tricked and should not trust them. Please help answer the questions, is this the right course of treatment or is there a better alternative, and is it possible to lose hair at such a young age from male pattern baldness? – George
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Thank you for your question. Male pattern hair loss is a condition in which a pattern of hair is inherited, in which the hair is sensitive to DHT. Once puberty starts, testosterone production increases and it is metabolized into this DHT. The DHT will start the miniaturization process, that is, hair in this inherited pattern will start to become progressively thinner caliber and with decreasing pigment. It is a bit confusing, you stated that the hair loss started at age 14-15, which it can, then you said that you are presently 17 and still losing hair. Later, you stated that a clinic treated you for male pattern hair loss with minoxidil at age 15-16 for 1 year. Then at age 18, they put you on propecia, then a transplant at age 21. The treatment course is acceptable, except that I would have combined the minoxidil 5% twice per day and the propecia 1 mg per day, if indeed your condition is male pattern hair loss. There are other conditions that can cause hair loss that may be confused with male pattern hair loss. The hallmark of male pattern is miniaturization and the pattern distribution. If there is any uncertainly, a scalp biopsy should be contemplated. Hope this helps George.

Bernardino Arocha, MD
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, American Hair Loss Association

Bernardino Arocha, MD Bernardino A. Arocha, M.D. is a full time hair restoration surgeon, dedicating his entire attention to the field of Hair Restoration. Dr. Arocha has a very developed sense of Aesthetics gathered from over a decade of involvement with the arts. He has extensive experience as a painter, art collector, and art consultant. He brings to his practice the most advanced surgical techniques, and a keen sense of aesthetics, combined they ensure the groundbreaking outcomes of his surgeries. Dr. Arocha is a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery*. He completed a fellowship in Hair Restoration Surgery 2002-2003. He is also a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery / American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Harris County Medical Society, and the Texas Medical Association Dr. Arocha is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Visit Dr. Arocha's Website:www.arochahairrestoration.com

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