Isn't AGA supposed to be a gradual process not fast? (photos)

Question

How did this happen fast? If it keeps worsening this quickly will I be almost bald soon? Biopsy temple in January 2016 "could indicate early AGA". But it is worsening quickly. My friends notice difference. Thought AGA gradual. Seen 3 derms. First 2 said use Rogaine. Didn't try to find cause. GP and endo did blood work found a Vitamin D level of 11. It is progressing and my left temple and part of hairline is receding the worst. Taking Viviscal and tried Rogaine but makes my scalp burn. Help.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

That is correct the natural course of AGA is a gradual progression. But the process has usually been active for quite so time before the threshold is reached for visible detection of thinning. It is probably reaching this threshold that prompts you to go check it out. If all that is going on is AGA/ Female Pattern Hair Loss(FPHL), there are additional things to maximize treatment. Rogaine 5% is now approved for women, it should be used twice per day for 6 months then decreased to once daily. There is a risk of facial hair growth. Biotin 5 mg per day can be useful. I find that low level laser therapy to be very effective in treating FPHL. I recommend use of the Lasercap Pro. Response to therapy should be monitored with a full set of before photos and hair max index with the Haircheck device. The vitamin D level is a little low at 11, follow your endocrinologist's recommendation. Good luck!Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

As one of the few female hair docs out there, I understand that this sort of situation can push anyone into a panic!  However, take a deep breath and realize that a lot more could be going on than just AGA by itself.Have your doctor check a Ferritin level (you want this in the 70-80 range), your Vit D and B-12 levels, your hormone levels including Testosterone, FSH/LH, DHEA-S, and your thyroid levels (T3, T4, and TSH - all three!).  You should also make sure you are getting enough protein, have not changed hormonal regimens lately (like birth control pills), and sent that biopsy to a center of expertise (like Duke or UCSF) so that their dermatopathologists can take a second look.Good luck!

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

There are many causes for your rapid hair loss.mthe most common cause is genetic ndrogenic alopecia. You needn't be examined by a hair restoration specialist to first find the cause and then give recommendations for proper treatment option.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

First, you should rule out the presence for some organize cause of your hair loss such as medications (birth control pills) or thyroid disease etc... A full blood workup should be done on you first. Assuming that you are clear from such blood tests, then let's discuss female genetic balding. This usually happens in families on the female side, so look to your female relatives (mother, aunts, grandmothers, sisters) and see if anyone has it. These women will give you insights into the cause of your problem. Assuming that you cleared causes for this, then there are two procedures that are often offered by us. (1) for thinning, scalp micropigmetation. My two daughter-in-laws had it done and look great. One is actually my future daughter-in-law and is getting married next month.  (2) The second options is hair transplantation. This technique should not necessarily be used for thinning and your donor area must be examined for miniaturization which, if present, will not get you the results you may need. You can call my office and arrange a telephone consultation with me and I can go over the blood tests you need.

Isn't AGA supposed to be a gradual process not fast? (photos)

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