Can things other than AGA cause hair shaft diameters to decrease? (photo)

Question

25 yo F w excessive hair shedding on and off since I was 14 but recently noticing increased hair thinning diffusely. I have these very thin hair present all over my scalp if I dig deep to find them, some long, others short. I do see a lot of "upright re-growing hairs" on top of my head but these strands are also thinner than my normal hair. Is any thing other than AGA that can explain these thin hairs such as CTE regrowth or thyroid abn? I'm awaiting ferritin, TSH results and derm consult :)

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Without seeing your scalp, it is not possible to comment on causes. A few general comments may be helpful before addressing the various causes of thin hairs. CTE is not typically a condition of women age 25. Acute TE, however, is. Upright regrowing hairs are used to describe the "dermatoscopic" highly magnified view of regrowing hairs following excessive shedding.  We don't usually apply this term to hairs that stick up from the scalp. Causes of thin hairs are many:androgenetic alopecia, where they are called miniaturized hairsTraction alopecia where they are called vellus hairsAlopecia areata diffusaRegrowing hairs in telogen effluvium are also thinner than normal at first. A dermatologist can guide you

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Females have complex problems that must be managed by a doctor who knows all of the details of your history and examination

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear LPJJ,

Female pattern hair loss or hair thinning can be caused by a
multitude of primary and secondary causes. 
Definitely a search for underlying metabolic or endocrinologic
abnormality would be warranted.  Hormone
levels, both estrogen and progesterone and testosterone as well as an abdominal
ultrasound searching for polycystic ovary and polycystic kidney or adrenal
abnormalities as well as thyroid irregularities would be paramount.  There are underlying endocrinologic issues
and rheumatologic diseases that should be ruled out.  Consultation with an excellent dermatologist
would be your best first step.

There are some medications, such as minoxidil (5% to 15%
Rogaine) together with laser light and energy devices and injectable
plasma-rich protein to the scalp that can minimize shaft thinning and shedding.

You are doing the right things in seeking the expertise of a
dermatologist who will be able to rule out medical conditions or metabolic
physiologic abnormalities as a cause for your hair shaft thinning and shedding.

I hope this information is of assistance to you.  For more information, please review the link below.

Sincerely,

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Can things other than AGA cause hair shaft diameters to decrease? (photo)

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Can things other than AGA cause hair shaft diameters to decrease? (photo)

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