Will IVF treatment and pregnancy irreversibly accelerate androgenetic alopecia? Can anything slow it down or help during/after?

Hello, We use regenerative techniques with women such as PRP and growth factors to help improve overall results.Best,
Anil Shah

I recommend a consultation with a hair loss expert to go over your condition and options. There is some hair loss after pregnancy as the hormone levels shift, but it does level out again. PRP and progesterone injections are good options after pregnancy and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

With the change in hormone levels during pregnancy and IVF you are bound to have some hair loss.  Keep in mind, women (without IVF) experience hair loss after giving birth due to hormone shifts.  However, over time hair does usually return to normal pre-pregnancy density.  It is important to note that there is not just one regimen for IVF.  The different drugs used and their dosage may result in different outcomes for each patient.   It is best to pose this question to your IVF physician.   Post pregnancy and if you are done breast feeding, minoxidil and hair transplant can be initiated.

This is a great great question. Of course, I can't comment on your specific scalp without seeing your scalp and knowing all your details. But here are some generalizations. I hope they help.Please don't focus on the magnified vellus hairs at hair clinics. Way too many people are made to feel overly terrified above and beyond a normal, healthy worry. Comments about "plugged follicles, dead follicles" and 'lack of blood flow' are all too common. Unfortunately, with high power magnification, any story can be told. You're wise to gather information. The challenge is 'interpreting' it all. Be sure to sit down with your dermatologist to review.  Yes, some medications used in IVF can cause hair loss and yes pregnancy and delivery can accelerate AGA for some women. It's common in my practice for women to contemplate not going through IVF or not getting pregnant to avoid hair loss. It's way more common to have these feelings that many believe. So many share your feelings. The ultimate decision is left up to the patient but I generally advise patients if they want a family to go for this first and we'll address hair issues second. An aggressive plan can be started after delivery. If someone has aggressive hair loss and powerful hair loss genes,  IVF/pregnancy is not going to alter anything long term.  Hair thinning is going to occur regardless. If you are 39 and nobody notices (yet), you don't fit in that category of aggressive genes. Those are women with significant hair loss by 30.   But with an aggressive treatment plan it's likely there can be some slowing of this whole process. You'll want to speak to your dermatologist for specific recommendations. For my patients with AGA undergoing IVF or considering pregnancy, I generally advise:1. Get the iron levels up now. Well above 60 as they may drop in pregnancy2. Get TSH in the 0.5 to 2.5 range. If one takes biotin, be sure to stop biotin before getting these tests done as it messes up thyroid tests.3. Control seborrheic dermatitis aggressively now with antidandruff shampoos4. Get on a prenatal vitamin. This is good for hair and good for the baby. Be sure to speak to you ob-gyne or family doc about what vitamin is right for you. 5. As your dermatologist if low level laser is a good option for you. Many options for AGA, including minoxidil, spironolactone and PRP can't be used for women considering pregnancy, but I often advise low level laser.Thanks again for the question.

Clearly, you have many things on your plate. Having a hair transplant which is done under a local anesthetic, can be done anytime, but it may be appropriate to wait out the IVF until this process is complete.