Hairloss is not stopping despite using finasteride and minoxidil (Photo)

Question

I've been using 1mg finasteride and topical minoxidil for treating my hairloss for past 4years but since April 2023 I've been gradually losing all my hair from unexpected places like sides and back. Sides of my scalp has thinned out significantly. I'm observing thinning happening at the back of my scalp as well. I recently got blood test done and my DHT was 206.27pg/ml. I'm not sure what are the next steps for me. Please advise.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Dear Fixself,

Thank you for your question. Hair loss can be a multifactorial problem, especially in times of stress. We have a multi-pronged approach in our Facial Plastic Surgery offices, both in Boston and in Danvers. We would start with taking your history and performing a physical examination and ordering blood tests to include a complete thyroid panel. Once it is determined that your thyroid is functioning properly, we would embark with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) micro-injections to your scalp to utilize your own growth factors found in your plasma to stimulate hair growth. Additionally, we would put you on Nutrafol, which has a stress hormone blocker and a DHT blocker acting at the base of the hair follicle. Also, we would send you home with DERIVE Topical Hair Growth Serum that has plant-based exosomes for daily application to further stimulate hair growth. As part of our program, we perform monthly Aquafirme treatments to the scalp, which help restore scalp health and allow for greater penetration of the above. All these modalities, even alone, can stimulate hair growth and more so when combined together. I hope this information was useful for you!

Wishing you the best of luck! 
Sincerely,
Nurse Genie, for 
Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS
Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon 
Boston's Back Bay and North Shore
@centerforclassicbeauty

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Significant hair loss despite using finasteride and minoxidil could warrant consultation with a dermatologist or healthcare provider. Elevated DHT levels may indicate a resistance to finasteride. Your healthcare provider can guide you on potential adjustments to your treatment plan or suggest alternative options based on a thorough examination and assessment of your health.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. There can be many factors that can contribute to hair loss. I suggest consulting with your doctor and having some tests done; the first would be bloodwork. After you get the results from that, you can proceed to determine the cause.  Best of luck to you.

Dr, T

Hairloss is not stopping despite using finasteride and minoxidil (Photo)

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Hairloss is not stopping despite using finasteride and minoxidil (Photo)

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