How do I know if my hair loss has stopped? (Photo)

Question

About a year ago my hair suddenly started to shed. I noticed lots of fine short hairs. My hair thickness reduced but I had no bald patches, just general thinning. I went to a hair specialist who was unsure about whether this was female pattern baldness or temporary. I have lots of fine short hairs around three inches long coming through everywhere especially the front of my head but I'm still loosing around 40 a day. My temples are thinnest and the sides too. All my lab results were normal. I'm 34 and female.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation.  I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ashley R. Curtis, MD · Answer

Each hair follicle on the head is constantly going through a cycle of growth and shedding, and at any given time about 10% of the follicles are in the telogen phase, where they shed old hairs to make room for the next cycle of growth. As a result, it is not at all unusual for an average person to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, when a patient is starting to undergo genetic pattern baldness, the most common form of hair loss, the hairs that return are generally thinner with each cycle, until they eventually stop growing entirely.
While it is impossible to be certain without a thorough examination and diagnostic testing, the fact that you have experienced generalized thinning followed by significant regrowth suggests that you may have been experiencing telogen effluvium, a relatively common condition where an external stressor (which could be anything from significant weight loss to physical trauma to emotional stress) triggers a larger than normal number of hair follicles to all enter the telogen phase at once. While this can be a disturbing experience, the hair loss that results from telogen effluvium is usually temporary. Once the external stressor is removed or dealt with the body returns to its normal rhythms and the hair begins to grow again. This can often take several months to a year, depending on the individual, but will not interfere with the growth cycle of the unaffected follicles, which will continue to shed on their normal schedule.
It is common for both men and women to experience some degree of thinning as they get older, and the fact that your lab results were normal and that you have had some regrowth suggests that you have nothing to worry about. However, if you are still concerned, I would recommend that you undergo more thorough diagnostic testing with a physician who has experience treating all forms of hair loss.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

A photograph is a great way to monitor if hair loss has stopped. Several views with same background and lighting can be compared every 6-12 months. If the photo keeps showing improvements, the hair is regrowing. If not, loss may be happening.I would need to see your scalp myself to tell you if you have female pattern hair loss. If a person has female pattenr hair loss, it does not get better without treatment. Similar to male balding, female androgenetic aloepcia is generally a progressive condition over time. Please see a hair specialist if diagnostic uncertainties remain.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You can find a doctor who specializes in hair or a dermatologist in your area and ask these questions. An examination is critical

How do I know if my hair loss has stopped? (Photo)

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How do I know if my hair loss has stopped? (Photo)

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