How to differentiate between male pattern baldness, stress related and hormonal/nutrient deficiency related hair loss? (Photos)

Question

It started slightly more than a year ago, I had major life changes (moving to a foreign country) so it could also be stress related. Secondly I also have low haemoglobin due to minor thalassemia. I do take regular vitamins. The hair on the top of my head is very thin in thickness and sparse in density. The hair loss has even distribution but is more visible near the hairline when dry. When oiled I can see the skin on my scalp. My father and all my uncles have full hair. One grandfather didnt.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Generally, if one can point with a finger to where most of the hair loss is occurring we call this localized hair loss. The most common cause of localized loss in men is male pattern balding (also called androgenetic alopecia). If the hair loss is not localized but rather "all over" one needs to consider all causes of diffuse loss. Patients with diffuse loss can't really point to any particular area of the hair loss. Stress can cause either an acceleration of patterned loss in men or a diffuse telogen effluvium. Nutrient related hair loss is a diffuse loss. Please see a hair specialist to confirm your cause.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

98% of hair loss in men is genetic and it can be precipitated by stress and accelerated by stress.  Other diseases can also contribute to the hair loss such as you report here

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How to differentiate between male pattern baldness, stress related and hormonal/nutrient deficiency related hair loss? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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