Sudden Hair Loss at 20 Years Old and Receding Hairline? (photo)

Question

Im a 20 year old male and since i was 18 ive always noticed ive had a slightly receded hairline starting to form. I figured it as normal and a "mature" hairline. However about a month ago one day I woke up, and literally clumps of my hair are falling out now and it is scaring me. I used to loose around 5-10 hairs a day... now im losing about 100 on normal days and 150 on days i wash my hair. Im scheduling an appointment with my doctor however id like to know what questions i should ask of.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is normal, and it doesn’t sound like you’re losing much more than that. However, it is smart that you’ve made a doctor appointment. Your best bet would be to see a dermatologist, and be honest about your medical history, family history, any drug use, dietary habits, etc. Though male pattern baldness is the leading cause of thinning hair in men, several other things can contribute to hair loss, like a traumatic emotional event, severe stress, alopecia areata, malnourishment, anemia, diabetes, and more. Once a diagnosis is made, a course of treatment will follow.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

getting a medical evaluation is the best first step then go from there. once your doctor has cleared you then proceed with some hair loss treatments such as finasteride or minoxidil, your physician will be able to assist you with this.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Any sign of sudden hair loss should be evaluated by a physician familiar with hair loss and hair restoration. In many cases, patients are simply noticing more hair loss than they have noticed previously, but the rate of hair loss has not changed significantly. 
It is normal for the hairline to recede somewhat over time for men as they age from their teenage years. It is also possible for other factors to contribute to hair loss, or for a medical problem to be causing hair loss. A formal evaluation with a hair restoration specialist, facial plastic surgeon, or dermatologist would be recommended. If androgenetic alopecia is diagnosed, hair transplantation may be an option in the mid-20's.
All the best,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Normal male hairline progression from a juvenile to a mature one typically starts during puberty to their late 20s.Hair loss does not come on "suddenly".  You probably had some degree of hair loss over the years and now passed a threshold to notice a change in your appearance.You can ask your doctor for a miniaturization study.

Larissa Miller, MD · Answer

This account is requested to be deleted and legal actions against RealSelf.com are in progress. 
Our apologies to patients, the doctor's contributions to this business are being deleted.  
Please, remember it's always safer to see your doctor for concerns.

Sudden Hair Loss at 20 Years Old and Receding Hairline? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: It is normal to lose 100 hair a day!

Answer: It is normal to lose 100 hair a day!

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Sudden Hair Loss at 20 Years Old and Receding Hairline? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: It is normal to lose 100 hair a day!

Answer: It is normal to lose 100 hair a day!

Answer: Comment is deleted

Answer: Comment is deleted

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.