Expert: Melanie Vonzabuesnig - 10/22/2009

Question
Hello. I am a 25 year old female who has been experiencing hair loss for about 4 months. It is diffuse thinning, most noticeable on the crown of my head, and worst on the sides above my ears. The hair loss has been very rapid, and I lose large quantities of hair every day when I comb it, as well as when I wash it. I've noticed a little miniaturisation, but my hair has always been a bit fine, and I'm not entirely sure that it wasn't there before.
I suppose it is relevant that I have been on a vegetarian diet for 20 years. Also, my mother has experienced hair loss, which she believes to be due to medication she takes for her epilepsy. Her hair loss is more localised than mine, with a bald spot on top but no diffuse thinning anywhere else. A few of the women in her family show thinning with age, and one of her sister's has noticeable hair loss most likely due to traction alopecia. My father still has all his hair, with only a little thinning with his age.
I have never taken any oral contraceptives, and a blood test at my doctor's revealed no abnormal results. He put me on multi-vitamin pills. I've recently seen a change in my sleeping habits, and I've also been suffering from depression for a few months (which began prior to my hair loss).
I was referred to a dermatologist, who with only a cursory glance at my hair and a rather patronising manner told me it was AGA and I just had to accept it. I had to insist that they test my ferritin levels, which I'm still awaiting the results on, (as this had not been done at my doctor's), as the derm gave the impression that he simply wanted me out of there. However, even he expressed surprise at the rapid nature of my loss. Within four months my hair has thinned to such a degree that you can see through to my scalp on top around the parting and its almost bald on the one side above my ear. He recommended that I try minoxodil, which I haven't started with yet, but believe I must soon.
I was wondering whether you think its possible that I could have TE as well as AGA, as everything I've read indicates that AGA should progress at a slower rate.
Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hello Beckie: Yes, it is possible to have AGA and telogen effluvium at the same time. In some cases one form of hair loss acts as a catalyst for developing another type of hair loss. Sometimes the same trigger can trigger more than one type of hair loss in those who have the prediposition. Androgenetic alopecia does not cause the type rapid hair loss you are experiencing. Androgenetic alopecia is a slow, gradula process in which the follicles of certain hairs in certain areas (bang/top/crown) begin to shrink, causing thinner weaker hairs to grow in those areas. The shedding of telogen effluvium usually begins 2-3 months after the causative factor. Thinking back to the months prior to the shedding may provide clues. Some common possible causes include medications, vaccination, infection, illness, trauma, medical procedure, stress, change in diet/weight ect. I prefer natural treatments over using synthetic topical treatments. Essential oils are very potent and effective but they do not come with the adverse side effects of synthetic medications. You can find information on using essential oils and other natural treatments in my website. You can also read my hair loss story there. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
http://www.vzbotanicals.com