Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 10/16/2009

Question
Dr. Fisher:
Im being treated for AGA with spiro,Yasmin and Rogaine 5%. I now have hair of all different lengths and thickness all through my hair. some stick up, some are flyaway,etc. It is very noticeable. My question is:
Is there a way to tell if these are new growth, breakage of weak hair or (what I suspect and dread) miniturized hair that is in final stage where no new hair will grow once it falls out?
I have had 2 derms tell me two different things. Very Confusing and losing hope of direct answer.
Appreciate any help you can give! Beth

Answer
The one way to tell what is going on with your scalp is to have a scalp biopsy.  The biopsy will tell if the hair loss is AGA or telogen effluvium.  Telogen effluvium is where the hair goes into a shedding phase instead of a growing phase.  A hair pull test in the office will tell whether the hair is breaking of coming out by the roots (telogen effluvium).  I recommend that you see a good dermatologist and get a scalp biopsy to help diagnosis your hair loss issues.