Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 10/30/2009

Question
I am 32 years old I have 4 children every time I have gotten pregnant I have experienced some hair loss but it has stopped after a few months my youngest child will be 2 on October 31 and my hair loss has gotten really bad specially on the top of my head to the point where you can see my scalp through the front of my head and i have a dime size bald spot on the top of my head I went to a dermatologist about a month ago and they did some blood work the told my I was a little low on iron and to take Feosol for 3 months and then go back for a follow up but even though I have taken my iron every day my hair continues to fall I was wondering how long I would need to wait to notice any results on my hair not falling out and new hair coming out.I would really appreciate any answer you can give me

Answer
You need a biopsy of your scalp to determine why you are losing hair.  You may be developing Female Pattern Hair loss which is genetic.  You may have a severe case of telogen effluvium where the hair goes into a shedding phase.  This is very common after being pregnant.  You may also have both conditions which is very common.  The treatment for Female Pattern Hair loss is Rogaine for Men because it is stronger.  The treatment for telogen effluvium is B12 shots once a month.