Expert: Melanie Vonzabuesnig - 6/30/2009

Question
Hi, I am a 25 year old female that has discovered hair loss in the last year. I am natural with no chemicals. I am very thin at the top of my head as well as above my ears. I do shed daily, but I dont believe that it is over 100 strands. I went to a dermatologist, and she prescribed prenatal vitamins, and well as clobex lotion for the saclp (at night before bed). Is this sufficient to treat my thinning hair? How long does it usually take to see results? Also, is there another anti stress vitamin that I can take in conjunction with the prematal vitamin?

Answer
Hello Jenifer: Did your dermatologist give you a diagnosis? Thinning on the top is often associated with androgenetic alopecia, but androgenetic alopecia does not usually cause thinning above the ears. Androgenetic alopecia causes individual stands of hairs (in certain areas-bang/top/crown) to become thinner and weaker. providing less scalp coverage.
Because it is impossible to count the number of fallen hairs per day, the best way to gauge excessive shedding is if you have noticed more shedding that usual. The "pull-test" is another method commonly used. If you grab a small section of hair and pull gently you should only have 1-3 hairs. If you do this on various parts of the scalp and consistently come up with more hairs you may have telogen effluvium (excessive shedding)
Clobex lotion is a topical steroid often prescribed for scalp conditions such as psoriasis, itchiness, scaling, flaking or inflammation. It is usually used for a period of 2 weeks. i personally prefer using essential oils for these conditions as they are potent and effective but they are natural and do not come with the adverse side effects of synthetic topical medications.
You would have to be careful taking other supplements along with prenatal vitamins as you may end up with a toxic amount of certain nutrients such a vitamin A. Just as prenatal vitamins are designed to support pregnancy, there are supplements designed to support healthy hair growth. I prefer using these supplements.
Many women mistakenly believe that prenatal vitamins cause the pregnant women to have thicker, faster growing, healthier hair. It is actually the unique hormonal changes and increase in blood circulation that occurs during pregnancy that supports hair growth.
I think it is important to determine the type and cause of your hair loss so you can treat the underlying issue as well. I have provided a few links to pages in my website that may interest you. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
My Hair Loss Story
http://www.vzbotanicals.com/mystory.html
Understanding Female Hair Loss
http://www.vzbotanicals.com/Books%20info.html