AboutPeter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> Expertise I have 30 years experience in the field of medical and surgical Hair Restoration and am Board Certified
in Dermatology and Hair Restoration Surgery.
Experience I have 30 years experience in the field of medical and surgical Hair Restoration and am Board Certified
in Dermatology and Hair Restoration Surgery.
More information can be found at my website
www.hairdoc.com
Question Hello,
I am a 29 year-old male that recently got his hair cut short and is now in a state of panic since the top of my head is thinning really bad. I have always had thick coarse hair and before I got it cut, I noticed that I could see my scalp more in the last year...I use gel everyday and it was less obvious when my hair was not wet. I do have to say that I am a Nurse Practitioner so I have some understanding of male pattern baldness. The front of my hair is not receding though, just a nasty thinning top. Now, I have lost 15 pounds in the last year (working out), I am under a lot of stress in my relatively new career, eat a lot different (less meals), and take a beta-blocker for hypertension. I am wondering if this is a case of male pattern baldness or the other factors I mentioned. I am always stressed...especially with all this new responsibility as a young NP. Any advice? See a Dermatologist? Maybe Hyperthyroidism? I have a lot of Hyperthyroid symptoms (always hot, sweating all the time, etc.) but my TSH has been normal. I did have an elevated calcium level, but it was re-checked and normal. Any ideas or possible causes would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
Chris
Answer You sound as if you have been having chronic telogen effluvium which is shedding of hair due to stress. Most of that grows back when the stress is over. Many beta blockers cause thinning of the hair so check out the side effects of the medications you are on with your dermatologist who should be examining you anyway. If you have a history of male pattern loss in the family I'd suggest you get on Propecia to stop the process. In any case the use of Rogaine 5% bid should help strenghten the hairs and make them more resilient to stress. If this is a drug reaction, side effect, then you will need to switch meds. Talk with your dermatologist and your internist about switching meds if the one you are on has alopeica as a listed side effect.
Dr. Jerry Litt's book "Drug Erution Reference Manual" is the best authority on whether a drug may be the cause.
