Baldness out of line with family pattern?

[scoobysnacks]

Hello all,

I'm 23 years, have had naturally fine, blonde hair my whole life and have been noticing my hair falling out for the last 9 months to a year with the last 3 months being the most accelerated period of hair loss, not unusual to lose 10 at a time from the crown and sides when I run my hands through, and easily 100+ each time I dry off after a shower. The overall pattern is of diffused thinning on the crown, with no temple progression. I visited my local GP about 3 weeks ago and he diagnosed it as male pattern baldness, which I had been suspecting it would be after a bit of research on these forums.

But this got me thinking, My father and uncle are both 55+ with respectable amounts of hair on their heads still, definitely nothing to worry about at their age, and no visible bald spots, just thinning. My paternal grandfather is probably a Norwood 4 at 88 years old. On my mother's side, my uncle is just a shade over 50 and again, still has a very thick cover of hair, with a slight spot on the crown. My maternal grandfather has a full head of hair at 78!

Obviously I have the potential for hair loss, but why is it occurring so early in my life compared to the genetic pattern? Is it simply a case of the genes being inherent and "activating" earlier?

 

[ghg]

If you got the genes, it can happen at any age IMO. None of my relatives share my pattern especially not in this age. I'm pretty sure it's genetic though. I'm also pretty sure that it's a lot easier to get the gene from maternal side of the family... if only I had my paternal familys dark hair instead of brown... :dunno:

 

[Rutt]

it's pretty unlikely but you do look like your dad right?

also it's possible to lose hair early and then stop, the process is completely random. nobody in my family save my maternal grandfather has significant hairloss. he was a nw3 by about 19 (same as me) and didn't progress to nw4 until about 40

 

[freakout]

Every condition always have some level of environmental influence specialy those which are associated with heart conditions. male pattern baldness is associated with at least three heart conditions.

As you can see at the beginning of this thread, viewtopic.php?f=11&t=64583
while researchers continue to conduct research, many believe that male pattern baldness is influenced by some level of environmental factors.

The influence can vary from one person to another. In some cases, genes play a larger role - in others, the environment.

When you take meds, be very observant on its efficacy. You should see some results in six months. If not, you try other treatments.

It's also important that you note critical changes in your life which may have occured right before you began losing hairs. This could be added levels of stress which may be critical to you, your future or to members of your family, in school or the work environment.

In addition to my Rogaine, my regimen includes stress management specific to prevent CVDs and male pattern baldness.