Hairloss at 16

[yung_fly]

Hi guys,

I noticed my hair falling out a few months ago, and I started to become worried that it was due to male pattern baldness. I just turned 16 and I was not expecting it all since everyone in my family has a full head of hair.

Anyways I went to the dermatologist, and unfortunately my fears were confirmed. My doctor told me that it was very mild and hardly noticeable, but I'd still like to hang on to my hair as long as possible. I used to have really thick hair, but it has been gradually thinning on top to the point where I can easily see a lot my scalp when my hair is wet. Luckily it's not visible when my hair is dry and combed, but I'm not sure how long that will last. My hairline is receded a little bit, and there is some miniaturization near the hairline, but not much.

I was wondering what my best course of action would be? I'd like to maintain my hair for as long as possible, although I do plan on shaving it all off once any bald spots become visible. My doctor said I can't take propecia since I'm too young, but she gave me a prescription for 5% rogaine. I'd just like to delay the male pattern baldness from progressing; I don't really mind if I don't get regrowth. I just want my hair to make it through high school.

Is there any medication routine that you guys recommend? How long do you think I will be able to maintain my hair until I have to shave it?

I would really appreciate any answers, and I'd be glad to provide any more details if necessary.

 

[Waterloosunset]

I find your post interesting because I noticed I was losing hair at 15, so I can relate. The first thing you should know is that if your hairloss is minor that you won't go bald or anything close before you turn 18. If your doctor won't prescribe Finasteride (Propecia) to you then I'd suggest making an appointment with a dermatologist and requesting one from them. If you really can't get a prescription use Minixidil (Rogaine) and maybe Nizoral until you are 18 and able to get a prescription, then continue using Minixidil with Finasteride.

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May we see a picture of your hair?

 

[cocojambo]

I started losing hair at 15 too (I'm 16 now),can we see a picture of your hair?

 

[yung_fly]

Here are a couple pictures of my hair. I actually just got it cut really short yesterday, and usually I wear it much longer, but I think this gives a better idea of my hairloss. Some of these pictures are taken while my hair is wet. Do I have a lot of hairloss or is it just mild?

 

[cocojambo]

your hair looks good in my opinion

 

[Waterloosunset]

You know I guess I tend to be a bit less optimistic than most so it does look like there could be some small hairloss. That doesn't mean you shouldn't treat it, at your age if you have any hairloss caused by male pattern baldness it will progress.

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Also, can we see a hairline picture? Also a picture of your temples?

 

[yung_fly]

You know I guess I tend to be a bit less optimistic than most so it does look like there could be some small hairloss. That doesn't mean you shouldn't treat it, at your age if you have any hairloss caused by male pattern baldness it will progress.

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Also, can we see a hairline picture? Also a picture of your temples?

Thank you Waterloo for the informative response.

Here are pictures of my hairline and temples. Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest since it's a little hard to hold my hair back when it's this short.





Also you said you began losing hair at 15? Just out of curiosity how far had it progressed by your early twenties? And if you don't mind me asking, was is more or less severe than my balding is?

 

[Waterloosunset]

Age 16
http://tinypic.com/r/30cp3ea/9

Age 20 (now)
http://tinypic.com/r/mn2nsw/9
http://tinypic.com/r/fvd16t/9

After seeing those pictures and thinking about it I am starting to doubt your doctors diagnoses, especially if they were a regular doctor. If I were you I would make a new thread asking other forum users if they believe you have hair loss, make sure you mention what your doctor said. The only part of your hair that looks a little suspiciousis your crown, but there are others on the forum that can judge better than me.

The first picture was taken a few months after I discovered my hair loss, and I can tell you it was considerably worse than your hair loss if you have hair loss. The second are pictures taken within the last 2 or 3 months. I have only been treating my hair loss for 4 months so that is how far my hair loss progressed without treatment from 16 to 20.

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Disregard the thumbnail, I added it before deciding to just send links. I forgot to remove the attachment and I don't know how to remove it in the edit post thing.

 

[yung_fly]

I have an appointment with a dermatologist this week, so I guess I'll wait and see what he says.

My doctor had me get a few blood tests done just in case, and it seems that I have an iron deficiency. Perhaps that's what causing my possible male pattern baldness to appear at such an early age? I'll be getting on iron supplements soon, so I'll see how that goes.

Thanks for the pictures waterloo, if my hairloss is not as bad as yours and you still had a decently thick looking head of hair at 20 I'm far less concerned about my predicament.

 

[berict]

Ehh, looks very good. Hard to say if you have male pattern baldness. Keep an eye on it.

 

[Waterloosunset]

I have an appointment with a dermatologist this week, so I guess I'll wait and see what he says.

My doctor had me get a few blood tests done just in case, and it seems that I have an iron deficiency. Perhaps that's what causing my possible male pattern baldness to appear at such an early age? I'll be getting on iron supplements soon, so I'll see how that goes.

Thanks for the pictures waterloo, if my hairloss is not as bad as yours and you still had a decently thick looking head of hair at 20 I'm far less concerned about my predicament.

Im very curious, so if you like please direct message me when your dermatologist gives his opinion.