So I just got back from the clinic

[M.McDonough]

Hello,

So I finally got back from the clinic. I went there to get my scalp checked and guess what happened. She asked me about my mother's side of the family and if we have a family history of hair loss and then she examined my scalp with her hands and told me that that could be baldness. Seriously?? No blood test, no scalp biopsy, no nothing!!:rant: Like how can you be sure if you haven't done any of this?? I barely sat down with her for 1 minute and she told me the same cr*p I always read online. I got my money back and left. This is exactly why I had been putting this off for 2 months. I knew they wouldn't help. And by the way, I have a female friend that has zero family history of hair loss on both sides of her family. When she got her scalp checked, they told her the same thing. I don't know what to believe!:mad

[Simsy]

So a second opinion is in order. I don’t suppose there are specialists for hair loss or scalp/skin conditions? Might be better trying to get an appointment/referral to one for a more in-depth look.

Not sure how it would work where you are, but in Australia; you would go to your GP and ask for a referral to see the relevant specialist to discuss the issue.

[lapushka]

Maybe it's just something that's hard to accept for you? I just feel a lot of resistance from you, I have to say, whenever talking about balding issues. :flower: It is hard to accept as well.

For some things you don't have to run tests, but if you feel uncomfortable then get a second opinion. You will never know for sure if you don't get to the bottom of this, and online information is useless for a real issue.

Are you male or female? Can I ask. If male, that is perhaps why there weren't any tests because it is much more frequent in men.

[Joules]

What kind of blood test were you expecting? Androgenetic alopecia can't be detected in such a way. At least not always. It happens when hair follicles become sensitive to androgens, you can have perfectly normal hormone levels and still go bald. You can check for nutrient deficiencies yourself, but anemia-related hairloss is a very female thing, I highly doubt you'd have it.

They don't do scalp biopsies either, we're not talking about tumors after all. Trichologists can determine the percentage of telogen hair on your head and it could indicate AGA, but again, it can be misleading. Androgenetic alopecia is usually the answer when everything else has been ruled out. Think about it, how were you doing three months before the shedding started? Were you unusually stressed out? Were you really really sick (like, with fever)? Those things can cause bigger amounts of telogen hair and bigger sheds, but it's normal and it goes away on its own.

How much do you shed anyway? I've seen people panic because of three shed hairs before. Maybe you're just too anxious about your hair.

[Lady Stardust]

I’m sorry to hear that you had a wasted visit, especially as it must have been stressful to go to the appointment, with the expectation of getting some answers or at least taking steps to get some more information.

From what I remember of your previous posts, you have suffered with stress and depression. I don’t know if you have already spoken to a doctor about stress but they might be able to help you find a way to reduce the stress, or to find a way to manage if you can’t remove yourself from the situation. In relation to any hair loss, they should be able to give you information as to whether it looks like male pattern baldness or whether it could be a form of alopecia. It would be better to know what you’re dealing with and whether there is something you can do about it.

If it was a hair loss clinic that you visited, maybe they are only interested in playing on insecurity and selling their products, which is why they didn’t offer any tests. I can understand how upsetting that experience must have been.

You’ve already taken the first step by deciding to bite the bullet and find out what’s going on. I hope you can take the next step and that you get some answers this time.

[M.McDonough]

Maybe it's just something that's hard to accept for you? I just feel a lot of resistance from you, I have to say, whenever talking about balding issues. :flower: It is hard to accept as well.

For some things you don't have to run tests, but if you feel uncomfortable then get a second opinion. You will never know for sure if you don't get to the bottom of this, and online information is useless for a real issue.

Are you male or female? Can I ask. If male, that is perhaps why there weren't any tests because it is much more frequent in men.

WOW I've been here for 4 years and you don't know if I'm a male or a female? You always comment on my threads.

[M.McDonough]

What kind of blood test were you expecting? Androgenetic alopecia can't be detected in such a way. At least not always. It happens when hair follicles become sensitive to androgens, you can have perfectly normal hormone levels and still go bald. You can check for nutrient deficiencies yourself, but anemia-related hairloss is a very female thing, I highly doubt you'd have it.

They don't do scalp biopsies either, we're not talking about tumors after all. Trichologists can determine the percentage of telogen hair on your head and it could indicate AGA, but again, it can be misleading. Androgenetic alopecia is usually the answer when everything else has been ruled out. Think about it, how were you doing three months before the shedding started? Were you unusually stressed out? Were you really really sick (like, with fever)? Those things can cause bigger amounts of telogen hair and bigger sheds, but it's normal and it goes away on its own.

How much do you shed anyway? I've seen people panic because of three shed hairs before. Maybe you're just too anxious about your hair.

Stress and depression for 2 years. And I don't shed a lot

[MoreSky]

I’m sorry to hear that you had a wasted visit, especially as it must have been stressful to go to the appointment, with the expectation of getting some answers or at least taking steps to get some more information.

From what I remember of your previous posts, you have suffered with stress and depression. I don’t know if you have already spoken to a doctor about stress but they might be able to help you find a way to reduce the stress, or to find a way to manage if you can’t remove yourself from the situation. In relation to any hair loss, they should be able to give you information as to whether it looks like male pattern baldness or whether it could be a form of alopecia. It would be better to know what you’re dealing with and whether there is something you can do about it.

If it was a hair loss clinic that you visited, maybe they are only interested in playing on insecurity and selling their products, which is why they didn’t offer any tests. I can understand how upsetting that experience must have been.

You’ve already taken the first step by deciding to bite the bullet and find out what’s going on. I hope you can take the next step and that you get some answers this time.

This is one of the nicest, most empathetic posts I've read on LHC. :blossom:

[lapushka]

WOW I've been here for 4 years and you don't know if I'm a male or a female? You always comment on my threads.

No I don't know. How would I know? :shrug: Can't you please just tell me? :)

[*Wednesday*]

No I don't know. How would I know? :shrug: Can't you please just tell me? :)

He's a male 😀

[cjk]

Well male and hair loss are pretty common. How old are you? And how is your beard?

And are there other external factors, maybe job stress or seemingly unrelated medications, or significant weight loss?

Have you been tested for T levels?

[lapushka]

He's a male ��

Thank you for telling me! :) I was honestly confused, and you don't want to make the mistake of addressing someone with the wrong gender. I had my suspicions but that's not gonna do much when you have to address people. :o

[Joules]

Stress and depression for 2 years. And I don't shed a lot

Well, what's the problem then? If you don't shed a lot, you shouldn't be so worried about hairloss.

[elfynity]

Hello,

So I finally got back from the clinic. I went there to get my scalp checked and guess what happened. She asked me about my mother's side of the family and if we have a family history of hair loss and then she examined my scalp with her hands and told me that that could be baldness.

Did you stick around a bit to ask her how she came to that conclusion and what she based her evidence on? It seems like a waste if you didn't at least get some info about her findings before leaving. Did she say 'it could be baldness' and then you immediately freaked out and left, or was there an explanation from that point? Do you have alot of information on how professionals are supposed to check for baldness, is this why you were upset by her decision because you know she didn't do it right?

[CreatureBailey]

Hey M.McDonough! :)

I don't know if I'm 100% right but I've heard castor oil scalp massages can be good for this... anyone heard of it?

[lapushka]

Hey M.McDonough! :)

I don't know if I'm 100% right but I've heard castor oil scalp massages can be good for this... anyone heard of it?

It only helps if the hair "wants" to grow back, but hasn't been proven I don't think for alopecia and such conditions. It could be worth a try, though.

[Todd]

Hello,

So I finally got back from the clinic. I went there to get my scalp checked and guess what happened. She asked me about my mother's side of the family and if we have a family history of hair loss and then she examined my scalp with her hands and told me that that could be baldness. Seriously?? No blood test, no scalp biopsy, no nothing!!:rant: Like how can you be sure if you haven't done any of this?? I barely sat down with her for 1 minute and she told me the same cr*p I always read online. I got my money back and left. This is exactly why I had been putting this off for 2 months. I knew they wouldn't help. And by the way, I have a female friend that has zero family history of hair loss on both sides of her family. When she got her scalp checked, they told her the same thing. I don't know what to believe!:mad

Why were you there having your scalp checked? Are you losing your hair?

What diagnosis were you hoping for instead?

[lapushka]

Why were you there having your scalp checked? Are you losing your hair?

What diagnosis were you hoping for instead?

Todd, there was a whole discussion in another thread about this, and we encouraged him to go to the doctor. Little did we know it would be that disappointing. :flower:

[akurah]

Alopecia areata can be tested with a scalp biopsy, and I'm pretty sure a large variety of hair loss can be tested by blood tests, though there may be exceptions (I think Joules mentioned Androgenetic alopecia as an exception).

I would definitely get a second opinion, because depending on what it is, you need to treat it differently. For a male coworker and me both, we had alopecia areata at different times in our lives, and the treatment for that isn't rogaine, it's steroid shots to the scalp! So I'd be really pissed too if the doctor did to me what they did to you, that's really unprofessional.

[Brittny]

Hello!

Do you have a history of thyroid problems? Sometimes when doing a blood test you will find thyroid and hormonal abnormalities in the results, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of those problems because it could be signs for other underlying/preexisting conditions. I would recommend a second opinion from a dermatologist or a clinic that specializes in hair loss. Everyone also made good recommendations that wouldn't hurt to try out. Good luck! :flower:

[Todd]

Todd, there was a whole discussion in another thread about this, and we encouraged him to go to the doctor. Little did we know it would be that disappointing. :flower:

Oh! I'll have to find it... I'm not on here every day. Sorry for the mixup.

Somehow, I pictured him going in there and asking "Why is my hair falling out?". "Well, sir, you're going bald..."

[M.McDonough]

Alopecia areata can be tested with a scalp biopsy, and I'm pretty sure a large variety of hair loss can be tested by blood tests, though there may be exceptions (I think Joules mentioned Androgenetic alopecia as an exception).

I would definitely get a second opinion, because depending on what it is, you need to treat it differently. For a male coworker and me both, we had alopecia areata at different times in our lives, and the treatment for that isn't rogaine, it's steroid shots to the scalp! So I'd be really pissed too if the doctor did to me what they did to you, that's really unprofessional.

Thank you. I wish I could find a trichologist in my area. She was a dermatologist. I don't think they know much about hair. Also, conventional medicine sucks

[M.McDonough]

Well, what's the problem then? If you don't shed a lot, you shouldn't be so worried about hairloss.

What's baffling me is how can there be a patchy spot if my hair doesn't fall out much. I always look at the drain in the shower, my pillow in the morning and I keep it tied back. Where did that hair go?!?!?!?!?

[Joules]

What's baffling me is how can there be a patchy spot if my hair doesn't fall out much. I always look at the drain in the shower, my pillow in the morning and I keep it tied back. Where did that hair go?!?!?!?!?

It's not only about shedding, but also about growing back. I'd strongly suggest finding a trichologist then, the sooner you start the treatment, the more chances you have to fully regrow hair in the patchy areas (if left untreated follicles can "close up" and hair won't be able to grow from them at all). There are some DIY remedies that could be helpful, for example I read a study that compared rosemary essential oil with 2% minoxidil, and the oil performed remarkably well, I'll link it here if I can find it. You could try those, but then again, DIY will never compare to professional treatment.

Also, how do you usually wear your hair? Is there a chance it could be traction alopecia?

[elfynity]

There are some DIY remedies that could be helpful, for example I read a study that compared rosemary essential oil with 2% minoxidil, and the oil performed remarkably well, I'll link it here if I can find it. You could try those, but then again, DIY will never compare to professional treatment.


There is a study too that shows how peppermint EO grew hair back better than minoxidil - a quick google search. It does invigorate blood flow, so regardless of what anyone says, I would get busy with massages, oils and EOs asap while you wait.

[M.McDonough]

It's not only about shedding, but also about growing back. I'd strongly suggest finding a trichologist then, the sooner you start the treatment, the more chances you have to fully regrow hair in the patchy areas (if left untreated follicles can "close up" and hair won't be able to grow from them at all). There are some DIY remedies that could be helpful, for example I read a study that compared rosemary essential oil with 2% minoxidil, and the oil performed remarkably well, I'll link it here if I can find it. You could try those, but then again, DIY will never compare to professional treatment.

Also, how do you usually wear your hair? Is there a chance it could be traction alopecia?

Follicles can close up? How do you know that?

[elfynity]

Follicles can close up? How do you know that?

THey close up because after a certain period of time of not producing a hair, they stop getting blood supplied to them and then shrink / close up.

[M.McDonough]

THey close up because after a certain period of time of not producing a hair, they stop getting blood supplied to them and then shrink / close up.

Brilliant, this makes me feel better.

[Lady Stardust]

Brilliant, this makes me feel better.

This link explains it a bit. The same site gives basic information about types of hair loss.
https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/hair-guide/male-hair-loss/follicle-miniaturisation

[lapushka]

I would give a dermatologist another go, a second opinion is not bad to go get. Give them a chance. A trichologist isn't bad either. But I would continue to look for answers!!!

I remember with my disability it was far more complex and we had more than one opinion, for sure! It took almost 3 years to get diagnosed all the while my disability got worse (barely walk).

It's not easy sometimes, but sometimes you got to push through.

And the fact that you might be going bald is hard to hear, I am understanding by now that you don't want to hear it. Well, then I would do my utmost to get answers from a physician and some *help* before it's too late. If you don't do a thing, that's when it gets really bad!

[elfynity]

Brilliant, this makes me feel better.

Peppermint EO increases blood flow. Does that make you feel even better now?

[Lizabeth94]

Hello there. I'm sorry you are going through this!

I would have been offended if a doctor gave me a vague diagnosis with no tests either, it might be good to get a second or third opinion.

My hubby is suffering from some hair thinning, although his is genetic on both his dad's and mom's side of the family. He started taking a high dose of biotin when I recommended it, and it has slowly grown back in a little thicker. He could also benefit from drinking some protein shakes, but doesn't care enough about his hair to bother. (I've found protein shakes and biotin together can double my hair growth.) It might be worth a shot if you find the thin spot persists, worst case is it doesn't make any difference.

I also have a female friend experiencing some hair loss, hers may also be genetic since her mom has a thyroid condition and has thin hair although her thyroid tests seem normal currently. It could also be diet or medication related, as she has been trying many different medications on and off in the past couple years, and is also suffering from an auto immune disorder that drastically limits what she can eat.

I had a couple of bald spots (they formed on my temples) when I had just turned 18, I also experienced some hair loss on other parts of my body like my legs and arms. I was on a feeding tube at the time, my weight had bounced up and down very quickly, and switching on and off a few medications (like my friend above), so my doctor suggested either medication side effects or sudden diet changes or both were responsible. The thin spots grew back within 6 months so I didn't worry too much about them in the long run.

Stress and depression can also be factors! It may be worthwhile to talk to a doctor about those too. :sun:

[M.McDonough]

Peppermint EO increases blood flow. Does that make you feel even better now?

What is peppermint EO? Can you give us a link?

[lucid]

What is peppermint EO? Can you give us a link?

Peppermint Essential Oils. Now Foods is a cheap but high quality brand, you can get it on IHerb.

[M.McDonough]

If anyone has experienced this, please tell me. Have you ever noticed a seemingly bald spot on top of your head ((without)) shedding much?

[lucid]

If anyone has experienced this, please tell me. Have you ever noticed a seemingly bald spot on top of your head with shedding much?

If you are male and experience hairloss, chances are you're suffering from androgenic alopecia. Especially when it the hairloss is located in places typically for androgenic hairloss (top of head, hair line).

For caucasians:
- Age 15-18: 15%
- By age 30: 30%
- By age 50: 50%

And the percentage is increasing with increasing age. The percentage is a bit less for non-caucasian males, however it's still common.

This can be treatable, and the sooner treatment starts the better it works.

[lapushka]

This can be treatable, and the sooner treatment starts the better it works.

With *strong* emphasis on this. Whether you like it or not, you will need a doctor.

[M.McDonough]

If you are male and experience hairloss, chances are you're suffering from androgenic alopecia. Especially when it the hairloss is located in places typically for androgenic hairloss (top of head, hair line).

For caucasians:
- Age 15-18: 15%
- By age 30: 30%
- By age 50: 50%

And the percentage is increasing with increasing age. The percentage is a bit less for non-caucasian males, however it's still common.

This can be treatable, and the sooner treatment starts the better it works.

Sorry I meant (without) shedding much. And no my hairline is perfectly fine.

[GrowlingCupcake]

Sorry I meant (without) shedding much. And no my hairline is perfectly fine.

Where is your bald spot, though? It is at the top of the head? That is a common spot for androgenic hair loss.

[M.McDonough]

Where is your bald spot, though? It is at the top of the head? That is a common spot for androgenic hair loss.

Androgenic? No, that's incorrect

[GrowlingCupcake]

Androgenic? No, that's incorrect

So there is absolutely no way at all you could be experiencing androgenic hair loss?

[lapushka]

That's the thing; you don't know unless you have this all confirmed (or not) by a doctor, which is why you desperately need that 2nd opinion. :flower: I hope you can master up the courage to go to a 2nd appointment. But it is necessary, or you'll never know for sure.

And if it is a bald spot it can grow wider or spread out over your head... You need to be on top of this when it happens; fast!

[Lady Stardust]

This link explains it a bit. The same site gives basic information about types of hair loss.
https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/hair-guide/male-hair-loss/follicle-miniaturisation


If anyone has experienced this, please tell me. Have you ever noticed a seemingly bald spot on top of your head ((without)) shedding much?

I’m quoting myself here because the link I attached earlier in the thread explains this. Yes it is possible to have a bald spot without extra shedding, but it might be possible to slow down the thinning or to reverse it, if you act quickly.

[elfynity]

Androgenic? No, that's incorrect

WHERE is your bald spot McDonough?

[lucid]

Sorry I meant (without) shedding much. And no my hairline is perfectly fine.

Yes. This is an even bigger indication of androgenic alopecia. Typically you will see thinning either at the top of the head or the hairline, or both. You can also get bald spot on the top of your head, and have a perfect hairline. Bald spots from male patterned hairloss tends to be symmetrical and located at the middle of the head (not towards one side if that makes sense).

If your bald spot is very located to one spot, and not in the middle of your head, with very defined edges, it could also be alopecia areata, which is spot baldness. The treatment is often cortisone injections, but it can also disappear on its own.

[lucid]

Androgenic? No, that's incorrect

What do you even mean? What is incorrect?

Hairloss at the top of the head is typical for androgenic alopecia. Why are you so sure you don't have this?

[*Wednesday*]

@M.. I remember you posting a picture a few months back about thinning on top of your head. I believe you posted about two pictures? I believe you started a thread about the thinning. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion.

[Joules]

Androgenic? No, that's incorrect

You can't be sure if anything is correct or not, unless you have an official diagnosis.

[elfynity]

I don't see how the OP can get help if he is not answering any of our questions - going in circles on this thread.

[M.McDonough]

My old thread https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=147133

I don't know why some of you are jumping into conclusions, disregarding the fact that I have been under strong stress and depression for the past two years. It's not only that, it's actually a trauma! This is my face pretty much all the time :sad My family keeps asking me ''what's happening to you''. This forum is not the right place to talk about my problems.

I've read about telogen effluvium and I think it describes my condition well. That doesn't look like MPB. I realize that I have to see another doctor and I'll get to it.

Thanks for your help. I think I should sign off for 6 months to a year, meditate and see how it goes.

[lucid]

My old thread https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=147133

I don't know why some of you are jumping into conclusions, disregarding the fact that I have been under strong stress and depression for the past two years. It's not only that, it's actually a trauma! This is my face pretty much all the time :sad My family keeps asking me ''what's happening to you''. This forum is not the right place to talk about my problems.

I've read about telogen effluvium and I think it describes my condition well. That doesn't look like MPB. I realize that I have to see another doctor and I'll get to it.

Thanks for your help. I think I should sign off for 6 months to a year, meditate and see how it goes.

The pictures you posted in that thread is indicative of androgenic alopecia, with thinning at the mid scalp area. I'm not saying that you definitely have this, only that it is a likely possibility.

With telogen effluvium you'll notice greatly increased shedding, which you have stated isn't the case for you. The thinning is also typically diffuse, meaning the hair will be thinning all over. In other words, a thin area constricted to the top of the scalp is atypical for this condition.

Long term stress can also cause a slower version of TE, however you will still have increased shedding for as long as it lasts. Some medication can also cause thinning of the hair, like medication for depression or anxiety.

I hope you find a solution to your problem. I wish you the best! Your hair seems to have a really nice texture and thickness :)

[lapushka]

I don't know why some of you are jumping into conclusions, disregarding the fact that I have been under strong stress and depression for the past two years. It's not only that, it's actually a trauma! This is my face pretty much all the time :sad My family keeps asking me ''what's happening to you''. This forum is not the right place to talk about my problems.

I've read about telogen effluvium and I think it describes my condition well. That doesn't look like MPB. I realize that I have to see another doctor and I'll get to it.

Thanks for your help. I think I should sign off for 6 months to a year, meditate and see how it goes.

We aren't jumping to conclusions so much as to say, you have to see what the possibilities might be here, and go into it with eyes open rather than keeping the door shut on certain "possibilities" and their solutions.

The fact is, if you don't deal with this (by going to a doctor), it might worsen, and no one here wants to see you go through this.

I think, personally, that it is highly unlikely that it is "just" stress and depression. :( :flower:

But I wish you well, and I hope you find a solution to your issue.

[akurah]

My old thread https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=147133

I don't know why some of you are jumping into conclusions, disregarding the fact that I have been under strong stress and depression for the past two years. It's not only that, it's actually a trauma! This is my face pretty much all the time :sad My family keeps asking me ''what's happening to you''. This forum is not the right place to talk about my problems.

I've read about telogen effluvium and I think it describes my condition well. That doesn't look like MPB. I realize that I have to see another doctor and I'll get to it.

Thanks for your help. I think I should sign off for 6 months to a year, meditate and see how it goes.

So not to be contrary, but based on what you described, I think alopecia areata (treated with steroid shots, there’s also creams for it, but the shots are more effective) is also a likely culprit if you’re under extreme stress and depression. But it also depends on how the baldness is presenting. Alopecia areata presents as circular patches, and while the circular patches don’t always become completely bald, I think that one is more likely to be mistaken for male pattern baldness i think. (This difference of opinion is a great example of why you should get a second opinion, so I’m glad you are). You should ask for a scalp biopsy while there, the biopsy should be able to tell if it’s telogen effluvium or alopecia areata.

[elfynity]

My old thread https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=147133

I don't know why some of you are jumping into conclusions, disregarding the fact that I have been under strong stress and depression for the past two years. It's not only that, it's actually a trauma! This is my face pretty much all the time :sad My family keeps asking me ''what's happening to you''. This forum is not the right place to talk about my problems.

I've read about telogen effluvium and I think it describes my condition well. That doesn't look like MPB. I realize that I have to see another doctor and I'll get to it.

Thanks for your help. I think I should sign off for 6 months to a year, meditate and see how it goes.

There are sections on this forum where you will feel even more comfortable chatting about things that are a bit personal, but I am sure most of us here don't mind your honesty about your stress and we wont chase you away. Most of us are quite passionate about our hair! and genuinely want to help you to resolve your issue whether it is through depression or trauma etc. It seems that you are finding it difficult to work through this here at the moment, and that is just how it is. If you do need to go away, think about coming back soon because we really do have your back on this. I am sorry to hear about your trauma. Your system could be under a huge amount of stress at the moment - perhaps a much better idea is to visit a homeopath who can do a mind body and soul analysis and potentially pick up something else you need to get sorted first.