I’m Losing Pubic and Scalp Hair, But Chest Hair Remains

Doctor,

In the past year I’ve had hair loss all over my body — including my pubic hair. My pubic hair, which used to be extremely dense and coarse, is now soft and (comparatively) sparse. This I don’t mind very much — what concerns me is that at the same time, my scalp hair starting falling out diffusely at first, then, over about a year, developed to a Norwood 2. I understand that testosterone is responsible for pubic and axillary hair growth. Is it possible all this is happening because more of my testosterone is being converted to DHT? I’m just trying to understand the connection between the two. If it helps, the hair on my chest and belly has remained pretty much the same.

Also, I’m considering Propecia. Does the hair that you lose during the months before Propecia takes effect (including Propecia-induced shedding) come back, or does the drug only maintain the hair you have at the time its benefits kick in?

A little background: I’m 21, my family on both my mother’s and father’s side (including mother, father, uncles, grandfathers well into their nineties, an older brother) has no history of balding. When I first started losing my hair I was introduced to something that caused severe, constant stress and depression that lasted about 6-7 months. In the beginning, like I said, the loss was diffuse. In fact, it fit the bill for telogen effluvium exactly, and I assumed it was this. At this point it’s hard to deny it’s just androgenetic alopecia, unless TE sometimes behaves this way. (?) Also, I’ve smoked for about three years — no other male in my family does.

I know that this is a long question but I’ve been searching for answers for months and have had no success. Your site is the best I’ve stumbled upon! Keep it up.

All the best

Stress could cause hair loss, particularly severe and constant stress with depression. Or there could be MPB (or a combination of stress-induced and genetics). Cases like yours are particularly difficult to diagnose, manage or get involved with over the internet. This is not what we do.

I wish I could provide more comfort or help, but I really don’t have the slightest idea as to what is causing your pubic hair to thin. You really need to see a good dermatologist to assess you and your problem.