I Have So Many DUPA Questions…

Hello,
I am a 23 year old male and am fairly certain I have DUPA. The hair on the sides and back is still pretty thick I think. However the hair on the top is thin from the normal hairline to the crown. It still isn’t that bad, I don’t think anyone would ever think I was going bald when it is dry, however whenever I exercise or go swimming it gets wet and almost looks as if I am malnourished or something; seriously. And God forbid it rain (I get extremely concerned when it rains and I’ve forgotten an umbrella) cause when it hits my head you can see straight to the scalp. My hair has always been very thin/fine ever since I was a child, but now I feel that it is getting worse. What I would like to know is if DUPA is not always caused by DHT, then what is it caused by? And it seems as though there aren’t many solutions to this type of baldness, except possibly Propecia, is there anything else? Also I have begun using Rogaine, is it worthless for DUPA? I know that’s quite a few questions, but to be honest that’s just the tip of the iceberg for me, I’m sure I’ll ask for more, Thank You so much.

You should see a physician to get a firm diagnosis of DUPA (diffuse unpatterned alopecia). You may not have DUPA if you have thick hair as you describe in the back of your scalp. Propecia (finasteride 1mg) in particular works by blocking the DHT hormone which causes AGA (androgenic alopecia) or MPB (male pattern balding). Since DHT may not cause DUPA, Propecia may not be of any benefit. BUT… I generally recommend male patients try a course of it, as some patients with DUPA do get a response from the drug. Keep in mind, nobody really knows what causes DUPA and drugs such as Propecia and Rogaine have not been studied for the treatment of DUPA.

Thank you for all the questions, but please keep in mind this site is NOT meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions.