Balding With No Miniaturization Present?

Hi Doctor Rassman,

I have a question concerning my diffused hair loss. I am 40 years old and have been thinning quite rapidly all over my scalp and losing hair for over a year and a half. Through your excellent advise to your readers, I decided to do hair miniturization testing with a surgeon I procured in my area through the ISHRS.

The surgeon was very professional and empathetic towards my hair loss concerns. He did the miniturization testing and some blood tests for me. He indicated that I had no evidence of MPB. My blood work all came back normal aside from some higher than normal white blood counts which he indicated may be related to a minor infection. I have since taken antibiotics to remedy the problem. My concern is that I am still rapidly thinning and losing 100s of hairs daily. My hair texture has gone from very thick and spikey to very fine and flat. I really notice the thinning after I take a shower and my hair is wet.

I am currently taking propecia and minoxidil 5% daily and have used both for over a year and still no slow down in thinning or hair loss. At this stage, I am very concerned that I will go completely bald. Is there anything that you could advise me on. Thank you in advance and keep up the good work in informing your readers about hair loss and hair restoration!

There are a variety of diseases that can cause hair loss and a good dermatologist might be able to ascertain the existence of such a disease. I would imagine that there is a diagnosis out there, but maybe the doctors you met with missed the ‘boat’.

As you indicated that you’re not local to me, we should have a telephone consultation. First, I need good pictures of your loss… and the frontal view should show your eyebrows lifted so that the forehead is creased. Along with the photos, please send me the results of the blood tests that were done. The email address for sending photos is on the Contact page, and please reference this posting since I get a lot of emails. I may ultimately not be able to help you, but this is a start. Without seeing you and doing a miniaturization study myself, I can not really judge what is going on.