Hair Transplant for Woman with Polycystic Ovarian Disease?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

Hi Dr. Rassman,
I was wondering about hair transplant in a female with active PCOD. I would really appreciate if you can share your experience in treating hair loss in PCOD both surgical and medical.

thank you

I do not have much experience treating women with Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD or PCOS). Women with this disease tend to have hair loss that resembles male pattern balding, so I might treat them like men, addressing the pattern and the complaints that are given to me.

I’ve written about this before here.

Tags: polycystic ovary disease, pcod, pcos, hairloss, hair loss

Propecia Test for Women

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

I’m a 26 year old woman. My friend mentioned there’s a test to see if medication would work for treating my hair loss and said you wrote about it a while ago on balding blog. Can you point me to the article since I can’t seem to find it. Thank you

Hair DXSure thing. We wrote about it last October — here.

One of the HairDX genetic tests will screen women for the connection between their hair loss with respect to an androgenic cause and the treatment options available to them. Women who show a high sensitivity to androgens could benefit from drugs like finasteride (Propecia), although this would be prescribed off-label as this drug has not been FDA approved for use in women. The use of these medications in women is dependent upon the doctor who prescribes it, but more and more doctors are now adopting this test.

Women who may be pregnant should never take finasteride, because of the risk associated with sexual malformations in children if the medication is taken during pregnancy.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, female hair loss

I Had a Hair Transplant and Now My New Doctor Says I Have Alopecia Areata

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /, ,

I am a 58 year old female who had hair restoration done 18 months ago on my receeding hairline (1500 grafts). I have just learned from a derm. who specializes in hair loss and restoration that I now have alopecia areata. (This new derm. was not the doctor who peformed the original hair transplant. I went to this new Derm. b/c I wanted to know why my hair was still thinning. He took 3 scalp biopsies which confirmed areata.

Now in the temple area where I had the transplant every once in a while I get numbness and a burning sensation. Would this be possible nerve damage from the hair transplant. Just want a second option and thoughts. This new derm seems to think it is something to do with the transplant. By the way it took 3 derms to figure out what I had. The last derm. is great and is treating me right now. Your thoughts.

Second opinions are impossible to do over the internet through this blog. In general, I would want to know the following:

  1. Could you have had alopecia areata when you had your transplant?
  2. Did you lose transplanted hair in the areas of alopecia areata?

Any time a person has recipient sites in the scalp, small cutaneous nerves are injured. I would have to know more about your nerve problem. Good luck!

Tags: female hair loss, hairloss, hair loss, alopecia areata, hair transplant

My College-Age Daughter Was Prescribed Finateride

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

Dr. Rassman, my daughter is presently attending college in Houston Texas and was just diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia. Her dermatologist came to that conclusion after she did a biopsy. What concerns me is, she prescribed a treatment of Minoxidil and 0.5 mg of Propecia daily. I understand the Minoxidil but I thought Propecia was for men only?

She did inform her of the pregnancy risks associated with taking the drug but it has me concerned and I asked her not to take it until I get more info. I’m not questioning this doctor’s diagnosis of the problem, just her remedy. Would you think an appointment with a proven hair loss professional would render any alternative advice? It seems this sort of hair loss in women is difficult to treat but I would think there are options available other than Propecia. Do you have any colleagues in the Houston area you might recommend? We may just wait a couple weeks and make an appointment at your office when she comes out for the summer. I appreciate your time.

Androgenic alopecia is not diagnosed with a scalp biopsy! More importantly Propecia (finasteride) is not to be taken by young women! It may cause birth defects if they get pregnant. There are a minority of women past their childbearing years who do take finasteride for very specific reasons, but even those women have equivocal results. Unfortunately, minoxidil is the only FDA approved hair loss treatment for women.

Perhaps your daughter should get a second opinion by another doctor. I don’t have any personal recommendations in your area, but you can check for physicians using the doctor search at ISHRS.org… or of course, contact our office for an appointment here in Los Angeles.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, female hair loss

I’m 2 Months Into My Fourth Pregnancy and Suddenly Seeing Hair Loss

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

I recently found out that i’m pregnant, i’m about two months along now…and I noticed that about two months ago I started having hair loss more than normal. My hair has gotten significantly thinner. I went to the dermatologist and she said it’s most likely from low iron. I’ve been pregnant three times before and have never had this issue. If it is from being anemic, I was wondering what the result would be if I got an abortion, will the hair loss stop or get worse or stay the same?

Hair loss in pregnancy is relatively common and it’s generally a temporary phenomenon, usually changing course a few months after you give birth. Abortion or miscarriage can also cause added stress-induced hair loss. Please follow up with your doctor.

Tags: pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, hairloss, hair loss, pregnant

Depo Medrol Scalp Injections

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /

Can scalp injections of depo medrol prevent hair loss in women

No, no, no! There is no value to steroid injections into a normal scalp for preventing hair loss. If there is a disease present, my answer might be different.

Tags: depo medrol, steroid, hairloss, hair loss

Rogaine Made My Female Hair Loss from Traction Alopecia Even Worse

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

About 2 years ago I began to thin around the front of my head and being a female this freaked me out. I tried some rogaine, but I lost a lot more hair in the front and stopped when I noticed my hairline got weird. During the last 1.5 years it has gotten even worse and now I am see thru thin on the top and I have 2 or 3 bald spots.

I went today for a “hair restoration” consultation and it was a complete waste of time. They wanted to give me hair plugs. I am 35 years old and I think what prompted my hair loss was a bad set of braided in hair extensions. Is there anything I can do or take – like steroid shots to the scalp to get this hair to grow? I get married next April and I dont want to be the bald bride. No one in my family is or was bald – maybe thin, but please – any advice?

If you had hair extensions and developed traction alopecia from the tight constant pulling, nothing short of a hair transplant will fix it. Most women do not go completely bald unless that have specific conditions like alopecia totalis.

Rogaine can cause hair loss when you first start using it, but it is not a permanent type of balding. Alopecia areata can also lead to balding. All of these opinions point to the need to get a consultation by a good doctor who will care about you. Your primary care doctor should first clear you from any medical issues relating to your hair loss.

Tags: hair transplant, hairloss, hair loss, hair extensions

After Complete Hysterectomy, My Hair is Falling Out and My Scalp Itches

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

I am a 54 year old female who had a complete hysterectomy four years ago. eight months ago I started noticing itching on the top of my head then all over my head. I also noticed my hair falling out after washing. it is now much thinner than it was (I had thick hair it is now quite thin). The doctors have said male baldness except it is a loss all over. They say it is hormones (the lack of) but it has been four years and the itching is not a hormone symptom. they say to try dandruff shampoo but it didn’t stop the itch. they checked thyroid and ruled it out even though my numbers were on the low end and my T-3 was a little elevated. they say it is normal. they have now said to try Free and Clear shampoo (perfume free etc.). I just want the itch to stop and my hair to stop falling out. What can this be?

Women who have hormone shifts like you did with your complete hysterectomy (I assume your ovaries were removed also) will precipitate a diffuse balding process in almost half of the female population that have some genetic propensity for it.

A good examination with bulk analysis and miniaturization studies will confirm this… and it’s something that you should consider if you can find a doctor who does these studies in his/her office.

Tags: hysterectomy, hairloss, hair loss

In the News – Singer Lady Gaga is Losing Hair?

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /,

Snippet from the article:

Lady GagaLady Gaga has revealed her beauty secrets and confessed she is losing her hair.

The singer, who has become a style icon with her outrageous outfits, said she dyes her hair so much it falls out. Naturally brown the 24 year old is known for her trademark platinum blonde.

Lady Gaga, who has dyed her naturally brown hair since launching her singing career, says she misses her dark hair when she has to ‘get a chemical haircut because my blonde hair is falling out’.

Read the rest — Bottle blonde Lady Gaga reveals her hair is falling out because she dyes it so much

Lady Gaga. Well, there’s a name I didn’t think I’d ever write about on this site. It isn’t a surprise to me that she’s losing hair from chemical damage caused by bleaching her hair, but it generally isn’t talked about by celebrities in the press.

Tags: lady gaga, singer, entertainment, hairloss, hair loss, bleach, dye, chemical

Is There Anything a Woman Can Do for Alopecia Universalis?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /, ,

i am a 62year old african american and i have universal alopecia. I am a female i was wondering if there is anything out there that could grow my hair back or could i get a hair transplant. I haven’t tried anything for it, i only wear wigs.

For men, I might recommend scalp micro-pigmentation (SMP), as this can give the appearance of a closely cropped traditionally male hairstyle… but for women, unless this type of style is an option for you, I wouldn’t recommend it. There is unfortunately nothing available (aside from wigs) today. You couldn’t get a hair transplant, as you have no hair to move.

Tags: alopecia universalis, hairloss, hair loss, wig, smp

Years After a Chemical Burn, Hair Is Still Patchy and Skin is Sensitive

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

I experienced a chemical burn from a relaxer almost seven years ago and a section in the front of my head is still thin and patchy from the hair loss. It is also still pretty sensitive and itchy. I saw a dermatologist/trichologist and she recommended fluocinonide, which only irritated it further. She was not at all helpful, or professional, and she is supposedly one of the top in the industry. It really bothers me to look at it and I just wear weaves to hide it though it isn’t terribly noticeable. Is there anything that will regrow the hair? Should I try rogaine or hair transplant surgery? I really can’t afford to continue throwing good money after bad! Any advice is greatly appreciated.

You should not treat yourself. If you weren’t satisfied with your dermatologist, get a second opinion! I’m sorry I don’t have a clear cut answer for you, but this isn’t something I can make recommendations for over the web. A good dermatologist in your home town is the person to see.

Tags: female hair loss, hair loss, hairloss

Study – Hair Care in African American Girls

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /, ,

Snippet from the study abstract:

BACKGROUND: Few studies have extensively examined the prevalence of hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair conditions in African American girls.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the prevalence of hair care practices and their association with traction alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis (SD), and tinea capitis (TC).

METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of African American girls aged 1 to 15 years. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association of hair care practices with reported disorders.

CornrowsRead the rest — Hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair disorders in African American girls.

201 surveys were sent out to caregivers of African American girls aged 1 to 15 years to look for links between traction alopecia, ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis. Almost all of the respondents used oil/grease in the hair, and a substantial number used ponytails, braids, or cornrows. The results were published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The study concluded: “Certain hair care practices were strongly associated with development of traction alopecia and SD.” The situation of traction alopecia in women of African decent is epidemic in Western society. Many, many women have ruined their hair and developed significant balding from the various ways they went about managing their kinky hair.

Tags: african, hairloss, hair loss, traction alopecia, black hair, african hair, african american

Extreme Sudden Female Hair Loss Following Traumatic Car Accident

/by William Rassman, M.D./5 /,

HI,
I had car accident recently.I am 40 year old female. I did pass out after the accident due to stress but other then that there was no injury to my physical body. My car is at total loss. Later when I came home and had shower I lost about one fourth of my hair while washing my hair. This kind of sudden hair loss was strange. Only thing I can think is we did end up gently vacuuming the hair to remove glass pieces from my hair which was in fact advised by the hospital. Are you aware of any reports like this? Would it grow back?

I have never heard of losing 1/4 of your hair after a car accident from stress. It is indeed very strange. Perhaps your perception of losing 1/4 of your total hair is a bit exaggerated or the accident just called your attention to something already going on? I do not think gentle or even harsh vacuuming the scalp to remove glass debris would pull out that much hair (it would really hurt). I think only time will tell if your hair will grow back (about 6 to 12 months).

Tags: trauma, hairloss, hair loss, female hair loss, car accident, stress

Any Hope After Gluing Hair Pieces to My Scalp Made Me Lose My Entire Crown?

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /

(female)

I have in the past gone to HRC and lost my hair on the entire crown of my head due to the gluing of the hair pieces on my scalp. I also had a consultation with Bosley who informed me that I am not a candidate for transplantation as there isn’t enough donor hair. When cloning happens, I would really wish to have it happen for me. Is there hope for my hair loss?

Checkered flagGetting a second opinion is always a good idea as I offer this as a service, but I would need to see you to make such an evaluation worthwhile. You’re not far from my LA office. Many women have this problem with sufficient donor hair, but that can be determined upon examination of the scalp.

Advancements in scientific technology are happening every day. Stem cell research, cloning and more recently advances in hair multiplication will become alternatives to traditional hair transplants in the future. Just how soon that future is, I can’t say. It is an exciting time science-wise, but the enormous amount of data and its implications are still not fully understood.

There is every reason to hope that there will be something in the field of hair loss regarding cloning in the future if the traditional second opinion backs up your first consultation. We are far from the finish line and it will take time and a great deal of patience.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, female hair loss, cloning

Not Sure if I Have Enough Donor Hair 15 Years After My Last Transplant

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /,

I am a female, caucasion woman in her early 50’s. My hair color is blonde (treated now to hide the grey) and my scalp is fair. I had hair transplant surgery with NHI about 15 years ago (about 1800 grafts–I think in Palo Alto.) Anyway, 15 years later the transplanted hair is about all that is left at the top of my scalp. The doctor did tell me that since I have male pattern baldness (yes, he told me male pattern) that eventually the rest of my hair at the top would fall out, and I would be left with the transplanted hair. Which is where I am now. I am also noticing that my hair is more brittle (probably due to my age). I am so thankful that I had the surgery 15 years ago, because if I hadn’t I would be pretty much bald.

I have been using the Ovation Therapy system for about a month without much success. I’m contemplating another transplant, but don’t think I have enough donor hair to get the density of hair that I desire. I’m sure the cost is much more now too. I’m considering laser hair treatments. I know this isn’t your area (laser), but what are your thoughts? How do you suggest I proceed … next steps?

You should come in to see me (Dr. Rassman) or Dr. Pak for an examination and an opinion. If you lost only the native hair and had only one session with us, you probably can have another. We’d have to see the donor hair to make any determination, though. We’re no longer in Palo Alto, but we do have an office in San Jose, so we’re still nearby.

As for laser hair treatments, I’ve been very outspoken about them in the past on this site. I’ve yet to see any great results in treating genetic hair loss by using this low level laser light technology (LLLT), but ultimately it is up to you.

With regard to the diagnosis of male pattern baldness, I’d have to assume the doctor must’ve slipped and actually meant female genetic balding… but we can straighten that out when we see you.

Tags: hair transplant, female hair loss, hairloss, hair loss