Hair Not Growing Back After Chemotherapy
Dr. Rassman,
I am a woman who finished an intense bout of chemotherapy and radiation about a year and a half ago. Since then most of my hair has grown back on the sides and back of the head. The center top and crown is still very bald. My dermatologist says it is a typical female balding pattern. Can you give me feedback on this subject? Is it possible I could be a candidate for hair transplants? Thank you.
Your dermatologist sounds correct. Some women develop patterned loss, which is less common than unpatterned loss. Hair transplants work better in patterned loss, assuming that your donor hair is adequate in quantity and quality. If there is diffuse thinning in the sides and back, you may not have enough supply for a transplant. A good assessment by a competent hair surgeon will give you insights into your supply for quality hair transplants.
Hey Doc,
I am a 21 year old female and recently I feel that I am loosing more hair than usual. I understand that it is normal to lose aprrox. 100 hairs a day, however I feel like I am loosing about 200-300 a day. My mom has thyroid probs. but I was recently checked and mine was fine.
When I pull my hair back it is only approx. 2 cm in diameter and it feels thicker on the sides than the back.
I am on my second year of university and I have been feeling stressed out, could this have anything to do with it? If not, could I please have you fine expert opinion on this one as hair for someone my age or for any female is a huge part of my self-image and self-esteem.
Thanks,
Natasha
My last chemotherapy treatment was October 24, 2005. Should my hair be starting to grow back? My doctor said it should take 3 weeks before it starts to grow back and so far nothing. Am I just being too impatient?
Harmony