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Suggest Treatment For Severe Hair Loss
Question: Hi
I am 34yrs old and struggling with hair loss problem for almost 8 yrs now. I used to have thick dense (bit curly) hair but something triggered hair fall after I went for hair straightening couple of times 8 years ago.
After than my hair started falling. I also started having dandruff problem. So, after trying mintop for couple of months, I visited a leading trichologist 6 yrs ago and he told me that I have developed fungal infection in my scalp. I continued his treatment for 6 months after which he told me that fungal infection is gone and he put me on some medicines for hair regrowth. Initially it went well, hair fall was much lesser and there were signs of regrowth (few baby hair on top). But then I moved to XXXXXXX and again hair fall increased. When I visited my trichologist, he told me that it looks like hereditary baldness and I should go for transplant, which I didn't want to, so I discontinued his treatment and started trying some local hair oils and serums. Though the rate of hair fall is under control but my hair have started thinning now and I am afraid at this rate, within couple of years, I might lose all my hair.
I am still not sure whats wrong with my scalp and what triggered this hair loss? I do not have any health issue and am physically fit. I also work out at least 4 times in a week. My father is 64 yrs old and still have good hair and same is the case with my brother. My mother also has good hair, though my maternal grandfather got bald with age.
Could you pls suggest something so that I can preserve my hair?
I am 34yrs old and struggling with hair loss problem for almost 8 yrs now. I used to have thick dense (bit curly) hair but something triggered hair fall after I went for hair straightening couple of times 8 years ago.
After than my hair started falling. I also started having dandruff problem. So, after trying mintop for couple of months, I visited a leading trichologist 6 yrs ago and he told me that I have developed fungal infection in my scalp. I continued his treatment for 6 months after which he told me that fungal infection is gone and he put me on some medicines for hair regrowth. Initially it went well, hair fall was much lesser and there were signs of regrowth (few baby hair on top). But then I moved to XXXXXXX and again hair fall increased. When I visited my trichologist, he told me that it looks like hereditary baldness and I should go for transplant, which I didn't want to, so I discontinued his treatment and started trying some local hair oils and serums. Though the rate of hair fall is under control but my hair have started thinning now and I am afraid at this rate, within couple of years, I might lose all my hair.
I am still not sure whats wrong with my scalp and what triggered this hair loss? I do not have any health issue and am physically fit. I also work out at least 4 times in a week. My father is 64 yrs old and still have good hair and same is the case with my brother. My mother also has good hair, though my maternal grandfather got bald with age.
Could you pls suggest something so that I can preserve my hair?
Brief Answer:
Androgenic alopecia.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking Health care magic forum.
I have gone through your query. What is the pattern of hair loss you have? If it is crown and frontal balding hair loss then it is most likely androgenic alopecia also called male pattern hair loss. This is hereditary also.
You should rule out anemia and hypothyroidism by checking Haemoglobin and TSH level in blood if you have not done. In these two conditions thinning of hair and hairfall is present.
For androgenic alopecia the Mintop lotion application is the FDA approved treatment. It should be used regularly atleast for 4 months to start getting benefit. The use should be continued also. Finasteride is also prescribed for oral intake which is also a FDA approved treatment for androgenic alopecia.
If dandruff and itching is there then i recommend medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole and coal tar to use twice weekly.
Taking supplements containing biotin and other essential nutrients which are available in market also is helpful in maintaining hair growth.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Androgenic alopecia.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking Health care magic forum.
I have gone through your query. What is the pattern of hair loss you have? If it is crown and frontal balding hair loss then it is most likely androgenic alopecia also called male pattern hair loss. This is hereditary also.
You should rule out anemia and hypothyroidism by checking Haemoglobin and TSH level in blood if you have not done. In these two conditions thinning of hair and hairfall is present.
For androgenic alopecia the Mintop lotion application is the FDA approved treatment. It should be used regularly atleast for 4 months to start getting benefit. The use should be continued also. Finasteride is also prescribed for oral intake which is also a FDA approved treatment for androgenic alopecia.
If dandruff and itching is there then i recommend medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole and coal tar to use twice weekly.
Taking supplements containing biotin and other essential nutrients which are available in market also is helpful in maintaining hair growth.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX ....
Yes the pattern is M shaped in front (and I am afraid it should not become ring) and thinning on back side.
I will go for anemia and hypothyroidism tests soon. In case, the tests are positive, what should be future coarse of actions?
Regarding mintop, I think there are different flavors available in market with different mgs. Which one should I use and how often in a day?
I have read about Finasteride and have heard that it has severe side effects such as impotency as it blocks DHT. So, I am afraid of using it. Is it safe to use?
Also, the trichologist whom I was consulting couple of years ago, suggested me to wash my hair everyday as my scalp is oily,which I have been doing religously till now. Should I continue that?
I do not have any dandruff problem as of now
I have tried Essvit 5mg and supplement for omega 3 earlier when I was under consultation, but later my trichologist asked me to stop it as it will be of no help in case of heridetary hair loss
Could you also pls be more elaborative on dosage of supplements?
Thanks,
XXXX
Yes the pattern is M shaped in front (and I am afraid it should not become ring) and thinning on back side.
I will go for anemia and hypothyroidism tests soon. In case, the tests are positive, what should be future coarse of actions?
Regarding mintop, I think there are different flavors available in market with different mgs. Which one should I use and how often in a day?
I have read about Finasteride and have heard that it has severe side effects such as impotency as it blocks DHT. So, I am afraid of using it. Is it safe to use?
Also, the trichologist whom I was consulting couple of years ago, suggested me to wash my hair everyday as my scalp is oily,which I have been doing religously till now. Should I continue that?
I do not have any dandruff problem as of now
I have tried Essvit 5mg and supplement for omega 3 earlier when I was under consultation, but later my trichologist asked me to stop it as it will be of no help in case of heridetary hair loss
Could you also pls be more elaborative on dosage of supplements?
Thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Hi and Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
In case of presence of anemia , Iron supplements and deworming with drugs like albendazole will be helpful. For hypothyroidism thyroxine supplementation is needed also. Vitamin D level also should be checked and if low calcium and vitamin D supplements will help.
Mintop plain lotion has a unpleasant smell that why flavored lotion came. You can choose the flavor you like. It is usually directed to use 1ml for twice daily application. Usage should not exceed 2ml totally daily also.
Finasteride has side effects like decrease interest in sexual intercourse (loss of libido) and weak erections. But some it doesn't effect also.
You can wash your hair daily if it appears oily. Essvit is biotin vitamin supplement. Usual dose given is 5 to 10 mg. You can continue taking that. Other supplements for hair growth are usually present along with biotin in most supplements capsules and tablets. You can opt for those. You can use omega 3 supplements or consume oily fish. Include pulses, green leafy vegetables, nuts like almond, eggs, milk and different fruits in your diet which also helps in hair growth.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Hi and Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
In case of presence of anemia , Iron supplements and deworming with drugs like albendazole will be helpful. For hypothyroidism thyroxine supplementation is needed also. Vitamin D level also should be checked and if low calcium and vitamin D supplements will help.
Mintop plain lotion has a unpleasant smell that why flavored lotion came. You can choose the flavor you like. It is usually directed to use 1ml for twice daily application. Usage should not exceed 2ml totally daily also.
Finasteride has side effects like decrease interest in sexual intercourse (loss of libido) and weak erections. But some it doesn't effect also.
You can wash your hair daily if it appears oily. Essvit is biotin vitamin supplement. Usual dose given is 5 to 10 mg. You can continue taking that. Other supplements for hair growth are usually present along with biotin in most supplements capsules and tablets. You can opt for those. You can use omega 3 supplements or consume oily fish. Include pulses, green leafy vegetables, nuts like almond, eggs, milk and different fruits in your diet which also helps in hair growth.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your reply....
I think in that case, I should keep myself away from Finasteride as lot of things would be on stake because of side effects :)
Could you pls recommend a good supplement in this regard (which has biotin and other necessary supplements needed for hair growth), and should it be taken once or twice daily?
Also, I am going for suggested tests over weekend. Is there a way I could share the reports with you for any follow up questions?
Thanks ....
Thanks for your reply....
I think in that case, I should keep myself away from Finasteride as lot of things would be on stake because of side effects :)
Could you pls recommend a good supplement in this regard (which has biotin and other necessary supplements needed for hair growth), and should it be taken once or twice daily?
Also, I am going for suggested tests over weekend. Is there a way I could share the reports with you for any follow up questions?
Thanks ....
Brief Answer:
Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
Then you can go on with minoxidil lotion and supplements. There are lot of hair growth supplements in market. I advise my patients with supplements like keraglo forte which has biotin , gamma linolenic acid , N acetyl cysteine , Grape seed extract , green tea extract , other essential vitamins and minerals. There is another supplement called hairfollic man vitabotics. These are usually taken 1 tab daily or 1 on alternative days.
You can ask me with your test results, i will be here to help you.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
Then you can go on with minoxidil lotion and supplements. There are lot of hair growth supplements in market. I advise my patients with supplements like keraglo forte which has biotin , gamma linolenic acid , N acetyl cysteine , Grape seed extract , green tea extract , other essential vitamins and minerals. There is another supplement called hairfollic man vitabotics. These are usually taken 1 tab daily or 1 on alternative days.
You can ask me with your test results, i will be here to help you.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks for your reply Dr. XXXXXXX
Few more queries:
1. Minoxidil soln is available with 10% and 5%, which one I need to use? As I mentioned before, I have lost hair from front sides and hair have started thinning on top
Since I have to apply it twice a day, do I need to apply it before taking bath or after that - I mean dry hair or wet hair? Can I apply it before going to bed in night?
2. As I mentioned earlier, I have oily scalp and hence I wash my hair daily. I am using Head & Shoulder (Silk and smooth) shampoo as suggested by my trichologist. Is it fine or shall I switch to some other shampoo?
3. I have got 30 tabs of Keraglo forte. Is there any specific time - after breakfast, lunch or dinner when I need to take this tablet?
4. How long do I need to continue using minoxidil and hair growth supplements?
5. Based on your experience with other patients, how good are the results with minoxidil and hair supplements?
AFAIK male pattern baldness is mostly because of excessive DHT. How does minoxidil and supplements work to reduce it?
I have also heard about grocapix gel which promotes hair growth by blocking conversion of testesterone to DHT. Is it effective and should I try it?
Thanks ....
Few more queries:
1. Minoxidil soln is available with 10% and 5%, which one I need to use? As I mentioned before, I have lost hair from front sides and hair have started thinning on top
Since I have to apply it twice a day, do I need to apply it before taking bath or after that - I mean dry hair or wet hair? Can I apply it before going to bed in night?
2. As I mentioned earlier, I have oily scalp and hence I wash my hair daily. I am using Head & Shoulder (Silk and smooth) shampoo as suggested by my trichologist. Is it fine or shall I switch to some other shampoo?
3. I have got 30 tabs of Keraglo forte. Is there any specific time - after breakfast, lunch or dinner when I need to take this tablet?
4. How long do I need to continue using minoxidil and hair growth supplements?
5. Based on your experience with other patients, how good are the results with minoxidil and hair supplements?
AFAIK male pattern baldness is mostly because of excessive DHT. How does minoxidil and supplements work to reduce it?
I have also heard about grocapix gel which promotes hair growth by blocking conversion of testesterone to DHT. Is it effective and should I try it?
Thanks ....
Brief Answer:
Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
1.Minoxidil solution i usually advise 10 % solution. It should be applied after bath on dry hair. You can use it before going to bed also.
2. You can continue using head and shoulders which also contain ketoconazole.
3. There is specific time for taking supplements like keraglo. You can take it after break fast or before bed time.
4. Minoxidil should continued long term till you achieve a perfect hair growth.
5.Most patients usually start getting results after 4 months of continuous usage. When they continue more than one year most are getting hair growth.
6. The exact mechanism of minoxidil on hair growth is unknown. It was initially used orally for hypertension and found hair growth in such treated patients.
Grocapix gel is not a prescription gel. You can use it. Studies have found it is effective in androgenetic alopecia. It can be used once or twice daily on dry hair.
Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
1.Minoxidil solution i usually advise 10 % solution. It should be applied after bath on dry hair. You can use it before going to bed also.
2. You can continue using head and shoulders which also contain ketoconazole.
3. There is specific time for taking supplements like keraglo. You can take it after break fast or before bed time.
4. Minoxidil should continued long term till you achieve a perfect hair growth.
5.Most patients usually start getting results after 4 months of continuous usage. When they continue more than one year most are getting hair growth.
6. The exact mechanism of minoxidil on hair growth is unknown. It was initially used orally for hypertension and found hair growth in such treated patients.
Grocapix gel is not a prescription gel. You can use it. Studies have found it is effective in androgenetic alopecia. It can be used once or twice daily on dry hair.
Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX ....
How long do I need to take keraglo?
Also, could you pls recommend a good shampoo for daily use for oily scalp?
How long do I need to take keraglo?
Also, could you pls recommend a good shampoo for daily use for oily scalp?
Brief Answer:
Keraglo usually given atleast for 3 months.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for your follow up query.
Keraglo is a supplement which helps in hair growth. so it should be taken till you attain a good hair growth. It should be atleast taken for 3 months.
You can use Clarifying shampoos like XXXXXXX Green tea clarifying shampoo or Suave naturals daily clarifying shammpoo for oily scalp.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Keraglo usually given atleast for 3 months.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for your follow up query.
Keraglo is a supplement which helps in hair growth. so it should be taken till you attain a good hair growth. It should be atleast taken for 3 months.
You can use Clarifying shampoos like XXXXXXX Green tea clarifying shampoo or Suave naturals daily clarifying shammpoo for oily scalp.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi Dr XXXXXXX
It seems there is some shortage of supply for Keraglo Forte. I have been looking for it for more than a week, but couldn't find it. One of the pharmacists told me that these tablets are being replaced by Keraglo Men tabs. I found the same being mentioned on Mediplus website.
Is it okay to use Keraglo Men in place of Keraglo Forte? I compared the contents and found very small difference
Also, do I need to take these tablets daily or alternate days after breakfast?
I usually take Revital Men. Can I take Keraglo along with Revital or do I need to stop taking Revital?
Thanks
It seems there is some shortage of supply for Keraglo Forte. I have been looking for it for more than a week, but couldn't find it. One of the pharmacists told me that these tablets are being replaced by Keraglo Men tabs. I found the same being mentioned on Mediplus website.
Is it okay to use Keraglo Men in place of Keraglo Forte? I compared the contents and found very small difference
Also, do I need to take these tablets daily or alternate days after breakfast?
I usually take Revital Men. Can I take Keraglo along with Revital or do I need to stop taking Revital?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Can take Keraglo Men.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for your follow up query.
You can take Keraglo Men in case keraglo forte is not available. You can use both keraglo men and Revital, alternative days each, one day revital and next day keraglo men.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Can take Keraglo Men.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for your follow up query.
You can take Keraglo Men in case keraglo forte is not available. You can use both keraglo men and Revital, alternative days each, one day revital and next day keraglo men.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX
You have earlier suggested to include oily fish in diet. Though I eat non veg, but I am not much of fish lover. Is there any other thing which I should include in my diet for omega 3 as substitute for fish?
Also, I am in a very demanding job with lots of tight deadlines to meet. As such stress is quite high. Does stress add to hairfall in Male Pattern Baldness?
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help in such cases?
I somehow find some time to work out for an hour but can't avoid long working hours and late night calls
Thanks....
You have earlier suggested to include oily fish in diet. Though I eat non veg, but I am not much of fish lover. Is there any other thing which I should include in my diet for omega 3 as substitute for fish?
Also, I am in a very demanding job with lots of tight deadlines to meet. As such stress is quite high. Does stress add to hairfall in Male Pattern Baldness?
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help in such cases?
I somehow find some time to work out for an hour but can't avoid long working hours and late night calls
Thanks....
Brief Answer:
Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
If you don't want to take fish you can take foods rich in omega 3 like flax seeds , chia seeds, green leafy vegetables like spinach, kiwi, guava etc.
Stress is also a factor in cause of male pattern baldness. You can do breathing exercises for stress relaxation. Give relaxation to your body muscles and take deep breaths. Abdominal breathing for 20- 30 minutes also is helpful.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Welcome again.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.
If you don't want to take fish you can take foods rich in omega 3 like flax seeds , chia seeds, green leafy vegetables like spinach, kiwi, guava etc.
Stress is also a factor in cause of male pattern baldness. You can do breathing exercises for stress relaxation. Give relaxation to your body muscles and take deep breaths. Abdominal breathing for 20- 30 minutes also is helpful.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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