Hair Loss FAQ's

What causes male hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness (MPB) it accounts for 95% of hair loss in men. Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary thinning of the hair induced by androgens in genetically susceptible men. Other known causes are illness, major surgery, disease, cancer, medications, and alopecia areata.

How common is hair loss in men, can it affect my health?
It’s estimated that 35 million men in the United States are affected by male pattern baldness (MPB). Hair loss is likely to occur between the late teenage years and 40-50, generally recognized as (MPB). Hair loss for men affects every aspect of a man’s life, from interpersonal relationships as well as their professional careers.  Male pattern baldness can be very devastating to a man of any age.

How else does hair loss affect men?
Studies that specifically addressed the psychosocial impact of hair loss in men have shown that men with visible hair loss are perceived as older, weaker and less physically attractive, than their non- balding counterparts. Not surprisingly hair loss has a considerable impact on self image, and therefore on the quality of life.

Why should I be concerned?
Hair loss can also be an early indication of an underlying unknown health condition such as illness, disease, stress, anxiety, dihydrotestosterone, and cancer.  The earlier you find a potential health issue the easier it is to treat, increasing your chances for a complete recovery.

What should I do first if I notice any hair loss?
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and the proper testing done to make certain there are no other underlying medical conditions. If male pattern baldness is left untreated your hair loss will likely continue and will usually get worse.

What does it mean if I start experiencing sudden hair loss?
Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition, illness, or disease and proper testing should be performed; this hair loss usually stops once the health issue is treated or cured.

At what point should I begin testing if I am experiencing hair loss?
As soon as you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss on your clothes, on your pillow, or when washing or combing your hair.

Why is it important to find health issues early?
The earlier you find a potential health issue the easier it is to treat and the higher the chance of a complete recovery.  Sometimes it is just a lifestyle change or basic medication but if left untreated could become a very serious and risky treatment or even surgery.

Can you have a serious health issue without any obvious signs or symptoms?
Yes. Serious health issues can start years before obvious signs or symptoms occur that would warrant your doctor requesting any specialized testing. Usually the longer the issue goes unnoticed the harder it is to cure.

I would get tested but I would rather not know I have an illness.
If you have an illness, you have it, so not knowing won’t help and could possibly make it much worse.  It has been proven by many medical studies that the earlier you find something wrong, the easier it is to treat and the higher the chance of success, sometimes with just a simple lifestyle change or medication.

What are some of the different tests that can be done to help determine hair loss?        
There are a number of tests that can be performed, blood tests, screening tests for related diseases, microscopic hair exam, pull test, skin scraping, and punch biopsy.

I have heard that medications can cause hair loss, is that true?
Yes. There are many medications both over the counter and prescribed by your doctor that can cause hair loss.

Can hair loss medications affect test results?  Yes. Certain medications that are used to treat hair loss can alter test results for prostate cancer thus providing FALSE or INACCURATE test results. If you are taking these types of medications, make sure that the correct steps are taken as they relate to accurately testing the prostate.

If these tests are available why doesn’t my doctor order them for me?
Your doctor can, however most hair loss is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.  The normal cost for these tests ordered by your doctor is over $2,000.00 which is out of financial reach for most people.

How can you offer the testing at such a huge price discount?
Our company has been designed and structured to provide cost effective medical testing available for procedures that are not usually covered by insurance, or for uninsured individuals.

If a health issue is found can I get reimbursed by my insurance company for this test?
Sometimes, it is determined by your specific insurance company usually after you provide the testing invoice and diagnosis code.

Is the testing as good as the testing I get at my doctors office?
Yes, the tests are performed by the exact same laboratories that process the tests for doctors.

What happens if you find an unknown health issue?
Our medical staff will refer you to your primary physician or a specialist and at that point all future medical expenses are usually covered by insurance.

What happens if you find issues related to my hair loss?
After we review the results and determine the probable cause of your hair loss we will recommend several options that you can choose from to resolve the issue.

Do I get a copy of my results?
Yes. We also offer secured web based medical document storage so that you have access to your records when you need them.

If I have a question can I speak with someone?
Absolutely, if there is an out of range result you will be contacted by a doctor or nurse after review.  If you have additional questions you can contact the nurse again or schedule a time to speak with one of the doctors.

How often should I get tested?
We recommend that tests be done once a year for people over 40 or people who have experienced any premature hair loss, however your body chemistry can change in as little as 30 days.  People with medical issues should be tested as advised by their primary physician.

What’s the best hair loss treatment?
Since there are multiple factors in hair loss, it is best to try and determine the exact reason you’re losing your hair before spending money on products or procedures that might not work for your specific issue.

Can hair loss be caused by improper care of my hair?
Yes, traction alopecia is caused by a pulling force being applied to the hair such as ponytails, braids, cornrows. Dirt can also be a problem if found on the hair bulb where the hair reproduces itself over and over to grow up and out of the scalp. Dirt causes problems in the cell reproduction process and also is a major food source for the 5 alpha reductase enzymes. 

What is DHT?
DHT is produced when an enzyme that occurs naturally in your body called 5alpha-reductase converts the male hormone testosterone into another hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

How long does hair grow?
The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month.

Does the human body keep generating new follicles throughout life?
By week 22, a developing fetus has all its hair follicles formed about 5 million, of that 100,000 are on the scalp. We do not generate new hair follicles anytime during the course of our lives. This is the largest number of hair follicles a human will ever have. The density of scalp hair is reduced as we grow from childhood to adulthood. The reason is our scalps expand as we grow.

What is Tricotillomania?
Tricotillomania (hair pulling disorder) is a type of mental illness in which people have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair. The cause of tricotillomania is still being researched and no specific cause has yet been found.

Pros and Cons of Minoxidil and Propecia
If you're like most people, the big question is "Where do I start?" Trying to decide the answer to this question is one of the toughest because starting something means a major commitment. The two major players are Propecia and Minoxidil, here are some benefits of Minoxidil over Propecia:

• You can buy Minoxidil without Prescription, whereas Propecia requires one.
• Minoxidil works locally, and since it is a topical, its systemic (internal) effects are minimal, whereas Propecia directly alters the Male Hormonal system.
• Minoxidil in its 2% form is safe for use in both Men and women, whereas Propecia is only for use in Men.
• PROPECIA is a daily medication. Patients may see results in 3 months.
• If use of PROPECIA is discontinued, results will gradually go away over 12 months.

What are the known side effects in men who use Propecia?
Propecia can cause sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection or a decrease in the amount of semen.  However the side effect went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA.

Can hair loss occur in teenagers?
Hair loss can occur as early as 15, although it typically begins anywhere from 20’s and early 30’s.

Can children experience hair loss?
Hair loss can occur in children as young as one year of age. Currently children’s hair loss is responsible for 3% of all pediatric office visits. Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium two other forms of temporary hair loss can occur in children as young as age one.

What is one of the most common causes of hair loss in children?
Tinea Capitis more commonly known as ring worm of the scalp is the most common cause of hair loss in children. Ring worm is an infection of the skin known as a parasitic fungus.

Myth:  Androgenetic Alopecia can be cured.
Myth:  Hair loss does not affect young people.
Myth:  Stress causes permanent hair loss.
Myth:  Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
Myth:  100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
Myth:  Shaving your hair can make your hair grow faster or thicker.
Myth:  Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.
Myth:  Standing on your head cures hair loss.
Myth:  Ring worm is caused by a worm.
Myth:  Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
Myth:  Hair loss is inherited only from your mother’s side of the family.
Myth:  Wearing a hat causes hair loss.