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Do Signs of Thinning Hair Mean I am Going Bald?- Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Question

I have recently noticed some hair thinning in the crown and was wondering, if it's male pattern baldness, does this mean I am "going bald"? Could it just be thinning but at a slow, normal rate based on my age? I guess I'm wondering how to determine if it's extreme or not. I'm not concerned about gradual thinning hair, I'm concerned rapid hair loss. Is there a way for a doctor to determine the rate of loss? Assuming it is just thinning, is there any harm in using hair loss treatments as a precaution to help slow down any unwanted process?

Answer:

Honestly, it depends on how you define "going bald".  Those who experience thinning hair because of male pattern baldness are not necessarily doomed to lose all of their hair. But there is a very good chance that you are going to lose some.  Genetic hair loss is gradual, and though it won't fall out in clumps, it can sometimes be aggressive. While some people lose hair slowly over a period of decades, some lose significant amounts of hair over just a couple years. How much you lose and the rate of loss is unpredictable and genetically programmed. Without using legitimate hair loss treatments such as Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil), you can pretty much guarantee that it will continue until your genes say "stop". 

But even those who are not suffering from androgenic alopecia can experience a very gradual thinning of the hair over the years without a much of a cosmetic difference. Men do sometimes develop what is referred to as a "mature" hairline.  This involved minor recession, but doesn't evolve to any significant level of obvious baldness.  Doing a "google" search for "mature hairline" will most likely lead you to pictures of what I am referring to.

Given however, that your crown appears to be the target of your thinning hair, male pattern baldness is likely your case.  If you'd like to know for sure, consult with a dermatologist or hair loss doctor who can diagnose you.

Bill (Falceros) - Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
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