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Hair Loss from Accutane or Genetics?- Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Question:

My 19 year old son's hairline has receded. He took accutane for about 8 months but finished about a year and a half ago. I am not sure if the hair loss was triggered by the accutane or if he has started to experience premature hair loss. Most important is what he should do about it. My husband takes Propecia (he did not start receding until his late 30's) so I know the drug works great to prevent additional hair loss. But I'm not sure if 19 is too young to take the drug. Also, should he go to a hair restoration specialist for an evaluation/consultation? Please provide direction.

Answer:

Though accutane can cause hair loss, it sounds more like your sons may be experiencing the early onset of genetic male pattern baldness, starting with hairline recession. Hereditary hair loss is not age discriminatory and will most likely progress to an extent without medical treatment.

However, to be sure, I do agree that seeking the counsel of a dermatologist, trichologist, or hair restoration specialist is wise. This way, you can be sure whether or not your son's hair loss condition is hereditary, caused by accutane, or some other non-genetic condition.

If it's determined to be androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss), Propecia (finasteride) could be an option for him. But like any other drug, it's not without possible side effects. Though his age isn't an issue, he will have to decide whether or not the rare reported risk of potential side effects of Propecia is worth the possible benefit of retaining his remaining hair.

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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