Is there a Way to Predict Genetic Hair Loss?

I’m a 21 year old male and desperately afraid that I’m going to start [tag]losing my hair[/tag].   I think I might even be starting to [tag]lose hair[/tag] however, I could just be paranoid  Family history of [tag]hair loss[/tag] is prevelant in my family both in  my father’s and mother’s side.   Does this mean that I will go [tag]bald[/tag]?

Thank you for your inquiry,

[tag]Family history of hair loss[/tag] certainly plays a role in whether or not you will eventually start to lose your hair and to what extent due to genetic hair loss ([tag]male pattern baldness[/tag]) however,  [tag]genetic hair loss[/tag] is unpredictable in nature.   There really is no way to predict when and to what extend you will lose your hair though I can guarantee it is genetically linked.

If you believe that you are [tag]balding[/tag], you might want to consider researching the benefits, risks and limitations of the [tag]FDA approved[/tag] [tag]hair restoration[/tag] medications such as Propecia  ([tag]Finasteride[/tag]) and Rogaine  ([tag]minoxodil[/tag]).   Rapid [tag]hair shedding[/tag] might also be an indication of the onset of hereditary hair loss but this differs from normal hair shedding as a result of the hair growth cycle.

But you might not be  [tag]losing hair[/tag] as you said.   To know with certainty, I recommend consulting with  a dermatologist or a hair restoration specialist  who will be able to determine if you are experiencing [tag]hair miniaturization[/tag]  which is an indication of  [tag]hereditary hair loss[/tag].

Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog