DEAR DR. GOTT: Years ago I lost the hair under my under arms. Now I’m losing my pubic hair. I talked to my doctor about it and he said I should use Rogaine which I have for five or six months now. Is he on the right track or is there something else I should be doing with better results?
DEAR READER: There are a number of reasons for loss of body hair, to include severe emotional stress, crash diets that lack sufficient protein, a medical illness, some medications to include antidepressants and calcium channel blockers, high fever, major illness, and blood loss. Conditions that lead to loss of hair include some thyroid disorders, (specifically hypothyroidism), immune system diseases, cancer, lupus, anemia, advancing age, heredity and changes in testosterone levels. Another possibility is alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to mistakenly attack healthy hair follicle cells, causing hair to fall out. Specific skin disorders caused by bacteria or fungus can also lead to hair loss, most commonly of the arms and legs.
The majority of miracle treatments for hair loss are ineffective. Successful treatment is dependent — to a large degree — on early intervention. An effective, FDA approved medication or one recommended by the American Hair Loss Association is strongly recommended. Two such treatments include finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride was originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate; however, during the trials, hair growth was observed. As you might expect, the product was ultimately prescribed to treat male pattern baldness. The second drug, minoxidil (Rogaine), was originally designed to treat high blood pressure. When taken orally it led to hair growth, but in unusual places such as the forehead, backs of hands and cheeks. Researchers then noted that when topically applied to the head, it grew hair. It has been proven to slow the progression of hair loss on the head only and to re-grow some hair but is only marginally effective in fighting hair loss. It is not recommended as the first line of attack for men with male pattern baldness. This product should not be used if any surface of the scalp is damaged, irritated or sunburned and the product is not recommended for other areas of the body. It can affect the heart so be sure to bring this point up with your physician before making a purchase. If treatment is discontinued, any new hair growth that might be seen will be shed within a period of a few months.
Side effects include the expected allergic reaction, dizziness and irregular heartbeats.
I think you owe it to yourself to determine the cause of your hair loss before you consider any treatment. For example, you may have hypothyroidism that can be corrected easily. Or, if you are on any medications with hair loss as a possible side effect, a simple change to another drug might be all that is required. A low testosterone level can be determined by a simple blood test. And so forth. Visit your physician for answers or a request a referral to a doctor who has a special interest in hair loss. Review your medications with a health care professional, have laboratory testing if appropriate and get to the bottom of the issue. Then, once you completely understand what you are dealing with, you can take appropriate measures.
Readers who would like related information can order my Health Report “Thyroid Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order made payable to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039-0433. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
