Can a 17-year-old male suffer from male pattern baldness?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 17-year-old guy, and I am worried about my hair. My temples receded far when I was 15 years old and stopped. I have not had any problems since, but now my hair is weak. I can easily remove any hair I pull, often three at once. I do not have to use that much force; just breaks from the scalp. I can hear the hair getting ripped from the scalp. Most of the time, there is not even a root visible; instead, it just breaks at the bottom before that white root, but occasionally there is a root. I do not pull my hair or wear hats. Therefore, I find it strange. Is it related to male pattern baldness, or is it something else? My father and brother have suffered from male pattern baldness. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

Since you have bitemporal receding, it seems you have male pattern hair loss. In males, most of the cases are of androgenic alopecia. It is a genetically determined disorder characterized by the gradual conversion of terminal hairs into indeterminate and finally into vellus hairs. With your condition, you can use 5 % Minoxidil lotion with Finasteride ( Morr-F lotion ) 1 ml local application twice daily. While using this for an initial two months, you may feel an increase in hair fall. But do not discontinue it. Also, take vitamin supplements like tablet Xtraglo (Biotin, Copper, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, L-Cysteine, L-Lysine, and Methionine) once daily for six months. Consult a specialist doctor, talk to them, and then take the medication. Get a review after one month.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.