Young and Balding

Q. I am 25 and I suspect that I am balding. Prior to this, I have been using very strong hair styling products. Would this have any adverse effects on my hair and scalp? My hair (around top left forehead) is less dense now, and this is where I concentrate the usage of my hair styling product. I am worried that my hair will not grow back anymore and worst of all, continue dropping. I have stop using the styling product. What can I do besides waiting? I am thinking of taking mulitvitamins now. What do you suggest?

A. The first thing to do is look at your father and grandfathers. Is there a history of early hair loss in your family? If so, then you most likely have an inherited condition for which the use of hair styling products has probably not been a factor. If your family does not have a history of early hair loss, then certain diseases such as thyroid problems can cause early hair loss, as can some skin disorders. So that seeing your physician to evaluate your scalp and your hormone status might be justified.

If there is no medical cause (for example, the thyroid disease), then the treatment for male pattern baldness are drugs such as Minoxidil. Minoxidil works in some patients to promote hair growth and to diminish hair loss. However, the effect is only seen while you are taking the medication, the medication can be expensive, and insurance companies do not usually pay for it.