September 2007

Q: Can you tell me what the proven treatments are for FPHL that may not be federally approved?  I've been on Aldactone 150mg for a couple of months now, and have lost a lot of hair.  Is this normal for Aldactone to create more hair loss before if helps? - Karen
A: A couple of months on Aldactone is not long enough to see the effects of treatment. You need at least 6 months to see its effects. Please read the section "Medications to treat hair loss" for more information about why you are shedding more hair now in the first couple of months on Aldactone.

Bear in mind that most treatments aim to stop/slow down the progression of hair loss rather than promote hair regrowth. There are no proven treatments not federally approved, as far as I'm aware, but hair transplant is becoming a more popular option for females with hair loss, now that it is partially funded in Australia.

Not everyone is suitable for hair transplant and you would need to discuss this with your doctor if you are interested. Good luck!

Q: I was a medical student once and I am wondering if it was a time bomb my alopecia? It didn't happen until I was 35.5 years old extending to complete loss. I would like to talk to researchers in the field. - Twigg
A: I am not clear as to which type of alopecia you are referring to, but common balding in males can occur at any age. 30% of men in their 30's are affected, 40% of men in their 40's are affected, 50% of men in their 50's are affected, and so on.


Q: I am 36, I didn't start to suffer until I was 35.5 years. It has been about 9 months now since all my hair fell out from my whole body. Is there any data on time frames for regrow (averages?) I had long brown hair until I was 33 when I cut it shorter, people who knew me then and heard are in disbelief! - Twigg
A: I presume you are talking about alopecia areata. Please read the page on "alopecia areata" on this website as there is a lot of information there about the condition.