CASE STUDY 3

Patient is a 42 year-old Caucasian female with a history of frontal and mid-scalp hair loss for over 5 years. She delivered a child 18 months ago and feels that the loss might have gotten a bit worse. She continues to take prenatal vitamins and takes Biotin 1gm per day. A video microscopic exam was performed on the mid-scalp and occipital areas. The micro-images revealed significant miniaturization in the mid-scalp but not in the occipital area. On that basis, I made diagnosis of androgenic alopecia (and not telogen effluvium).

Examination revealed generally thinned hair and scalp with a moderate (more visible skin than visible hair) hair loss in the frontal and mid-scalp area. Findings were consistent with female androgenic alopecia. No inflammation was noted. A pull test was negative. Blood work revealed a normal free testosterone and DHEAS.

Low level laser light therapy was initiated using thinning hair lose treatment, 30 minutes every other day. No topical or oral hair growth treatments were used. Biotin and prenatal vitamins were continued. Upon follow up at five months, the patient felt that her hair loss had improved and stated full compliance. She reported she had intermittent headaches (approximately one hour duration, less than twice a month) that she attributed to anxiety and lack of sleep.

On examination the frontal and mid-scalp hair appeared to be fuller with increased volume. The width of the central part had been significantly reduced Photographs show the comparison between baseline and 6 month appearance.