Reader sent a message to Dr. Peter Gott, M.D. She’s healthy 77 year old woman. Here’s the message “I exercise daily because I am a vegetarian, also take fish oil supplements.”

The Story
Three years ago, I had a nice head of shiny white hair (dry, weak and dull brown). It is also falling out. Even didn’t used hair dye, had perms or used any harsh chemicals in my hair and never smoke or drunk alcohol.

I have been in medical doctors and five dermatologists. I was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and currently taking prednisone but still getting worse.

Possible to stop the hair loss

There are two drugs which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat this type of hair loss.

1. Minoxidil
2. Prednisone

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is available for men and women. It may slow or stop hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. But it can take up to six months before results are noticed and balding will return as soon as the products is stopped. It must be used twice daily.

Prednisone, a corticosteroid is not accepted hair loss treatment because of the high risk of side effects. You have to go back to the doctors and ask why you are taking it and request that you begin tapering off the dosage until you can stop safely.

Hair Transplant its good but they are expensive and are not a guarantee fo hair growth.

Peter Gott, M.D, is a retired general internist and the author of “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook.”

Send questions to Dr. Gott, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016.