When a man experiences hair loss that happens suddenly, especially when hair starts falling in the shower, on his pillow, or when he is brushing his hair, it may be a cause for alarm. While most people know that thinning of hair is one of the characteristics of male pattern baldness, there are cases wherein shedding of hair is due to other factors like illness, stress, malnutrition, medication change, and other conditions related to the scalp.
What Causes Sudden Hair Loss in Men?
Hair follows a growth cycle and a resting cycle. The average number of hairs that are shed daily is about 50 to 100 strands. However, any excess of that or patches where hair is absent may signal excessive hair shedding or other kinds of hair loss.
1. Telogen Effluvium
One of the common causes of sudden and noticeable hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It typically appears several months after the following triggers:
- High fever or illness
- Surgery
- Weight loss
- Stress
- Recovery from infection
- Medications
- Malnutrition
Hair shedding is usually temporary and once the underlying factor is identified, it can go back to its normal growth cycle.
2. Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss is an androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common type of hair loss among men. It depends on genetic factors and hair follicle sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The usual symptoms are receding hairline, bald spot on the crown of the head, or gradual hair thinning.
Unlike other forms of hair loss, male pattern hair loss will not stop on its own without proper treatment. Early recognition and treatment can increase the chances of preventing further hair loss.
Can Finasteride 1mg Be Used For Male Hair Loss?
Finasteride 1mg is an oral prescription drug that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in males. The recommended dose in men is 1 mg once a day. Finasteride reduces the activity of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which participates in transformation of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Thus, it decreases DHT levels and prevents miniaturization of scalp hair follicles.
When searching for the drug under the name of finasteride 1mg tablets, you may see terms like Finrest 1mg .
Finasteride does not work fast. As per the FDA, benefits of finasteride might only begin to show up after at least three months of continuous use. It also needs to be used continuously in order to retain its benefits.
What about Finasteride 5mg for Hair Loss?
Finasteride 5mg tablets have a higher amount of the same active substance. In the United States, the 5 mg finasteride tablets are commonly used for treating BPH, and not the approved amount for treating male pattern hair loss.
Hence, Finrest 5mg for hair loss should not be used instead of the FDA-approved 1mg tablets. A physician would decide if finasteride is right for you and what dosage would be best for your condition.
Using a high dose does not necessarily mean improved hair growth effects. The prescribed dose by the doctor must be strictly followed and never changed independently.
3. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which can result in rapid and smooth, round or oval bald spots on the scalp, beard, eyebrow or any other part of the body. Some individuals might also feel itchiness, tingling or burning sensation in that area.
Due to the reason that alopecia areata has a different cause than male pattern baldness, finasteride might not be the right medicine for it.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiency in iron, proteins, zinc, or other vital nutrients could be a factor in hair loss. This may be due to restrictive diets, weight loss, or bad nutrition. A doctor might suggest testing when there is suspicion of a deficiency.
5. Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid diseases may be a contributing factor to hair loss. If there is an abrupt hair loss accompanied by symptoms such as unexplained weight gain/loss, fatigue, temperature intolerance, or palpitations, then medical attention may be needed.
6. Infections and Inflammations in the Scalp
Infectious diseases, psoriasis, and other inflammations in the scalp are a cause of hair loss. There may be scaling, reddening, itching, tenderness, sores, or discharge in the scalp.
When Should Men Visit a Physician?
Consultation is essential if any of the following symptoms is present:
- Onset of hair loss that occurs suddenly or in patches.
- Pain, inflammation, or severe itchiness on the scalp.
- Hair fall out in huge amounts.
- Loss of eyebrows or beard hair.
- Hair loss that persists over several months.
- A recently acquired illness, considerable weight loss, or change in medications.
- Progressive recession of the hairline and thinning of the hair crown.
The dermatologist can discern if there is excessive shedding or actual hair loss and determine what could be causing it.
FAQs
1. Is it normal for men to have sudden hair loss?
While some shedding may result from illness, stress, surgical procedures, fever, or drastic weight loss, the onset of bald patches and shedding requires diagnosis for its cause.
2. Does Finasteride 1mg work on male pattern hair loss?
Finasteride 1mg is approved by the FDA for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men. Finasteride decreases the levels of DHT and may help control hair loss.
3. What are Finrest 1mg and Finrest tablets?
To make sure you are buying finasteride 1mg and not some other product, look at the labeling and prescription of your Finrest 1mg and Finrest tablets. Sometimes there can be different product names depending on where you are.
4. Is finasteride 5mg more effective than finasteride 1mg against hair loss?
No. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the FDA approved daily dose for hair loss is 1mg of finasteride, and 5mg is used only in case of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not advised to increase the dose of finasteride for hair loss treatment.
5. Can hair re-grow from sudden hair shedding?
Yes, but it depends on the reasons behind hair loss. If it is caused by illness, stress, or malnutrition, it is possible to reverse the effects. If it is hereditary pattern baldness, additional treatment will be necessary.
Conclusion
There are many reasons for sudden hair loss among males including telogen effluvium and deficiency of nutrients, alopecia areata and male pattern baldness. However, the treatment will depend on the underlying reason. If the male is identified with male pattern baldness, then finasteride 1 mg can be a recommended prescription drug such as finasteride 1 mg tablets or Finrest 1 mg. Finasteride 5 mg for hair loss cannot be taken as an alternate of finasteride 1 mg because it has a completely different FDA approved indication in the US.
However, if the hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy and also accompanied by other symptoms on the scalp, a dermatologist visit can provide the required information.