Male Pattern Baldness or COVID?

[macncheese311]

Over the past 3 months seems as if my hair density overall has lowered. Noticed a lot of hair loss during showers (about 2 months ago) during the last few months but didnt pay it any mind (busy with a new job) until about 2 weeks ago when I was going to get my haircut. Can see straight to the top of my head before and after haircut.
I have small horizontal pits on my thumbs (beau lines?) but not on other nails. My research suggests it may be telogen effluvium as I had covid about 2-3 months prior to my hair loss. Had a fever, difficulty breathing, and fatigue for about a week but wasn't hospitalized (recovered fully).

I am also afraid, however, that it is male pattern baldness as it is much thinner above my temples (see photos). And it seems that I have severe miniaturization

Receding hairline? In the natural pattern of MPB? Could suggest genetic balding. Or is it simply coming back after covid?

I have a dermatologist appointment that I set up about a month ago but it's not until the end of January (very long wait time). I have started on the Nioxin systrm after it was recommended by my mother's hair stylist for me.

In terms of prescribed treatments, I have done tons of research on minoxidil and finasteride, however, I am hesitant to start them as they may affect the dermatologist's diagnosis. Also, I know that once I start finasteride or minoxidil, I cannot stop or I will lose even more hair. Furthermore, I'm not sure if it's the internet, but the side effects of finasteride scare me. Is dermarolling effective?

Please help, this has been eating away at my mental health ever since I noticed it and I have been very stressed over it.

Left Side:

Right Side:

Full head:

Top:

(I think I've always had a bald spot on the top left)

 

[macncheese311]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I am a 23yo male. My dad didn't experience much hair loss until his mid 30s and my grandfather (on his side) lost his hair (on top) by the time he was 33. My brother (31) has a hairline that has receded very little and no thinning on the crown.

 

[Coopman]

Very few individuals taking Finasteride experience side effects, those that experience side effects cease to experience side effects once treatment stops In most cases. If Finasteride works for you then it could maintain your hair for years, it also helps prevent miniaturisation of hairs to the back and sides of your head (Think of this as being your hair graft bank for the future if you decide to have a hair transplant in the future).
Rogaine (use foam version as it drys within 10 minutes/liquid can leave your hair greasy) can regrow full terminal hairs and help thicken existing miniaturised hairs. It is however not as effective at maintaining your hair than Finasteride And if you want to maintain your hair long term then Finasteride is really your main weapon in your arsenal.

It is clear that there is slight recession at your temples and signs of minitaurisation. But this does not mean you are going to lose all of your hair. I have seen people like you with similar hair at 20 and it remains the same at 30 without treatment.

That is not a bald spot at the left hand back of your head. You have a bright light shining directly in that area, everyone’s hair will look like that. Your hair is also quite long and looks partly greasy. If it is greasy the hair binds together and will expose the skin.

My advice, wash your hair every 1-2 days to keep it in good health, do not fret about seeing hairs in the sink plug. We all lose dozens of hairs each day naturally. Cut your hair shorter and get a trendier haircut (short back and sides layered into the top). Do not worry about having your temples exposed, if you are in the early stages of MPB nobody else notices and you are about to embark/research on a treatment plan to slow it down/stop it and hey even get some good thickening.

Whatever you do, do not research hair transplants! That is possibly in the mid-long term future if it is the right option for you.

So decide and research on your treatment plan, wait until your dermatologist appointment to get their opinion and if it is MPB you have caught it early and you have treatment options.

Good luck.

 

[macncheese311]

Thank you, his has been very helpful! I also really didn't expect such a quick response either.

 

[Bigmac]

Your hairline does look as though it has slightly receded. To me, your crown does look thinner but the image is under harsh lighting. Maybe add a picture in normal lighting. I would consider hair loss meds which you can talk about with the Derm when you have your appointment.
Covid could be the cause of your loss as well as other things such as vitamin D deficiency.
Try not to stress about it because that too can cause hair loss. There are a few options available that the Derm should explain.

 

[macncheese311]

Here is a top photo in better lighting. And a better view of the back. I don't really see much thinning here yet which I guess is a good sign.
Top view (i layed it straight so the back woul be more exposed)

Back:

One additional question, and I just thought of this, is it likely that my hairline has slowly been thinning over the past few years (unnoticed), yet a form of shedding (such as telogen effluvium from covid) has made it more obvious/uncovered it?

I do remember my barber finding a small circular bald spot on my head when I was in the 6th grade (likely alopecia areata) close to my hairline on the left side and I haven't seen again it until this has happened. The photo below shows it more:

My hairline on the right side is dramatically different (or at least it doesnt seem as thin to me):

I am also aware that genetic balding does not always happen symmetrically and it could also have something to do with the way I style my hair but does this seem related?

Thank you.

 

[macncheese311]

Also, in response to you mentioning vitamin D and other supplements, I have been taking a vitamin D supplement every other day for about the past 2-3 years (primary doctor suggested) and I have just recently (about a month ago) started biotin gummy supplements (even though they really only help if I am deficient in biotin, I thought I would give them a try).

 

[Bigmac]

Your hair is definitely thinning, the derm should confirm the cause and advise on possible treatments. If I were in your position I`d be using Finasteride. The biotin supplement may help a little.

 

[MaxMidlander]

Start Finasteride and see how you get on . I had to Google COVID hair loss . I was worried as have caught it twice now

 

[ninaross]

You can try DHT Blockers or hair vitamins. Besides your genes, a main contributing factor to your hair condition may be DHT. (when DHT attacks hair follicles and destroys them). Providing your scalp with essential vitamins will lead to quality hair growth. Let me know if this helps!