Androgenetic Alopecia in a 44-Year-Old Male: Medical Hair Loss Treatment in Katy and Houston, Texas
Hair thinning and patterned hair loss are common concerns for men, often progressing gradually over many years. At Reena Jogi, MD, we specialize in diagnosing and treating androgenetic alopecia using evidence-based medical and procedural therapies. This case highlights a 44-year-old male evaluated for long-standing scalp hair loss and started on combination oral therapy.
Patient Presentation
A 44-year-old male presented as a new patient with a chief complaint of hair loss on the scalp. The hair loss was moderate in severity, gradual in onset, and had been present for several years. The patient denied scalp symptoms such as itching, pain, or scaling. He reported a family history of hair loss on the paternal side and had not undergone any prior laboratory evaluation or treatment for hair loss.
Physical Examination
A focused dermatologic examination was performed, including evaluation of the scalp with hair inspection, head and face, eyelids, lips, nose, and neck. The patient appeared well developed and well nourished, was alert and oriented, and in no acute distress.
Scalp examination revealed patterned hair loss, most notable over the vertex and frontotemporal scalp, without signs of scarring, inflammation, or infection.
Diagnosis
Androgenetic Alopecia
Based on the clinical history and physical examination, the patient was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, a genetically mediated and androgen-dependent form of hair loss that commonly affects adult men.
Treatment Discussion
A detailed discussion was held regarding available treatment options for male pattern hair loss, including:
Finasteride and dutasteride
Nutraceutical supplements such as Nutrafol
The risks, benefits, alternatives, and realistic expectations for each therapy were reviewed in detail.
Treatment Plan
After shared decision-making, the patient elected to begin medical therapy with oral medications, including:
Finasteride
Finasteride 1 mg tablet, taken once daily
Counseling included potential side effects such as decreased libido, breast tenderness, gynecomastia, and possible mood changes or depression
Patient was advised that women should not handle the medication
Oral Minoxidil
Minoxidil 2.5 mg tablet, taken once daily
Counseling included possible side effects such as ankle swelling, fluid retention, hypotension, tachycardia, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and unwanted hair growth
The patient was advised that increased shedding during the first 8–10 weeks is common and expected
Baseline photographs were obtained during the visit for future comparison.
Patient Counseling and Expectations
The patient was counseled that:
Androgenetic alopecia is genetically predetermined and slowly progressive
Hair loss most commonly affects the vertex and frontotemporal regions
Consistent treatment is essential to maintain and improve results
The office should be contacted if hair loss worsens or medication side effects occur
Follow-Up
The patient will return in 6 months for reassessment of hair growth response and to review treatment tolerance and progress.
Expert Hair Loss Treatment in Katy and Houston, Texas
At Reena Jogi, MD, we offer personalized treatment plans for hair loss using the latest medical and procedural therapies. If you are experiencing hair thinning or pattern hair loss, expert dermatologic care is available in Katy and Houston, Texas.
Call the office today at 713-487-4061 to schedule your consultation!
