Treatments for every
hair loss need
- Longer hair growth cycle
- Increase hair density and volume
- Prevention of further hair loss
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What are the typical causes of hair loss?
Hair loss, or alopecia, can be caused by a variety of factors, affecting individuals in different ways. Some common causes of hair loss include:
- Genetics: Hereditary baldness, known as androgenic alopecia, is the most prevalent cause of hair loss, characterized by a predictable pattern of baldness in men and thinning hair along the crown in women.
- Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions: Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid issues, as well as medical conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss), scalp infections such as ringworm, and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) can lead to hair loss.
- Medications and Supplements: Certain drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss. Radiation therapy to the head may also prevent hair from growing back as before.
- Stressful Events: Physical or emotional shock can trigger a temporary thinning of hair across the entire scalp, known as telogen effluvium.
- Hairstyles and Treatments: Excessively tight hairstyles, hot-oil treatments, and the use of chemicals can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia, and potentially permanent hair loss if the scalp becomes scarred.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Insufficient intake of iron or protein can contribute to hair loss.
How do I know what type of hair loss I have?
Determining the type of hair loss you have involves observing the pattern, timing, and rate of hair loss, alongside considering other factors such as family history, medical conditions, and lifestyle. Here are steps to help identify the type of hair loss:
Observe the Pattern of Hair Loss
- Androgenic Alopecia: Gradual thinning at the top of the head, receding hairline in men, and thinning hair along the crown in women.
- Alopecia Areata: Sudden loss of patches of hair on the scalp and possibly other parts of the body, including the beard and eyebrows.
- Telogen Effluvium: General thinning across the entire scalp that can occur several months after a stressful event, surgery, significant weight loss, or a high fever.
- Traction Alopecia: Hair loss mainly at the hairline and temples due to tight hairstyles that pull at the hair.
Consider the Timing and Rate of Hair Loss
- Sudden vs. Gradual: Sudden hair loss might indicate telogen effluvium or alopecia areata, while gradual thinning is more characteristic of androgenic alopecia.
- Rapid vs. Slow: Rapid loss of hair, especially when it involves the whole body, may be due to medical treatments like chemotherapy (anagen effluvium).
Review Medical and Family History
- Family history of baldness can indicate a predisposition to androgenic alopecia.
- Past medical conditions, recent surgeries, or medications can provide clues (e.g., chemotherapy-related anagen effluvium or medication-induced hair loss).
Assess Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors
- Nutritional deficiencies (lack of iron or protein) and stressful events can lead to hair loss.
- Hairstyles and treatments that apply tension or heat to the hair can cause traction alopecia or temporary hair loss due to damage.
Consult a Healthcare Provider
A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination, which may include blood tests to check for thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies, scalp examination for signs of infection or inflammation, and possibly a scalp biopsy to diagnose specific types of hair loss like alopecia areata or scarring alopecias.
What medical treatment can help with hair loss?
The optimal medical treatment for hair loss depends on its underlying cause. Minoxidil, a topical solution applied to the scalp, is the most effective medical treatment for early stages of hair loss or mild to moderate baldness, as it stimulates hair regrowth. Minoxidil can enhance hair density for those experiencing hair thinning. Additionally, finasteride, an oral medication, targets hair loss by inhibiting the hormones that restrict hair growth. This can halt further hair loss and potentially encourage new growth.
Note: For men whose hair loss stems from stress, mental health issues, or vitamin deficiencies, addressing the underlying cause is crucial for treatment. It’s important to seek guidance from a doctor, dermatologist, or another medical expert to identify the most effective approach to managing hair loss.
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(813) 203-2052
- Appointments
- Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm EST
- Your info stays secure and confidential
