Hair Loss

What causes hair loss? There are many possible causes to abrupt or gradual hair loss. What causes hair loss can determine whether your hair is thinning, requires treatment for regrowth, or requires immediate treatment to prevent further hair loss. 

Hereditary hair loss is seen in both men and women and is the most common reason for hair loss throughout the world. The medical term for female or male pattern hair loss is androgenic alopecia. Basically, you have inherited a gene where a complex of interactions between hormones and genes trigger this type of hair loss. 

Age is another factor that plays a role in hair loss, as the rate of hair growth naturally slows down. The thick and coarse hair you may have had as a young adult, can become lightened as well as thin and fine. 

Autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss which is seen in alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a disease where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. With this disease, hair loss is also common on different parts of the body.

Hormonal imbalances, such as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or simply stopping or starting birth control pills can lead to hair loss. During and after menopause, hair might become finer (thinner) because hair follicles shrink. It is sometimes seen in women who have a hormonal shift to experience thinning of the hair, specifically the scalp. 

So what are some treatments for hair loss? Well, depending on the source of the hair loss there may be many options for regrowth. In cases where you are lacking vitamins or are experiencing nutritional deficiencies, hair growth can be treated with supplements. Many medications have been studied for hair regrowth as well, however are not FDA approved such as finasteride and spironolactone. Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is an effective treatment that stimulates hair growth and can be purchased in stores. Lastly, protein rich plasma (PRP) injections can reduce shedding and stimulate hair regrowth. PRP causes miniaturized hair follicles to become healthier and larger, producing more robust hair growth. This new growth can be seen as early as two months, but is typically evident between five to eight months and will continue to improve up to a year after treatment. PRP treatments are sometimes even followed by LED light therapy to energize cells and stimulate the body's natural process to build new proteins and regenerate cells. 

Hair loss is extremely common and affects both men and women. There are many treatment options available and as always, it is important to speak with your provider and decide on which treatment is best for you. Typically blood work will be required before treatment, and your provider is there to help you.