What Treatment Will A Hair Loss Doctor Prescribe
Your hair loss doctor will prescribe treatment based on the cause of your hair loss. If your hair loss is genetic , the most common treatment option is finasteride and/or minoxidil.
These medications work by blocking hormonal hair loss and regrowing your hair for a thicker, stronger and healthier hairline. Each works slightly differently you can learn more about the differences in our guide to Minoxidil vs Finasteride.
Sometimes, you might also be recommended a topical DHT blocker or anti-hair loss shampoo for extra protection.
If your hair loss is caused by stress or another health problem, your hair loss doctor might be able to prescribe something to treat the underlying condition. In some cases, they might refer you to a specialist for a specific treatment to end the underlying problem and the hair loss.
Should You See A Dermatologist For Hair Loss
Are you worried that you are losing hair rapidly? Are you overwhelmed and confused about what you are supposed to do and who you are supposed to talk to? Do you perhaps ask yourself Should I see a dermatologist for hair loss? Well, read on to discover the answer to that question in just a few minutes!
How Do Dermatologists Treat Hair Loss
Just as there are many causes, there are many treatments for hair loss. Dermatologists recommend treating hair loss early, before you lose a lot of hair. Hair loss is harder to treat when a person has already lost an extreme amount of hair.
One or more of the following treatments may be part of your treatment plan.
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Should You See A Hair Loss Doctor
Simply put, you should see a hair loss doctor if youve noticed your hairline receding or thinning and want to do something about it.
The best time to see a hair loss doctor is when you notice any of the early signs of balding. If your hairline is slowly receding or you notice a lot of hair falling out when you shampoo or comb your hair, its probably a good time to take action. Even guys in their teens can make early changes to prevent hair loss.
One easy way of knowing that youre losing hair is to compare several photos of you taken two or more years apart. If you can see a visual change in your hairline or hair thickness, its worth making an appointment with a hair loss doctor.
It can also be worth seeing a hair loss doctor if you havent noticed any of the common signs of balding, but just want to be prepared and have a plan for dealing with hair loss if and when you experience it.
Can Hair Loss In Women Be Treated
The popular medication minoxidil 5% is the only topical medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for female-pattern hair loss. It can work for women as well as men, though it can sometimes cause the growth of facial hair. Although minoxidil is available without a prescription, seeking the advice of a dermatologist is still generally advised before starting.
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Things You Should Know About Male Pattern Baldness
Hiding under a baseball cap as you slip down the hair treatment aisle at your local drug store? Guys, take the hat off. You arent alone. There are 50 million men in the U.S. who suffer from the most common type of hair loss: male pattern baldness, also called androgenic alopecia.
Male pattern baldness accounts for 95 percent of hair loss in men. It happens when the hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. As it progresses, it usually recedes to form an M shape. Complete baldness can begin to happen when the hair thins at the top of the head , forming a pattern of hair all around the sides of the head.
1: Genetics and hormones are to blame
Male pattern baldness is hereditary. Men who have relatives with male pattern baldness are much more likely to have it themselves. The balding genes can be inherited either from the mother or the fathers side of the family. It can also skip generations and may even affect siblings differently. In men, a breakdown product of testosterone called Dihydrotestoerone is the cause of progressive miniaturization of the hair follicles. DHT binds to receptors on the hair follicles resulting in shorter cycle of hair growth and eventual death of the hair follicle and clinically appearing as shorter and thinner strands as in balding scalp.
2: Male pattern baldness is not the only cause of hair loss in men
3: Hair loss can strike young
4: It is different than hair loss in women
5: There are treatments for hair loss
Doctors Vs Dermatologist Vs Trichologist
Doctors especially general practitioners do not spend more than a few weeks if any, on conditions concerning the hair and scalp. As they are a secondary sexual function, many doctors will often dismiss cases as it is not essential to health and does not take priority.
Understand, this does not mean that doctors are not qualified to treat these cases as they certainly are, however they usually do not have as in depth knowledge because they take a broader approach to healthcare.
Patients will be treated but may not get a thorough understanding of the cause and treatments available, as a doctors consultation usually lasts less than 15 minutes but with a trichologist you can usually expect to spend up to an hour taking a detailed history and clinical exclamation.
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What Causes Hair Loss
Many instances of hair loss are linked to genetics. If you have a family history of hair loss or balding, you may be more likely to experience these issues with age. Hair loss can also occur due to changes in hormones, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, and because of any thyroid issues. Stress may play a factor in hair loss as well.
Medical conditions and medications have been linked to certain types of hair loss. Alopecia areata, for example, is a common condition that causes hair loss in patches. Infections can have a similar effect. If youre taking medications for conditions like depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure, hair loss could be a side effect. So, its important to talk to your doctor about any concerns. Hair loss is a common side effect for cancer drugs like chemotherapy, as well as cancer treatments like radiation to the head region.
Who Really Is A Trichologist
A certified trichologist is the member of a governing body, for example, the Trichological Society and the Institute of Trichologist. The institutes of trichologists were established over 100 years ago and are professional associations for trichologists throughout the world. Registered members use the suffix AIT, MIT or FIT after their names to indicate that they are registered members of the trichology institutes.
In addition to this, to protect patients from any negligence, the Institute of Trichologists publish a code of ethics that is expected to be abided by and practiced by all registered trichologists.
Moreover, the support, treatment approach and opinions via alternative medicines within the Institute of Trichologists differ. For this reason, it is important for each individual patient to look for a practitioner who is suitable for their hair and scalp needs.
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How Is It Treated
Treatment for hair loss depends on the cause. It also depends on your feelings. You may decide that you need treatment, or you may not be worried about thinning hair or baldness. The choice is up to you.
If hair loss is caused by something that won’t last or can be treated, your hair is likely to grow back. For example, if an underactive thyroid is causing the problem, taking thyroid medicine may help. And most hair lost during chemotherapy will grow back after the treatment ends.
Hair loss that runs in the family can be treated with medicines or hair transplant surgery. Some people choose to wear hairpieces, like wigs or toupees. Finding different ways of styling your hair, like dyeing or combing, can help.
If hair loss is caused by something you can control, like stress or medicines, you can treat it by getting rid of the cause.
Is Prp Safe For Hair Loss
PRP has been used for its wound healing properties in several medical specialties for more than 20 years, and has been used since 2004 for hair loss treatments. The procedure is well tolerated by patients and overall very safe. More recently, studies have shown proven positive results for PRP as an effective treatment for female and male pattern hair loss.
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Treating Stress From The Source
Wary of this advice, I decided it was at least easy and affordable to try. So I cancelled my next appointment at the dermatologist and didnt buy any special oils or scalp massage tools.
Instead, I went out with friends. I worked out. I took my vitamins. I watched movies. I cried when I felt like crying. I made an effort to do five minutes of breathwork and ten minutes of meditation in the morning. I slept in when it felt good. I went to therapy. I meal prepped. Basically, I lived my life.
And you know what? The next month, I did see new hairs start to come in. And more, the month after. Until finally, the spot went away completely.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy For Hair Thinning
Frequently asked questions about PRP Therapy.
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a restorative treatment that uses plasma from your own blood to stimulate re-growth of your hair. PRP therapy stimulates the bodys inactive hair follicles to re-grow healthier, thicker hair and aids in the bodys natural healing process. Performed in our office, PRP is a simple, non-surgical treatment that takes less than hour per treatment.
Who is a good candidate for PRP?
PRP has proven effective for common non-scarring forms of hair loss, which are also known as:
- Female pattern hair thinning
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Importance Of Choosing The Right Doctor To Treat Hair Loss
If you live in Detroit and are seeking hair loss treatment, then the best place start your search is by speaking to your general practitioner . Theyll usually have a comprehensive understanding of your medical history, and they can run general tests that could reveal sudden physical irregularities in your system or indicate if your medications are triggering your hair loss. They should also be able to determine whether your hair loss is a natural genetic predisposition.
If your hair loss raises any concerns, your GP can refer you to other physicians who specialize in specific medical fields that are also related to hair loss. Its important to look into the problem immediately so that you can figure out whats causing your hair loss and quickly find effective treatment options. Keep in mind that doctors who treat hair loss might recommend different treatment options for different sexes depending on the cause of the issue. Certain medical conditions can have different adverse medical effects on men and women, and sometimes one of the sexes is naturally more prone to suffer certain conditions.
Are There Other Treatment Options For Fphl
Women want innovative treatments for FPHL. To meet this need, researchers continue to look for new ways to stimulate hair growth and stop hair breakage. Other treatments that you may find for FPHL include the following.
Lasers for at-home use: The FDA has approved laser combs, helmets, and other devices, which are available without a prescription, to treat hair loss at home. These devices emit a low level of laser light that may help stimulate new hair growth. A few studies show that this can be effective for treating FPHL.
As with minoxidil and prescription medicines, you must continue using an at-home laser device to see results. We still do not know whether these devices are safe for long-term use or if they can continue to produce new hair growth.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy:
It is believed the platelets help stimulate your cells to grow hair.
Researchers are just beginning to study this therapy as a treatment for hair loss. The early findings show promise, but more studies are needed to know whether this is a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Stem cells: Using stem cells to treat FPHL is still in the experimental stages. Like platelet-rich plasma therapy, more studies are needed to know whether stem cells are a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Hair loss shampoos: These shampoos tend to do one of the following.
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Help your hair hold moisture, which makes hair look fuller and thicker
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Lessen breakage, which can reduce thinning
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Do You Need A Hair Loss Doctor
Medically reviewed by Patrick Carroll, MD
If youve noticed your hairline starting to recede or your hair beginning to thin, one of the most important steps you can take in stopping any further hair loss is getting in touch with a hair loss doctor.
Hair loss can start as early as your teens, and some men experience the early signs of male pattern baldness in their 20s or 30s. The point is, with baldness, the earlier you take action and seek treatment, the more of your hair youll be able to keep.
Luckily, almost all male hair loss is treatable today. A hair loss doctor can work with you to find out whats causing your hair loss and put together a hair loss prevention protocol that helps you minimize further loss and keep as much of your hair as possible.
Not sure if you need a hair loss doctor? Below, weve listed the key benefits of talking to a hair loss doctor, as well as some signs you can look for to know when its time to take action and do something about your hair loss.
Why Women Lose Their Hair
From what you read above, youve probably gathered that hair loss is actually excessive hair loss specifically the shift from those normal percentages to a new, imbalanced ratio with more follicles remaining in the telogen phase.
Hair could end up stuck in telogen for many reasons, among them: autoimmune diseases, stress or even trauma to your scalp or body generally, like a major wound or surgery.
Hair loss may also happen due to your genetics or a hormonal imbalance.
There are a few common types of hair loss women experience that a hair loss dermatologist will likely look to diagnose, if need be:
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Androgenetic Alopecia. Male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss is the most common name for androgenetic alopecia: a condition caused by fluctuations in the levels of your hormones . It typically manifests as women age, and especially as we approach menopause. This is the most common form of hair loss.
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Telogen Effluvium. Telogen effluvium typically appears as a pattern of even thinning across your scalp and is typically caused by a stressor like a major surgery, some bodily trauma, serious illness, and sometimes by giving birth or having radiation. Luckily, telogen effluvium will resolve itself eventually especially after the stressor is addressed.
The lesson here is that not all hair loss is created equal, folks. And different types of hair loss require different treatment strategies.
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