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What Kind Of Doctor Do You See About Hair Loss

How Do I Know Which Hair Loss Treatment Is Best For Me

What You Can Do about Hair Loss

Choosing a hair loss treatment plan is a highly personal decision. When exploring your options, its best to talk with your doctor to first identify what is causing your hair loss to select the best treatment. Some people find success with home remedies or OTC hair loss treatments, and some are better candidates for prescription medications and treatments.

How Can I Tell If I Have Female Pattern Hair Loss

Its best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether its FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so its important to rule out these causes.

Is Rogaine Really Effective

Only certain types of baldness respond to Rogaine, and only if you use it consistently. However, it is not suitable for everyone. If it works, you wont be able to regrow all of your hair, and it could take up to four months to see results. To keep any regrowth, youll have to use Rogaine indefinitely.

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Youve Gone Through A Major Hormonal Shift

Hormones are responsible for so much within our bodies. They regulate many functions throughout your body and also are a key element in hair loss. According to the National Library of Medicine, 50 million men and 30 million women experience hormonal hair loss.

Of the five types of hair loss, the most common cause is hormonal, triggered by the fluctuations in hormone levels, including testosterone and its conversion into a molecule called DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, which can alter the hair growth cycle and potentially shorten the hair growth phase.

And, as we age, hair loss increases by age 70, its estimated that 55% of women will experience some sort of hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is often connected with menopause, in which estrogen levels plummet, in turn leading to changes in hair, including loss. Other hormonal events think pre- and post-partum, along with pregnancy can also alter hair growth cycles and the hair itself. Schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss alternatives in treating hormone-related hair loss.

Youve Overhauled Your Diet

What Type Of Doctor Do You See For Hair Loss

If youve recently started a new diet, nutritional shifts can have powerful effects from your tresses to your toes. The ever-increasing popularity of keto, paleo or plant-based diets, among others, can impact your overall health, including your hair especially if youre not getting the adequate levels of essential nutrients.

Heres where the healing power of plants can help you take a natural approach in addition to following your medical professionals nutritional advice. Bolster your daily intake of essential, natural ingredients, such as red clover, with a supplement like GRO+ Advanced Hair Care Gummies.

Doctors orders: The best hair Rx is to take a holistic approach to your whole body health by reducing stress, incorporating a balanced nutritional plan and maintaining regular appointments with your medical professional.

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Reasons To See A Trichologist

Trichologists treat a wide range of hair and scalp conditions:

Male and Female Hair Loss

Pattern baldness is a common form of hair loss, or alopecia, in men and women. For men, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, starting above both temples, eventually receding to form a characteristic âMâ shape. Women are more likely to experience overall hair thinning without a receding hairline.

In addition to the emotional aspects of hair loss, pattern baldness in men has been associated with several serious medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, enlargement of the prostate, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Hair loss in women is associated with an elevated risk of polycystic ovary syndrome , a hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular menstruation, acne, and weight gain.

Hair Shedding

Hair shedding, or telogen effluvium, occurs when large sections of hair fall detach from the scalp. This can be caused by several conditions, including stress, surgery, high fevers, blood loss, hormonal change, and childbirth. Hair shedding is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs.

If youâre experiencing hair shedding, a trichologist might be a good place to start. They should be able to direct you to a physician who can help you with underlying conditions.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia is caused by inflammatory disorders, chemicals like hair relaxers, and several fungal conditions.

Excessive Hair Growth in Women

What Kind Of Doctor Treats Hair Loss

When you notice signs of hair loss, what type of doctor should you see? Its a common first question for nearly every man or woman who first notices signs of thinning, balding, or shedding. Hair loss treatment is a multi-million dollar business, and it seems theres no end to the number of different specialists, shampoos, and pills that promise to restore areas of balding scalp. Selecting the right physician will make it easier to get an accurate hair loss diagnosis from the start, which will provide the framework for an efficient treatment regimen.

Before taking a closer look at the different types of doctors who are capable of telling you more about your hair loss, it helps to explore a few of the most common reasons why men and women lose their hair. With the following causes in mind, it becomes easier to see why certain specialists are more capable of providing an expert diagnosis than others.

A few reasons for hair loss include:

  • Genetics
  • A skin condition
  • Prescription medications

At our Institute, we assess each of these factors with comprehensive methodology. Our surgeons implement the most advanced technologies available to get to the root of your hair loss and develop a personalized treatment plan.

The results speak for themselves. Click the following link to view images of real patients, before and after hair transplant procedures.

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How To Find A Hair Loss Doctor Near You

Dermatologists are available to visit in-person and are the most common professionals available for hair loss treatment. During these visits, dermatologists can treat your scalp and hair, both connected to hair loss. You can find these specialized physicians through local dermatology offices in your city or a nearby area. You may or may not need a referral from your primary care physician, depending on your health insurance plan and treatment needs. Should your dermatologist decide you need a prescription, local pharmacies are your tried and true method.

Changing Your Hair Care May Help

Hair Loss Treatment for Women

Some hairstyles and hair care habits can damage hair, leading to hair loss. If your dermatologist finds that this may be causing your hair loss, your dermatologist can recommend changes that will help you stop damaging your hair.

Youll find tips that dermatologists give their patients at:

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Prescription Medication That Can Regrow Hair

Another treatment option is to take prescription medication. The type of medication prescribed will depend on your:

  • Hair loss cause

  • Expected results

  • Plans for getting pregnant

With any medication, side effects are possible. Ask your dermatologist about possible side effects that you might experience while taking one of these medications to treat hair loss. The medications include:

Finasteride : The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this medication to treat male pattern hair loss. When taken as directed, finasteride can:

  • Slow down hair loss

  • Stimulate new hair growth

Finasteride is a pill that you take once a day. Taking it at the same time each day seems to produce the best results.

Finasteride: Before and after

This man took finasteride to treat his male pattern hair loss, and within 1 year , he had noticeable improvement. After 2 years , he had regrown most of his hair.

Like other treatments for hair loss, this, too, takes time to work. It usually takes about 4 months to notice any improvement.

Finasteride tends to be more effective if you begin taking it when you first notice hair loss.A dermatologist may also prescribe this medication to treat a woman who has hereditary hair loss and cannot get pregnant.

If finasteride works for you, you will need to keep taking it to continue getting results. Once you stop, youll start losing hair again.Before taking this medication, be sure to discuss possible side effects with your dermatologist.

Other Concerns With Hair Loss

Treating the cause often stops hair loss, and hair grows back. In some cases, other treatment is needed.

Hair care for cancer treatment

Hair loss caused by cancer treatment requires special care: Use mild shampoos. Do not use a hair-dryer.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, where hair growth begins. Because hair often grows back within a year, you may decide not to have treatment. Understanding the come-and-go nature of hair loss with this condition can help you make the best treatment decision. Children and teenagers may need counselling to help them adjust to the hair loss.

Medicines, such as corticosteroids, can be used to treat alopecia areata.

Women taking birth control pills

Women with inherited hair loss who wish to take birth control pills should use a pill type that does not add to hair loss, such as a norgestimate or desogestrel.footnote 2

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How Common Is Hair Loss In Women

Many people think that hair loss only affects men. However, it is estimated that more than 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss , which affects about one-third of susceptible women, which equals out to some 30 million women in the United States.

What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Hair Loss

haircutingmachine: What Type Of Doctor Do You See For Hair Loss

Factors that increase the risk of hair loss include:

  • Genetics . If one or both of your parents have hair loss, it is likely that you will also.
  • Disease or illness. Certain diseases or an illness can cause hair loss. The diseases may include ringworm of the scalp , thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, or lupus. The illness may include a severe infection or high fever.
  • Age. Many people have some hair loss by the age of 50.
  • Medicines and medical treatments. Certain medicines or medical treatments can cause scalp problems and hair loss.
  • Hair care and styling. Some methods of hair care or hair styles can damage hair and cause hair loss.

If you have alopecia areata, you are more likely to have permanent hair loss if:

  • You have a family history of the condition.
  • You have the condition at a young age.
  • You have a lot of hair loss.
  • You have abnormal colour, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernails or toenails.

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What Treatments Are Available

Once your dermatologist diagnoses your hair loss, they will determine whether treatment could be effective. Treatments can either help hair regrow more quickly or slow future hair loss. Keep in mind that age-related or genetic hair loss may not be reversible.

Patients who have a medical condition causing hair loss, like a thyroid issue or infection, will need to treat that condition before addressing the hair loss. In some cases, your dermatologist will refer you to a specialist for treatment. If you have a medical condition like alopecia areata, the dermatologist may prescribe medications or recommend an over-the-counter treatment.

In-office procedures can also be effective for some patients. These treatments can include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy. You may require repeated treatments before seeing improvement in hair growth.

Its also important to mention that your dermatologist may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent future hair loss. This may include changing your diet, as well as avoiding certain hairstyles and hair pieces.

Hair loss can be complicated, but the team at Pacific Dermatology Specialists can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment. Located in Long Beach, CA and a number of other convenient locations, our medical dermatology professionals are committed to helping you look and feel your best. Contact us today to get started.

Trichologist Is An Expert In Human Hair A Dermatologist Is A Medical Doctor

A trichologist is an expert in human hair, from making it look its best through to treating problems with your hair and scalp. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nails and has the training and expertise to conduct a full examination and any necessary tests to give an accurate diagnosis.

This training and depth of knowledge are vital. Typically a trichologist will train for up to four years. My training to become a dermatologist included six years of medical school, two more years of core medical training, four years specializing in dermatology, then another year on my special interest areas. Thats 13 years of medical training to specialize in skin and hair, giving a depth of knowledge that enables the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hair loss conditions. I am one of the few dermatologists in the UK who specializes in hair loss.

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When Hair Loss Strikes A Doctor Is A Girls Best Friend

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A COUPLE of years ago my hair started falling out. Not in clumps, but I noticed more hairs than usual in my comb and in the bath drain.

I went to a trichologist who tested my blood , told me some thinning was natural for a woman in her mid-40s and sent me home with expensive shampoo and a serum to use on my scalp. I used the potions. I took vitamins. I stopped brushing my hair.

I was a wreck. If someone had told me there was a cure in a remote village in the mountains of Bhutan, I would have put on my hiking boots and boarded a plane.

No one wants to lose their hair, but for women it is especially traumatic. Men can shave their heads and look hip, even sexy. Most women dont want to be bald. Though it is more common and visible in men, many women lose their hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 30 million women in this country have hereditary hair loss, compared with 50 million men. But many additional women experience thinning hair that results from menopause or health problems.

If your hair is coming out, be advised that of the multitude of treatments on the market for women, few are worth your money, says Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Thats the background. Now for some guidance:

What To Expect During An In

The 11 Types of Alopecia (AND HOW TO FIX IT) – Dr. Berg

During an in-person hair loss visit with a doctor, they will likely start off by asking you questions about your hair loss.

  • When did your hair loss start?
  • How rapidly is hair being lost?
  • Have you had any stressors or life changes recently?
  • Have you had rapid weight changes?
  • What medications and supplements are you taking?
  • Is your hair breaking or growing slower?
  • Do you have relatives with hair loss?
  • Is the hair loss in a certain location or all over?
  • Has anything made the hair loss better or worse?

After talking with you, your doctor may perform or order certain tests to get to the root of the problem.

  • Blood test to identify nutritional deficiencies
  • Blood test to measure DHT levels
  • Blood test to identify if you have diseases related to hair loss like Thyroid conditions
  • A scalp biopsy or removal of a few hairs to look at the scalp and follicles under a microscope and identify abnormalities
  • Observing the hair on and around the scalp for dermatological conditions which can cause hair loss

After speaking with the doctor and getting any test results back, your doctor will either prescribe you a hair loss medication to help retain or regrow your hair, or get you treatment to help fix any underlying condition causing the hair loss.

Luckily, most cases of hair loss are able to be treated to some extent, so your doctor will likely be able to offer some answers and treatments much of the time.

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How Are The Causes Of Hair Fall Diagnosed

Since hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, the first step should be to consult your family physician or a general practitioner. The doctor will perform a general physical exam for you and ask you a number of questions to glean your and your familys medical history. The physician will ask you:

  • How noticeably is your hair thinning? How many hair strands do you lose per day?
  • Since how long do you have excessive hair loss?
  • Does your family have a history of hair loss?
  • Tell me about your diet.
  • What are your hairstyling habits? Do you use heat often to style your hair?
  • Have you suffered from any recent illnesses, especially skin rashes or allergies?
  • Do you have any health problems such as thyroid problems, arthritis etc?
  • Do you suffer from stress or depression?
  • Are you taking any medicines for thyroid problems, arthritis, depression or any heart-related issues?

Based on your responses and overall general health, the doctor may then advise you to undergo the following tests:

  • Blood Test: to determine if you suffer from any health problems such as thyroid.
  • Pull Test: in which the doctor will pull your hair to see how many hairs come out on an average.
  • Scalp Biopsy: in which the doctor will scrape some skin and a few hairs from your scalp to check if you suffer from any kind of scalp infection.
  • Light Microscopy: which will help diagnose any disorders of the hair shaft you may suffer from.

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