What Is The Prognosis/outlook For Women With Hair Loss
Your diagnosis determines the prognosis:
- Anagen and telogen shedding may stop with time.
- Treat any diseases associated with hair loss.
- Disguise or cover your hair loss using a wig or hat.
- Early treatment of alopecia may reduce the speed of thinning and may promote regrowth.
While hair loss is not itself dangerous, women with hair loss tend to be very upset by the changes to their appearance. These negative feelings can affect self-esteem and social lives. Recent studies suggest that FPHL can be associated with conditions that include metabolic syndrome, endocrine disorders and diabetes.
Also Check: Why Hair Is Thinning Male
What Types Of Hair Loss Does Rogaine Help
Rogaine is the mainstay treatment for patients with androgenetic alopecia. However, it has been an excellent adjuvant off-label treatment for many other hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. Minoxidil works well both for male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. Rogaine is an FDA approved treatment for hair loss, and both men and women have showed large gains in the number of new hairs grown with daily and continued use.
When To Call A Doctor
- Your hair loss is sudden, rather than gradual.
- You notice hair shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, or if your hair becomes thinner or falls out.
- You are concerned that a medicine may be causing your hair loss.
- Your skin is scaly or has a rash, or you have any change on your skin or scalp with hair loss.
- Your hair is gradually thinning and balding, and you want to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
You May Like: What To Do With Thinning Hair Male
What Types Of Physicians Can Treat Alopecia
In truth, there are a few different types of physicians who might be able to provide a basic alopecia, or hair loss, diagnosis. The following professionals typically encounter patients who suffer with thinning, shedding, or balding hair.
Hair Stylists are among the first professionals to notice signs of hair loss. While these individuals are not licensed medical professionals, they can help you determine whether or not certain hard-to-see areas are receding, losing volume, or becoming thinner. It is recommended that you see a licensed medical professional if a stylist or hairdresser notices such signs.
Trichologists are professionals who have studied trichology, or the health of the hair and scalp. Not all trichologists are licensed medical professionals, however. For effective hair loss treatment, we recommend patients choose a hair loss clinic and/or licensed medical professional to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Endocrinologists are licensed medical professionals who specialize in the endocrine system, hormones, and the diseases that result from hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance can often cause hair loss, so it is common for this type of physician to see patients who suffer with thinning, shedding, or balding. They do not specialize in hair restoration, however.
What Are The Types Of Hair Loss
There are three: anagen effluvium, telogen effluvium and FPHL.
- Anagen effluvium: This is caused by medications that poison a growing hair follicle .
- Telogen effluvium: This is caused by an increased number of hair follicles reaching the telogen phase, which is the stage where hair falls out.
- Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss /baldness: This type is the most common. Hair thins over the top of the head and on the sides.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Shampoo For Hair Loss Control
Don’t Miss: How To Reverse Thinning Hair Male
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
Hormones And Hair Loss In Women
Female pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in women. It can occur any time after puberty, but women usually start noticing the hair loss in their 40s or 50s. It can also start even later.
For many women, female pattern hair loss is an inherited condition. You may have relatives who are affected on either side of the family.
Women notice a gradual thinning of the hair, particularly at the part. Thinning can worsen with menopause or due to hormonal imbalance from an underlying medical condition.
There are several treatment options for female pattern hair loss.At the Center for Womens Integrated Health our dermatology, endocrinology and menopause experts work together to make effective hair loss treatment a goal within your personalized care plan.
You May Like: Does Thyroid Problems Cause Hair Loss
What Is The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair loss is a very prevalent concern for both men and women. Currently, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that over 80 million Americans suffer from some form of hair loss. Since the advent of COVID-19 , there has been an increased number of hair loss cases in the United States. Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common place to be affected is the scalp. The hair growth cycle occurs in three discrete phases, anagen, catagen and telogen phase. The first phase, known as the anagen phase, makes hair grow actively, and this phase lasts from 2 to 6 years. Most of the hair on your scalp is in the anagen phase. During this phase the hair follicle grows a new hair shaft. The next phase, known as catagen, lasts about 10 days. The final phase of telogen lasts for two to three months at which time the follicle rests, and later the hair falls out, and the the cycle is repeated. A typical amount of hair loss is between 50 to 100 hair per day, as the hair cycles through this growth cycle. Changes or disruptions in this hair growth cycle, or damage of the hair follicle, is what causes alopecia or observed hair thinning and hair loss. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in NYC in identifying the causes of this hair growth disruption and using the best treatments for your hair loss.
An Overview Of Hair Loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is experienced by both men and women. We all lose hair every day around 500 hairs a day, that is, but when you notice bald patches forming or a serious thinning of the hair, it is probably a hair loss case at the question.
The most common cause of hair loss is genetics when a hereditary hair loss happens. But hair loss also happens due to stress, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues, iron deficiency anemia, and much more. Unfortunately, not all cases of hair loss are fully treated. However, there are some treatment options that you can try, as not all hope is lost. The first step would be scheduling a visit to your dermatologists office.
Read Also: What Is Roman For Hair Loss
Female Pattern Baldness Nyc
Female pattern baldness may indicate a more serious underlying health concern. Dr. Green will do a thorough history and examination to reveal the etiology of your hair loss. Female hair loss may be due to a myriad of symptoms. Some women suffer from hormonal changes such as hypothryroidism, PCOS, menopause, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or stress. Female pattern hair loss can even be the result of a side effect of certain oral medications. Other signs of hair loss may be associated with eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, or lupus erythematosus. Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hears, particularly in the front, becoming less dense. Some women first notice it when they are parting their hair or styling it. Dr. Green will do an analysis to determine the cause of your hair loss. Often a blood test or scalp biopsy may be necessary to make a complete diagnosis. One treatment which has been proven to work well in cases of female pattern baldness, is Platelet Rich Plasma this non-surgical approach uses a patients own blood cells, injected into the scalp to initiate hair re-growth. PRP is highly effective and is one of the main treatment options which Dr. Green recommends to her New York City patients, due to its impressive hair growth results.
What Else Can Cause Hair Loss
Besides anemia and thyroid conditions, there are many other causes. These can include chemotherapy, certain medications, a severe illness or surgery, giving birth, menopause, low iron levels, polycystic ovary syndrome , extreme stress, physical trauma, dramatic weight loss, eating disorders, higher than normal vitamin A levels, hormones, and the list can go on and on. Further, hair loss can also be self-inflicted by using harsh products such as bleaches or dyes, frequent blow-drying, frequent flat ironing, tight braids, cornrows, tight rubber bands, etc.
The bottom line is: Take care of you and your hair. If you are asking yourself the question âWhy is my hair falling out,â and you donât know the reason for it, then make an appointment to see your doctor. Ask him/her to check all your blood levels to see if there is an underlying condition or deficiency. Tell him/her of all your other symptoms and possible stressors that may have contributed to this problem. Knowing the actual cause of your hair loss hopefully will enable your doctor to recommend a treatment plan.
It is also good to know that if you have hair loss, there are many options out there today. Many women, even those with healthy hair are wearing wigs and extensions every day. Hereâs to you, your health and your hair!
Read Also: Can Mirena Cause Hair Loss
What Can I Do About Traction Alopecia
To protect your hair from traction alopecia and prevent further damage:
- Ask your stylist to create looser braids or dreadlocks.
- If you have braids, remove them after three months.
- If you wear a weave or hair extensions, remove them after eight weeks.
- If you have relaxed or dyed hair, make sure these treatments are applied by a professional. If you still notice breakage or hair shedding, avoid chemical treatments completely.
- Minimize heat styling, including hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons. These wear out the hair and can lead to major hair loss.
Find A Hair Loss Specialist Doctor Near You
Canadian Institute of Hair and Scalp Specialists is a world-renowned hair revival and transplant clinics. Our 30+ years of extensive experience in the field of hair loss treatment has attracted patients from all over the world to our clinic. This includes many American cities such as Detroit, Buffalo, and even New York. We take great pride in helping our clients regain their confidence in their looks. For complementary consultation, please call us at or toll-free at .
In business since August 1, 1986, I am the president and also a client at The Canadian Institute of Hair & Scalp Specialists. Having worked with a team of Doctors and Chemists over the years I have compiled a great deal of knowledge in this area, originally involved with a Pharmaceutical company manufacturing vitamins for the hair loss industry. Years ago I was fascinated by the new developments in this area as my own hair was beginning to thin. Studying Trichology at the Toronto clinic I then opened my own office and have enjoyed it ever since.
Read Also: Does Pcos Cause Hair Loss
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 startas 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.
Read Also: Can Hpv Vaccine Cause Hair Loss
What Is Alopecia And What Causes It
Alopecia is a condition that causes people to lose hair from a single area or from multiple areas of their head, face or body.
The most common types are:
- male pattern baldness
- female pattern baldness
- alopecia areata
Less commonly, hair loss can be caused by medicines , medical conditions, or psychological conditions.
Read Also: Can Saw Palmetto Stop Hair Loss
What Are The Cycles Of Hair Growth
Hair goes through three cycles:
- The anagen phase can last from two years to eight years. This phase generally refers to about 85% to 90% of the hair on your head.
- The catagen phase is the time that hair follicles shrink and takes about two to three weeks.
- The telogen phase takes about two to four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out.
Your shorter hairs like eyelashes, arm and leg hair and eyebrows have a short anagen phase about one month. Your scalp hair can last up to six years or even longer.
What Is Hair Loss
The term hair loss is used to refer to a diverse range of conditions that can cause you to lose hair. Hair loss can be permanent, such as the hair loss caused by male pattern baldness, or a temporary issue caused by medication, stress, a medical condition or a dietary issue.
There are several different types of hair loss that can affect men, each with different symptoms and treatment requirements. Common types of hair loss include:
Our full guide to the types of hair loss provides more information on why hair loss develops, as well as the specific types of hair loss that may affect you.
Don’t Miss: Does Eliquis Cause Hair Loss