Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments and Prevention Options
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Sometimes, treatment is essential to prevent further hair loss. At the end of the day, remember you do have safe and effective options for treating hair loss, and treatment can make a big difference. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about hair loss, since they can help identify any medical conditions contributing to hair loss and recommend the right treatment. You can often resolve nutrient deficiencies with dietary changes or supplements, though it never hurts to get guidance from a doctor or registered dietitian first. A trained healthcare professional can help identify and treat nutrient deficiencies caused by an underlying medical condition.
What are the treatment options for hair loss and thinning?
Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth. Androgenic alopecia refers to hereditary hair loss, like male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, and is also known as “pattern alopecia” because it can happen to both males and females. Choosing a hair loss treatment plan is a highly personal decision. When exploring your options, it’s best to talk with your doctor to pinpoint possible causes. Some people find success with home remedies or OTC hair loss treatments, and some don’t notice results until they try prescription medications and treatments.
Two common conditions account for most age-related hair loss.
The telltale signs of these conditions are chronic inflammation of the scalp and the scarring of hair follicles, which can result in irreversible hair loss, Agbai notes. Because hair loss has many different causes, there are many different treatment options. Some treatments aim to stop hair loss, while others focus on hair regrowth. The earlier you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better chances you'll have for positive results.
Treatments for Traction Alopecia
Millions of people experience hair loss, which can be challenging, stressful, and frustrating. Telogen effluvium is the medical name for hair loss that's caused by physical or emotional stress. This can happen temporarily with factors like childbirth, major surgery or illness, high fever, certain medications, a severely stressful incident, or crash diets. It can also be chronic (or long-lasting) depending on the stressor. There are several different types of hair loss, and they're not all treated in the exact same way. A single molecule may hold the key to battling male- and female-pattern hair loss, recent research suggests.
Women may experience hair loss during menopause due to reduced production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Androgenetic alopecia can occur at any age after puberty, but it’s most common in postmenopausal women. Advancing age and a family history of the condition are two of the primary risk factors. With some treatments, you can slow down or stop hair thinning -- and maybe even grow back some hair you thought was gone forever. A review study published in 2022 found that it significantly increases hair diameter and hair count in patients with several types of alopecia.
Your shorter hairs — like eyelashes, arm and leg hair, and eyebrows —have a short anagen phase (about one month). Offering a 30-day supply for under $30, this pick from Keranique is a great wallet-friendly choice. The formula contains 2% minoxidil and is to be used twice daily. In our research, many reviewers rave about the targeted sprayer nozzle, noting that it makes application a breeze.
Vitamins & Supplements
Minoxidil shortage creates issues for some dealing with alopecia, hair loss - NBC News
Minoxidil shortage creates issues for some dealing with alopecia, hair loss.
Posted: Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Some people find comfort in talking with a mental health professional if their hair loss causes discomfort. Others may find relief in changing their hairstyle or wearing a wig. See a dermatologist as soon as possible when you notice hair loss. These changes happen due to varying levels of hormones during menopause.
Because some hair loss can be progressive, you may need multiple procedures over time. Newer treatments that are also being explored include some forms of laser therapy, microneedling with PRP, as well as other oral medications. Many of these treatments are still in the early testing phases though, and more research will be necessary. It’s important to keep in mind that hair growth is a complex process and multiple tests may be needed to understand what is causing your hair loss. A biopsy may also be taken if it is initially very unclear what the root causes may be. Finasteride tends to be more effective if you begin taking it when you first notice hair loss.
What is the best treatment for hair falling out?
Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Any information you can provide about how quickly the hair loss occurred, along with any family history of baldness, will also be helpful. If you’re currently losing hair, use a gentle baby shampoo to wash your hair. Unless you have extremely oily hair, consider washing your hair only every other day or less. Telogen effluvium is a type of sudden hair loss that results from emotional or physical shock, like a traumatic event, period of extreme stress, or a serious illness. If finasteride works for you, you will need to keep taking it to continue getting results.
The length of time to see results for each type of hair loss treatment varies. It usually takes multiple or regular treatments for several months before you notice symptoms. On average, expect to start seeing results after three to six months. Low-level laser therapy — also called red light therapy or cold laser therapy — irradiates the scalp to promote blood circulation and encourage hair growth. When you start to shed more strands — and fewer or none grow back — the condition is considered alopecia (hair loss). There are several types of hair loss, and it can affect adults of any gender and even children.
Research from 2015 suggests the regular use of LLLT may help stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth. In short, this type of laser therapy appears safe and effective as a treatment for people who didn’t notice improvement with standard hair loss treatments. If you notice increased hair loss, you’ll want to make an appointment with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional. They can help determine if you’re experiencing female pattern baldness or a different type of hair loss caused by other factors. The most common cause of hair loss in women is female-patterned baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Other types of hair loss may involve treating the underlying cause.
Baldness breakthrough? New RNA treatment may stimulate hair growth - Medical News Today
Baldness breakthrough? New RNA treatment may stimulate hair growth.
Posted: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Hair loss (medically known as alopecia) can stem from many different causes—including genetics, medical conditions, infections, certain medications, stress, and more. Fortunately, a variety of treatment options exist that can stop hair loss, promote hair regrowth, or reduce inflammation in some cases. A small 2021 study found that pumpkin seed oil, applied topically to the scalp for three months, significantly increased hair regrowth in people with female pattern baldness. Trichologist Bridgette Hill likes this hair growth oil because it contains rosemary oil, which can help stimulate hair follicle growth with daily application. She adds that it also improves blood circulation to the scalp, destroys bacteria that clog hair follicles, and has fewer side effects than minoxidil.
Hair loss treatment varies based on what caused your hair loss or thinning hair. Some treatment options include taking medications, undergoing surgery or light therapy. A healthcare provider can help you determine what caused your hair loss to offer treatment that meets your hair growth goals. Topical minoxidil is one of the best hair loss treatments for women, particularly those who have female pattern hair loss.
To notice the full results, you may need to continue with one or a combination of treatments for several months. You're likely to first bring your concerns to the attention of your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin problems (dermatologist). If you experience any adverse effects, stop using turmeric, and consult a dermatologist if necessary.
Keep your scalp healthy by washing your hair and scalp regularly. This therapy involves using a sample of your own blood and injecting the plasma into the scalp. While early research indicates it may be useful for treating hair loss, more evidence is needed before it's broadly recommended.
Researchers need to conduct additional research to determine the proper wavelengths and duration of treatment. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. If you decide to style your hair with heated tools, only do so when your hair is dry and use the lowest settings possible. Traction alopecia results from too much pressure and tension on the hair, often from wearing it in tight styles, like braids, ponytails, or buns. These patches, sometimes called a kerion, can cause scarring as well.
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