What Can I Do About Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be isolating and embarrassing for anyone, regardless of gender or race. However, it’s a common problem with many solutions. A specialist can diagnose exactly what’s causing your hair loss, and help you find a solution that addresses your needs. From microneedling to medication, you have plenty of options when it comes to treatment.

Common causes of hair loss

The common causes of hair loss differ between sexes, races, and even individual people. Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness (MPB), is responsible for 95% of hair loss in men. The female counterpart of this condition, female pattern baldness, often occurs in post-menopausal women, though it’s less common than MPB.

Androgenic alopecia is caused by a sensitivity to hormones within the body, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicles react to DHT by shrinking, producing thinner and weaker hair. Over time, these follicles might stop producing hair entirely.

Many other conditions can lead to balding, including:

Thyroid disease

Cancer treatment

Medications

Mineral deficiencies

Alopecia areata

Stress

Tight hairstyles

Stress-related hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is more common in women. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where hair falls out in clumps, has no predilection. However, like pattern baldness, alopecia areata seems to have a hereditary link.

Treatments for hair loss

Treatments for hair loss can range from medications to hair transplants. Many alternative treatments exist as well, but serums, supplements, and home remedies rarely have any evidence to back them up.

Be wary of those who advertise hair loss solutions; they might be trying to take advantage of your vulnerability. If you’re struggling with hair loss, consulting with a specialist will yield better results. They have the experience to diagnose the root cause of your hair loss, and can provide cutting-edge treatments that have been approved by the FDA.

At Clarkston Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide the following treatments:

Topical medications, such as minoxidil

Oral medications, such as finasteride and spironolactone

Hair transplants

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP therapy, is a form of regenerative medicine used to treat hair loss. The process involves drawing blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, and injecting the isolated plasma and platelets into your scalp. This can help slow down hair loss and encourage the growth of newer, thicker hair.