Hair Loss Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment options available for hair loss. It is important to discuss the problem with your doctor to determine what causes it, as this will help you choose a suitable treatment. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary patterned baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia). In men, this may manifest as a receding hairline or a bald patch on the crown of the head.부산탈모

A number of medications can also cause hair loss. These include steroid medications used to treat eye problems (such as corticosteroids), blood pressure drugs and some antibiotics. Other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, scalp infections and trichotillomania can also lead to hair loss. An autoimmune disease called alopecia areata can also cause sudden loss of all or most hair.

Other causes of hair loss include side effects of some medications, nutritional deficiencies, stress and hormonal changes. There are a number of natural treatments that are promoted for hair loss, including daily scalp massage, vitamin supplements such as biotin, vitamin C and zinc, herbal remedies like saw palmetto and nettle root, and hair lotions or tonics. However, there is no scientific evidence that any of these actually promote new growth or prevent further hair loss.

Many people choose to wear wigs, extensions or hair transplants. These are an expensive option that is often not covered by insurance. Other choices include changing hairstyles, using styling products to add volume and colouring the hair, or using a widening part to make it less noticeable. There are also a number of over-the-counter and prescription treatments that claim to promote new hair growth. These are not scientifically proven and may be potentially harmful.

One of the most popular hair loss treatments is finasteride, an oral medication that inhibits the activity of a type of enzyme in the body that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and causes thinning of the hair. Finasteride has been used in men since the late 1990s and is very effective, arresting further baldness in more than 95 per cent of those who use it and stimulating partial hair regrowth in two thirds. It is available as a pill (Propecia) and in topical forms such as a foam or a lotion. It is not recommended for women and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

Another surgical option is a hair transplant, which involves taking hair follicles from other areas of the scalp and moving them to balding or thinning areas. It is a lengthy procedure that can be uncomfortable and result in unsatisfactory or unnatural-looking results. The most recent technique uses micro-plugs that are barely visible. It is also recommended that patients use a sedative during the procedure and take pain-relieving medications afterward to manage any discomfort. Some risks of the procedure include infection, bleeding and scarring.부산탈모병원