Treating Hair Loss or Thinning Hair
Hair loss, while common, isn’t inevitable. Increasingly, men and women are seeking out options for treating or preventing thinning hair and hair loss, as well as treatments for improving the density and quality of the hair they have. One of the best places to start is understanding common causes of hair loss. For many, hair loss is a simple said effect of aging and natural hormone change. Sometimes, hair loss is temporary, or a side effect of medications. But, hair loss or thinning hair can be a symptom of a deeper, more pressing issue that should be addressed by a doctor or lifestyle change.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
1. Chronic Stress
Telogen effluvium is the medical term for stress-induced hair loss. With Telogen effluvium, stress causes large amounts of hair follicles to go into a resting phase (telogen), which can fall out in clumps when washing or brushing. Alopecia areata is thought to be instigated by stress. With alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles causing hair loss. Trichotillomania is a stress related disorder where the person suffering with extreme stress copes by pulling out their own hair.
2. Drugs or Medications
Some drugs and prescription medications have been associated with hair loss. Steroids, antidepressants, autoimmune drugs, high blood pressure meds, hormone medications such as birth control or replacement therapy, mood stabilizers, and weight loss drugs are among some of the medications tied to thinning hair or hair loss.
3. Hormone Changes [Testosterone]
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia is one of the main causes of hair loss in men. Androgenetic alopecia is the result of an abundance of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream. DHT is an androgen created by testosterone and the 5-alpha reductase enzyme; Since men have more testosterone in their bodies – and therefore DHT – they’re more likely to experience androgenetic alopecia.
While some women experience androgenetic alopecia, hormonal hair loss in women is more often caused by a dip in estrogen. This is commonly experienced after pregnancy and later in life during menopause.
4. Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies
Anemia is an iron deficiency that can cause hair loss or thinning hair. Skin and hair may become dry and damaged. In more severe cases, anemia may lead to hair loss.
5. Fungal Infection
A yeast infection (fungal infection) can be a common cause of hair loss or thinning hair. A fungal infection can essentially suffocate the hair follicle because of dandruff or inflammation. A healthy hair follicle is the best way to insure hair growth, which is why many clarifying shampoos include anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal oils like tea tree oil or peppermint oil. Castor Oil and Coconut Oil also have antifungal properties and are often used as hair masks.
6. Thyroid Function
Thyroid hormones help control the growth of hair follicles. When your thyroid hormone levels are low, your hair follicles may stop regenerating. Over time, this may result in hair loss. For this reason, people with an iodine deficiency may also suffer from hair loss. One study in 700 people found that 30% of those with low thyroid hormone levels experienced hair loss.
7. Aging
Age related hair loss or thinning can be related to some of the other causes or hair loss mentioned. In both men and women, aging comes with hormonal changes. For men, a dip in testosterone can cause hair loss. For women, during menopause, estrogen and progesterone production drops and can lead to thinning hair or hair loss.
Hair Loss Treatment Options
Many believe balding is a side effect of family history; “If your mother’s father was bald, you’ll go bald too.” This isn’t necessarily true. As mentioned above, there are many reasons why men and women can lose their hair. Thankfully, balding men and women aren’t destined to don a hairpiece; there are at least a handful of ways to prevent hair loss. Furthermore, those looking to improve hair density can use a doctor recommended treatment plan.
Prescription Medications
The most popular treatment options for hair regrowth or preventing hair loss are over-the-counter topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) and the prescription medication Finasteride (Propecia). Men and women looking to restore new hair to a receding hairline, bald patches or bald spots, may find some find relief in one of these products or other follicle stimulating tools and hair care.
PRP + Microneedling
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a natural method to rejuvenate your skin and hair. During a PRP treatment, a small amount of blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma from the other cells. The PRP is then injected into the areas where you desire hair and scalp rejuvenation. Injection of PRP into the scalp helps to awaken dormant hair follicles, leading to the production of new hairs. It also slows hair loss and improves color and brightness. It can be combined with micro needling of the scalp, topical hair loss treatments and low level lasers for hair stimulation.
PRP + Nano-Fat
Nano-Fat grafting is a revolutionary new treatment for scarring, hair loss, and aging. During a Nano-Fat Rejuvenation procedure, Imagen surgeons harvest a small amount of fat from an area of your body like the abdomen or love handles. This small amount of fat is then processed to separate fluids and create a super smooth concentration of fat. Nano-Fat contains stem cells and other growth factors. Nano-Fat injected into the skin can rejuvenate hair follicles for re-growth and improved volume. When paired with PRP & Microneedling, this treatment maximizes natural growth and healing powers for stimulating hair production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and scars, and improving the overall quality of the skin by initiating collagen production.
