Hair Loss Treatment: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options for Hair Loss

 

Hair Loss Treatment

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur due to various reasons and affects both men and women. Some of the most common causes of hair loss include:

Genetics: Hereditary Hair Loss Treatment is one of the major causes, especially in men. Receding hairlines or balding crown in men often indicate genetic predisposition. In women, thinning hair can run in the family.

Hormonal Imbalances: Changes in hormone levels, especially in women during or after pregnancy, menopause or due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to shedding of hair. Fluctuating hormones disrupt the hair growth cycle.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lupus, vitamin deficiencies, etc. that impact hormone production or regulate nutrient absorption can cause hair shedding. Chemotherapy for cancer treatment also results in hair loss.

Stress: Chronic stress puts the body under prolonged physical and mental strain. It disrupts hormonal levels and the hair growth cycle, resulting in telogen effluvium—temporary shedding of hair after a stressful event.

Hair and Scalp Issues: Fungal infections like dandruff, psoriasis or eczema on the scalp increase inflammation and restrict hair follicles, thwarting normal hair growth. Traction alopecia from tight hairstyles and chemical treatments also damage hair over time.

Medications: Some prescription drugs like blood thinners, antidepressants, beta-blockers, birth control pills and lithium used to treat various medical conditions are known culprits causing diffuse hair shedding.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, lack of nutrients, excess sun exposure, harsh styling products and tight hairstyles put mechanical pressure on hair follicles and contribute to permanent loss over the years.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

Considering the root cause, hair loss can be managed or reversed using medical interventions, lifestyle changes, and hair care routines. The most common treatment approaches tried include:

medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are FDA-approved drugs used to treat genetic balding in men. Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles while finasteride blocks DHT production responsible for balding. Oral or topical versions exist.

Nutraceuticals containing vitamins like biotin, zinc, saw palmetto, etc. support hair growth when taken as supplements. Some common branded options are Hairfinity, Viviscal, and Nutrafol.

Low-level laser therapy uses wavelengths of red light to stimulate follicles and boost blood circulation locally. FDA-cleared devices like iGrow and Capillus offer at-home laser hair growth helmets.

PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) treatment involves extracting PRP from patients' blood, centrifuging it to obtain plasma rich in platelets and growth factors. When injected into balding areas, it jumpstarts the hair follicle regeneration process.

Hair transplants surgically move hair follicles from the back and sides to thinning areas. Both strip harvesting and follicular unit extraction are techniques used to achieve a natural-looking hairline and full coverage.

Natural regrowth therapies involve proprietary herbal formulations, Ayurvedic oils, or essential oils massaged onto the scalp to nourish follicles. Products like ONVA Hair Oil, Truhair, and Nourkztein are popular choices.

Lifestyle Changes: Eating a protein-rich diet, reducing stress, quitting smoking, protecting hair from sun damage, avoiding tight styles, and regular trims also aid the treatment process.

Along with medication or supplement intake, incorporating scalp massages using natural oils twice weekly stimulates blood flow for thicker and faster regrowth. Persistence and patience are required with any treatment regimen. Consulting a dermatologist helps design an individualized plan based on medical history and hair concerns.

While hair loss is a challenging and emotionally draining process, many hair loss treatment options exist these days. Choosing scientifically-backed, doctor-recommended therapies tailored to each case can effectively manage or reverse hair loss for most people. With consistent efforts over months, significant improvements in hair volume, density, and coverage are attainable goals.

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