Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Hair Loss Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms, and Regrowth Options

hair loss hair loss

Managing any underlying health conditions improves hair loss. And early treatment of alopecia may reduce the speed of thinning and promote regrowth. A healthcare provider can tell you more about what to expect in your situation. The most common cause of female hair loss worldwide is female pattern baldness, which is also called androgenetic alopecia .

Other types of alopecia

On the whole, it’s important that you speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis, and select a personalized treatment that will help restore health to you hair and scalp. CCCA and LPP fall under the umbrella of lymphocytic scarring alopecia. 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. Losing your hair can be a distressing experience, but you’re not alone. While hair loss isn’t itself dangerous, losing your hair is an emotional experience.

I want to get healthier

Hormonal changes of any kind, particularly falling estrogen levels, can temporarily disrupt the hair life cycle. Stress causes a large number of hairs in the active hair growth (anagen) phase to abruptly enter the resting (telogen) phase. When the hairs reenter the growth phase, the hairs that had been suspended in the resting phase are suddenly released.

Maintain good hair and scalp care

Hair loss can occur if you wear pigtails, braids or cornrows, or use tight hair rollers. The cost (often thousands of dollars) is prohibitive for most people. Hair loss caused by a medical condition usually stops or grows back once you've recovered. Hair usually regrows when your hormones get back to normal. Your hair can regain its usual fullness 6 to 9 months after childbirth.

Traction alopecia

hair loss hair loss

If a person has this condition, they should contact a doctor. A doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to the scalp or prescribe other medication to help the hair grow back. Other supplements meant to help with hair loss tend to contain a lot of one nutrient. Because this can cause you to get too much of the nutrient, many dermatologists recommend taking a multivitamin instead. Within the first few months of treatment, you may notice that you are losing less or minimal amounts of hair.

Hair Loss Prevention: 22 Things You Can Do to Stop Hair Loss - Healthline

Hair Loss Prevention: 22 Things You Can Do to Stop Hair Loss.

Posted: Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:18:45 GMT [source]

They may interact with other medications or supplements you take. While smoking-related hair loss is not necessarily reversible, it is advisable to try quitting smoking. This is because smoking can lead to multiple health problems.

Causes and treatments for hair loss

People with alopecia areata may see regrowth after applying crude onion juice to their scalp twice per day. Getting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into your scalp can help stimulate growth in areas already affected by hair loss. During this procedure, blood is run through a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and then injected into your scalp. Other forms of birth control that affect the hormones, such as implants and skin patches, may also cause hair loss. People may experience hair loss while using birth control pills. Others might experience hair loss several weeks or months after they stop taking birth control pills.

What is the prognosis for hair loss in women?

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any form of treatment for hair loss. Some types of treatment aren’t safe to use if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or going through menopause. During a hair transplant procedure, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon removes hair from a part of the head that has hair and transplants it to a bald spot.

Iron is important, particularly during menstruation, Surampudi said, and everyone may benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement while on weight loss drugs. An accurate diagnosis is important, Marmon says, because the treatment can vary greatly depending on what is causing the problem. But low-level laser light therapy devices, which include wands and helmets, can be time-consuming and expensive, with options costing $200 to $1,000. Hair loss, or alopecia, affects more than 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women, and the risk increases with age. The authors suggested that nicotine and other chemicals could speed up hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Although hair loss itself is not dangerous, the underlying causes can be. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out an underlying medical condition. Dramatic changes in the body can cause temporary hair loss. Giving birth, rapid weight loss, surgery and certain illnesses may cause more hair loss than usual, typically in the resting phase. You can prevent hair loss caused by chemical hair treatments by not using them.

However, it is important to discuss supplements with a doctor, as receiving too much of certain nutrients can accelerate hair loss. However, it is not yet clear whether it is possible to reverse hair loss due to smoking. Currently, no studies suggest that hair loss improves after stopping smoking, so further research is still necessary. Hair loss itself isn’t dangerous, but the underlying causes of hair loss after weight loss can be.

Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps - Harvard Health

Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps.

Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A simple blood test can measure thyroid hormones in your blood, and medication can treat an overactive or underactive thyroid. “Unlike men who get a receding hairline or a bald spot, in women it’s often more diffuse, where the hair on the whole top area of the head is a little thinner,” Colavincenzo says. But if fewer or no strands grow back and you start noticing a receding hairline or thinning areas, you might have alopecia. Finally, keep in mind that the same healthy habits recommended for maintaining your physical health will also help your hair. Try to find ways to manage stress, and strive for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.

The type and severity of hair loss you experience may determine the outcome (prognosis). Some types of hair loss are permanent, especially if you have damage to your hair follicles. For example, anagen and telogen shedding may stop with time.

Some studies have indicated that a shortage of vitamin D, iron, protein or other nutrients could contribute to hair loss. Colavincenzo says she often refers those patients to a mental health provider for treatment. Fortunately, their hair typically grows back once their stress is relieved or they figure out how to manage it. Psychological distress can also cause hair to fall out, another form of telogen effluvium, Colavincenzo says.

Some people may experience excessive hair loss shortly after giving birth. This type of hair loss is a temporary condition and usually resolves within a year or sooner. With an accurate diagnosis, many people who have hair loss can see hair regrowth. If you need treatment for regrowth, the earlier you start, the more likely you are to see regrowth.

If possible, talk with your doctor to address your concerns and rule out any serious underlying medical concerns that may be causing your hair loss. Male pattern baldness typically involves progressive hair loss above the temples and thinning at the crown of the head, creating an “M” shape. Most baldness is caused by genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness).

Some of the best hair loss medications

hair loss pills

Doctors originally prescribed minoxidil for severe high blood pressure but found it caused excessive hair growth in its oral form in 20% of users. Scientists developed a topical version in 1987 specifically for androgenic alopecia in males and then later for female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Alopecia areata is a disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing serious hair loss. This autoimmune disease often develops in young people, typically between their teens and 30s, according to the National Institutes of Health. It affects about 2% of the world’s population, and, in the US alone, approximately 6.7 million people, or one in every 500 to 1,000 with alopecia areata.

Oral Minoxidil Is an ‘Off-Label’ Treatment for Hair Loss

Hair Loss Prevention: 22 Things You Can Do to Stop Hair Loss - Healthline

Hair Loss Prevention: 22 Things You Can Do to Stop Hair Loss.

Posted: Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:18:45 GMT [source]

Hair loss can occur if you wear pigtails, braids or cornrows, or use tight hair rollers. After giving birth, many women notice extra hair shedding, which can be alarming. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. “These are formulated with all-natural and clinically-proven ingredients that can make a difference in your hair with consistent usage,” she says. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health.

Treatments for Thinning Hair: Do They Work?

This medication is FDA-approved to treat and manage heart failure and high blood pressure. However, doctors can also prescribe it for FPHL if other treatments have not worked. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people.

Important considerations for taking finasteride

Dr. Green recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist to go over your options. It’s normal to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day, even if that seems like a lot, Dr. Green points out. If you answered yes to any of these questions, your dermatologist may recommend a wig or concealer. More studies are needed to find out who is most likely to benefit from this treatment and whether these devices cause long-term side effects.

Acid Reflux Drugs May Heighten the Risk of Migraine Attacks and Severe Headaches

The active ingredient in Rogaine is minoxidil, a non-prescription hair loss medication that is available over the counter. There are also various telehealth companies offering hair loss medication a person can consider. A person should always discuss hair loss with a doctor before trying a new treatment. Research suggests that the majority of FDA-approved hair loss medication — and some medications used off-label for hair loss — produce promising results. However, hair loss will return if a person stops treatment in many cases.

Hair is made up of protein, so getting enough protein in your diet is important for hair growth. When it comes to hair loss, spironolactone is specifically used for women because it targets certain hormones. Minoxidil formulas typically consist of liquids, foams, and shampoos. In studies, minoxidil was applied to hair that was completely dry.

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]

Staying Healthy

Roman provides prescription and OTC medications for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. The table below compares each of the hair loss medications in this article. Additionally, males using or taking finasteride should wear a condom during sex. This is because finasteride can get into sperm and harm a fetus. Finasteride can also pass through skin, so people who are pregnant or planning to conceive should not touch broken or crushed finasteride products.

Real-Life Dating Tips for People Living With Alopecia

hair loss pills

Studies indicate that this medication is effective in about 40% for women who have female pattern hair loss. In one study of 166 women taking spironolactone, 42% said they had mild improvement, and 31% reported increased thickness. Litfulo may very well change that for at least some people with alopecia areata. According to Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, it’s specifically designed for severe cases—or those who’ve lost 50% of the hair on their scalps due to the disease. Certain vitamins and supplements may promote hair growth and healthiness in individuals who have nutritional deficiencies. This is because research suggests deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron and vitamin D are linked to hair loss.

Do hair growth products actually work? What is the best hair product for growth?

hair loss pills

If you do feel you need an extra boost, talk to your doctor—supplement labels reveal that many biotin supplements for hair, skin and nails far exceed the recommended daily amount. If your blood test reveals that you’re not getting enough biotin, iron, or zinc, your dermatologist may recommend taking a supplement. If you’re not getting enough protein, your dermatologist can tell you how to boost your intake. While your hair may regrow on its own, your dermatologist may recommend treatment to help it grow more quickly. Sometimes, treatment is essential to prevent further hair loss. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works.

Although it is available without a prescription, you may have better results if you use it while seeing a dermatologist. He or she can diagnose the exact cause of hair loss and determine whether a 2 percent or 5 percent concentration of minoxidil is right for you. As the study went on through 48 weeks, the number of people experiencing significant hair regrowth continued to increase. Some people’s eyebrows and eyelashes grew back, and other participants who were nearly bald due to the disease grew full heads of hair.

Older research showed that in a group of over 2,500 Japanese men, 87% saw an increase in hair growth. 11% of men saw a significant increase in hair, with 36% experiencing a moderate improvement. According to the AAD, a person should take 1 finasteride pill every day. It works by binding to the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and stopping it from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). You may also benefit from joining a support group, or speaking to other people in the same situation on online forums. Hair loss caused by a medical condition usually stops or grows back once you've recovered.

But its efficacy is variable, says Sandeep Sattur, MD, a hair restoration surgeon at the HairRevive Centre for Hair Restoration and Skin Rejuvenation in Mumbai, India. Also, this form of minoxidil can come with some unpleasant side effects, among other downsides. It’s important to choose products based on scientific research and to have realistic expectations about their effectiveness. Still, if you want to try a collagen supplement, this Thorne product is one of the best options. Some may consider switching from a prenatal to a postnatal vitamin. This will typically contain higher doses of certain nutrients designed to support recovery postpartum, regardless of whether you choose to breastfeed.

People experiencing female pattern baldness may also notice a general thinning of hair on the top of your head, but hair loss typically won’t occur on the front of your scalp, per Harvard Health. For instance, results may take months to see, and any new hair growth disappears when you stop treatment. And it can have side effects ranging from unpleasant scalp stickiness to itching, rashes, and inflammation, per Mayo Clinic. Anyone considering treatment for hair loss for the first time should start with FDA-approved options before considering minoxidil pills, dermatologists say.

From prescriptions to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, we dove into the options, so you can select the best product for your needs. Some types, like cicatricial alopecia, are permanent, while others that may be caused by stress or a medical condition are temporary. Once the cause has been identified and eliminated, your hair should start growing back.

When it comes to reviews, a majority of reviewers note that their hair grew in spots where their scalp was visible before. On the other hand, a few 1-star reviews have to do with allergic reactions, scalp sensitivity, no changes, or even increased hair loss. Your doctor will also look at other areas on your body like your eyebrows, lashes, underarms, pubic area, legs and arms to assess if there’s hair loss. But if fewer or no strands grow back and you start noticing a receding hairline or thinning areas, you might have alopecia.

For women who are experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), talk with your doctor about early treatment to avoid significant permanent baldness. Therefore, it's crucial to read trustworthy information about the supplement before taking it. This can include consulting with a healthcare professional, researching reputable sources online, and reading customer reviews. By doing so, individuals can make informed decisions about which dietary supplements are right for them and their unique health needs. Recently, collagen has become a popular supplement for healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Hair Loss Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms, and Regrowth Options

Table Of Content Other types of alopecia I want to get healthier Maintain good hair and scalp care Causes and treatments for hair loss What ...