Alopecia Explained

By D.J. Verret, MD


Why am I suffering hair loss? There are many reasons for hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia. Hair loss can be genetic in nature, due to a medical cause such as thyroid disorder and others, or due to trauma. The first step in treating hair thinning is visiting a doctor who can determine the cause.

Can women suffer from male pattern baldness? Androgenic alopecia, or more commonly termed male pattern baldness, is the most common type of balding. It affects both men and women though it is more common in males. The patterns of hair loss are well studied and categorized. Interestingly, the hair loss only occurs on the scalp and not the rest of the body.

Are hair restoration surgeries permanent? The answer is probably - depending on the type of hair restoration surgery performed. For some causes of hair loss, simple excision of the area of balding is necessary to restore a natural appearing hair bearing area. Others may require follicular unit grafting or scalp reduction procedures or a combination of the two for best results. Consultation with a hair restoration surgeon is the best way to determine which option is right a particular hair loss. It should always be remembered that native hair may continue to fall out even though transplanted hair will not be affected by continued male pattern baldness.

What medicines are available for hair loss? The only United States FDA approved medications for hair loss are finasteride, minoxidil, and bimatoprost. Each has different indications. Bimatoprost is the latest on the scene and is approved for eyelash loss. Minoxidil is available over the counter but the other two require a prescription from a physician. All have side effects and consultation with a physician is always a wise choice before starting any treatment.

Alopecia can be a very difficult problem to cope with. Fortunately, there are treatments for the condition though the first step is determining the cause. Talking with a doctor is the first step on the road to treatment.




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