Hair Loss Treatments Archives - Cosmedica

DHT: Why This Hormone Is Wreaking Havoc on Your Hair Follicles

Written by: Fahmida Hoque Rimti — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 11:02:11 +0000

DHT is an androgen responsible for male pattern baldness. In this article, we will discuss everything related to DHT: the symptoms, prevention, and treatments of DHT-related hair loss.

What is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is an androgen – a male sex hormone – that is being converted from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. It contributes to conventionally “male” characteristics, such as body hair growth, increased muscle mass and fertility.

Travelling through the bloodstream, it binds to receptors on the hair follicles. In some men, the hair follicles are sensitive to normal amounts of DHT. Via an unknown mechanism, this causes the activation of genes responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles and your scalp becomes less capable of promoting healthy hair growth.

As one of the most important male sex hormones, Dihydrotestosterone can also pose risks for other bodily functions.

What are the effects of DHT on the human body?

High levels of DHT can increase your risk for certain conditions such as:

Prostate cancer
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Slow healing of skin
Coronary heart disease

Low levels of dihydrotestosterone pose increased risks in sexual development such as:

Gynecomastia
Increased risk of prostate tumors
Delayed onset of puberty

Going bald: How is DHT involved?

Hair grows from tiny structures in your skin called follicles, found all over your body. A hair in a follicle usually has a lifespan of two to six years. It doesn’t matter if you shave or cut your hair; the same hair will grow back from the root of the hair inside the cell.

When this cycle is over, the hair goes into a “resting phase” and it stays there for a few months before falling out. The root then grows a new hair, and the process starts all over again.

Male sex hormones can attach to proteins called androgen receptors. This binding action usually leads to normal hormonal processes, such as hair growth on the body. However, some men’s hair follicles can be more susceptible to the damaging effects of androgens due to variations in the AR gene.

If your hair follicles are sensitive to it, DHT can make them shrink and shorten this cycle. This makes your hair look thinner and more brittle as it grows out and it also falls out more quickly. This only happens for some men because their androgen receptor (AR) gene is different.

What are the symptoms of DHT-related hair loss?

The appearance and pattern of your hair can tell you if DHT causes your hair loss. The most common symptoms are:

Receding hairline
Thinning hair
Norwood balding pattern
Brittle hair

Of all the signs, the most noticeable sign is a receding hairline. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to look at the following preventative treatments.

DHT-related hair loss: Prevention and treatment

Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available for DHT-related hair loss. Let’s have a look at the most popular and effective hair loss treatments on the market today.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant whose extract stops 5-alpha-reductase from working. This inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for triggering male pattern baldness.

A recent systematic review has shown positive effects of regular saw palmetto supplementation among patients with androgenic alopecia. Saw palmetto extract is available in capsule form as a daily supplement.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a drug that dilates blood vessels in the skin. In other words, it helps blood arteries get wider and looser so that blood (and with it, nutrients) can flow through them more easily.

Historically, minoxidil’s primary use was in treating high blood pressure. However, researchers soon observed that patients taking the drug experienced hair growth. Subsequently, it underwent extensive study as a hair growth agent, leading to its recognition as one of two FDA-approved medications for hair loss.

The effectiveness of minoxidil varies from patient to patient. This is due to the fact that minoxidil acts as a pro-drug that is being converted into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by an enzyme in the scalp called sulfotransferase.

This enzyme’s activity level is different from person to person and so are the results. Most users report that their hair loss has slowed down, while some start growing new hair.

Some outliers, called hyper-responders, can even go from being completely bald to having a full head of hair within a few months, but these are rare exceptions.

Minoxidil is available as a topical solution, foam, and in pill form. Better outcomes may be achieved through oral administration of minoxidil, though this approach may also elevate the risk of experiencing side effects, albeit typically mild, in comparison to topical application.

Finasteride

Finasteride is the other FDA-approved drug for hair loss. Just like saw palmetto, it works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Unfortunately, while it is very effective at stopping hair loss, in a small subset of patients (1-3%), the reduction of DHT can lead to undesirable side effects, ranging from mood changes, depression and lowered libido to erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia.

In an even smaller subset of men, these side effects can persist long after they have stopped taking the drug. This recent finding is called post-finasteride syndrome and is currently being investigated by the medical community worldwide

This is why finasteride should ideally only be considered for very aggressive hair loss and only after other effective options, such as minoxidil, have been exhausted.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is a drug used to treat fungal infections, but studies have shown that it has anti-androgenetic properties and as such is effective at treating hair loss as well.

The trio of ketoconazole, minoxidil, and finasteride, referred to as the “big three,” collectively offers maximum effectiveness in treating hair loss when used together.

Medical shampoos containing 2% ketoconazole are accessible, yet they can be harsh on both the hair and scalp since their primary purpose is to combat fungal scalp infections.

Nevertheless, an increasing number of shampoos with gentle formulations, incorporating ketoconazole, are emerging in the market. Keep an eye out for these, as they are specifically crafted with the health of both hair and scalp in mind.

Hair transplant

A hair transplant is a surgery that can be used to treat hair loss caused by dihydrotestosterone. It includes moving hair from parts of the scalp where it is still growing because the follicles are genetically resitant to the harmful effects of DHT to places where hair is falling out.

Hair transplants are the most successful way to treat hair loss caused by male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia), but each patient may see different results.

While there are various types of hair transplant techniques, the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is at the forefront. This process produces seamless results because it recreates your hairline, taking the hair grafts one at a time.

Before making a choice, you should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of getting a hair transplant. Why not book a free consultation with us if you want to talk about getting a hair transplant with one of our experts?

Conclusion

DHT plays a significant role in male pattern hair loss and affects other aspects of our physiology. Various treatments are available to address this issue, and a holistic approach to hair care is also crucial.

Following low-maintenance routines like taking supplements can go a long way to reverse your hair loss and bring you back to feeling like your original self. And if everything fails, you can always get an affordable hair transplant in Turkey to restore your hair to its former glory.

The post DHT: Why This Hormone Is Wreaking Havoc on Your Hair Follicles appeared first on Cosmedica.

7 Vitamins for Hair Loss: How Effective Are They?

Written by: Fahmida Hoque Rimti — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 12:34:30 +0000

Hair is often a symbol of health, beauty and vitality. As Fleabag famously said: “Hair is everything! We wish it weren’t so we could actually think about something else occasionally.”

Sometimes, hair can be the difference between a bad day and a great one. And yet, we have all experienced some hair problems at least once in our lifetime. Therefore, vitamins for hair loss can be a great way to improve the health of your hair.

A balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals can be immensely helpful for anyone experiencing hair loss. But can it really make that much difference for your hair? How do vitamins and minerals react with your hair follicles to promote hair growth? This article tells you everything you need to know about vitamins and minerals for hair loss.

Why are you losing hair?

An average person has around 100,000 to 200,000 hair follicles and loses up to 100 strands per day. If you are losing more than that on a regular basis, you might be experiencing hair loss. There are various internal and external causes such as age, genetics, environment, quality of water, hair dye etc., that cause hair loss.

One essential factor we quickly forget about is nutritional deficiencies. Supplements can be a real game-changer when it comes to hair loss and boosting hair growth. Hair needs the necessary nutrients to thrive and grow, just like any other part of our body. A balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals can thus significantly promote hair growth.

How important is a balanced diet for healthy hair?

The equation is actually quite simple: when we maintain a healthy diet, our body changes for the better. It is no different for our hair. Essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Iron, Zinc, etc., promote hair growth and the overall health of your hair.

If you want healthy hair, you need to eat a lot of protein-rich foods like eggs, meat, fish, beans, and so on. Vitamin B carries oxygen to your hair follicles, so a deficiency in vitamin B7 or B12 can lead to significant hair thinning.

Eating a healthy diet full of proteins and nutritional supplements is the crucial first step on your journey to robust and healthy hair that is resistant to thinning or shedding.

Incorporate lots of proteins, fruits, and vegetables in your diet, take additional supplements for hair growth, and you will notice a difference within a couple of months.

Hair loss vitamins: Which ones are most effective?

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

The most popular vitamin for hair loss has got to be Biotin. There are a lot of studies on the effect of Biotin on hair loss and new hair growth.

Biotin works to produce keratin, which in turn supports the structure of your hair strands. The recommended daily dose for Biotin is 30 mcg for adults.

If you are suffering from a biotin deficiency, we suggest a boost of additional high-quality Biotin to prevent hair loss and boost new hair growth.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

A less talked about vitamin for healthy hair is Niacin, also known as B3. It helps to improve blood circulation to the scalp and reduces the risk of hair shedding or thinning.

Some studies suggest that Niacin can be an effective treatment for Alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

When it comes to vitamins for hair loss, one of the most underrated options is cobalamin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in older adults, and it can lead to significant hair loss. Meat, fish, eggs, etc. are the best sources of vitamin B12. Some great vegan options include fortified foods or supplements.

Folic acid (Vitamin B9)

A deficiency of vitamin B9 can cause a weakened immune system and folate-deficiency anaemia, which reduces blood supply to hair follicles, contributing to hair loss. A diet of folate-rich foods and supplements containing can thus help prevent hair loss.

Vitamin A

Just like biotin, vitamin A supports the synthesis of keratin and strengthens the hair strands. It also induces sebum production, which helps to keep the scalp healthy.

While it doesn’t directly contribute to preventing hair loss, it helps to stimulate new hair growth. The recommended daily dose varies from 700 mcg to 900 mcg, and you can easily find enough vitamin A in beta-carotene-rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and pumpkin to ensure adequate consumption.

Vitamin C

As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect your hair from free radical damage and oxidative stress. A vitamin C supplement or citrus fruits and vegetables can be a great way to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Vitamin E

The last vitamin for hair loss on our list is vitamin E. This vitamin works similarly to vitamin C, but it is more effective. A study from 2010 has shown that taking a tocotrienol supplement, which belongs to the vitamin E family, can cause up to a thirty-four per cent increase in hair growth.

What other supplements can prevent hair loss?

We talked about vitamins so far, but there are many other minerals and plant extracts which are very useful for the natural treatment of hair loss. Let’s briefly look at some of the best supplements for hair growth below:

Iron

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss in women. Women disproportionately suffer from iron deficiency anaemia, especially during pregnancy, which can lead to catastrophic hair loss.

You can get iron from red meat, vegetables like spinach or even oysters. The daily recommended dose is 45 mg.

Zinc

Zinc is another excellent mineral that promotes hair growth. It regulates sebum production and produces new hair cells. Zinc also has a positive effect on the immune system and can help prevent hair loss this way.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant whose extract inhibits the activity of 5-alpha-reductase which in turn converts less testosterone into the harmful dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that causes male pattern baldness.

A recent systematic review of five randomized clinical trials and two prospective cohort studies shows that taking a saw palmetto supplement has postive effects among patients with androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.

Saw palmetto extract is available in capsule form as a daily supplement.

Dr. Acar's hairpower Anti Hair Loss series

We talked about a lot of different vitamins and minerals in this article. But how can you ensure you get all the proper nutrients to combat hair loss?

To get the best treatment for hair loss apart from a hair transplant, consider Dr. Acar’s hairpower booster pack and see a noticeable difference within weeks.

It contains a multivitamin complex, biotin tablets, and saw palmetto along with topical formulations that contain the most important vitamins and minerals for your hair and scalp health.

Which medical conditions can cause hair loss?

Vitamins and supplements are an excellent way for you to boost the health of your hair. However, sometimes hair loss can be a symptom or a side effect of an underlying condition that has to be treated before supplements can work their magic.

Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, thyroid issues, or genetic causes like androgenic alopecia can all lead to severe and sudden episodes of hair loss. Thus, we recommend that you always consult with a medical professional to discuss your concerns.

What are the FDA-approved treatments for hair loss?

If you are suffering from a medical condition that causes hair loss, there are two Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatments that can help: Minoxidil and Finasteride.

These have been proven to promote hair growth, but there are some side effects to keep in mind. The side effects may include itching, decreased libido, depression, and anxiety, so make sure to consult a medical professional before you take them!

Conclusion

Your hair is a big part of your life. Going through hair loss is a long and challenging journey. The right vitamins for hair loss, combined with a balanced diet, can do wonders for your hair.

But if you feel like your hair loss is due to a medical condition, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional and create an individual treatment plan.

Following low-maintenance routines like taking supplements can go a long way to reverse your hair loss and bring you back to feeling like your original self.

And if everything fails, you can always get an affordable hair transplant in Turkey to restore your hair to its former glory.

The post 7 Vitamins for Hair Loss: How Effective Are They? appeared first on Cosmedica.

Mesotherapy for Hair Loss: An Effective Solution?

Elisa Chistyukhina — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. While there are several treatments available for hair loss, mesotherapy for hair loss has emerged as an effective solution that has gained popularity in recent years.

It involves injecting a nutrient-rich solution into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. This treatment has been found to be effective in promoting hair growth, reducing hair loss, and improving the overall quality of hair. In this article, we will explore mesotherapy in detail and understand how it can help combat hair loss.

Understanding Mesotherapy for Hair Loss

Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment that involves micro injections of a nutrient-rich solution into the scalp. The solution contains a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that are essential for hair growth. These nutrients help to stimulate the hair follicles and improve blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn promotes hair growth.

How Does Mesotherapy for Hair Loss Work?

Mesotherapy for hair loss works by injecting a nutrient-rich solution into the scalp using a specialized needle. The solution is injected into the mesoderm, which is the middle layer of the skin. The injection process is relatively painless and does not require any anesthesia. The treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

The nutrients in the solution help to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which provides the hair follicles with the essential nutrients they need to grow. The treatment also stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps to strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

The Benefits of Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy has several benefits, including:

Promotes hair growth
Reduces hair loss
Improves hair thickness and volume
Nourishes the scalp
Stimulates collagen and elastin production
Safe and non-invasive
Minimal downtime

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Mesotherapy is suitable for both men and women who are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair. However, it is important to note that mesotherapy may not be effective for people who have complete baldness or have been bald for a long time.

What to Expect During a Mesotherapy Treatment?

Before the treatment, the hair and scalp will be cleaned and prepped. A numbing cream may also be applied to the scalp to minimize any discomfort during the treatment. The solution will then be injected into the scalp using a specialized needle. After the treatment, the scalp may be slightly tender and red, but this usually subsides within a few hours.

How Often Should You Get Mesotherapy?

The frequency of mesotherapy treatments depends on the individual’s needs and the severity of their hair loss. Most people require an initial series of treatments, which are spaced 2-4 weeks apart. After the initial treatment, maintenance treatments may be required every 3-6 months to maintain the results.

Mesotherapy vs Other Hair Loss Treatments

Mesotherapy is just one of many treatments available for hair loss. Some other popular treatments include:

Topical treatments: These are creams or serums that are applied to the scalp to promote hair growth. Some examples include minoxidil and finasteride.
Hair transplant: This is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another.
Laser therapy: This treatment involves using low-level laser light to stimulate hair growth.

Compared to these treatments, mesotherapy for hair is non-invasive, has minimal downtime, and can be used to treat a wide range of hair loss conditions. Additionally, mesotherapy can be used in combination with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.

Conclusion

Mesotherapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can be used to promote hair growth, reduce or stop hair loss, and improve the overall quality of hair.

While mesotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, it is an effective treatment for many types of hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, speak to a qualified medical professional to determine whether mesotherapy is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mesotherapy painful?

The injection process is relatively painless, and a numbing cream can minimise discomfort.

How long does a mesotherapy treatment take?

The treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Are there any side effects of mesotherapy?

Some people may experience redness, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site, but these usually subside within a few hours.

How long does it take to see results from mesotherapy?

Most people start to see results after 2-3 treatments.

The post Mesotherapy for Hair Loss: An Effective Solution? appeared first on Cosmedica.

Regenera Activa – High Tech Medicine Against Hair Loss

Elisa Chistyukhina — Fri, 06 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000

The specially developed Regenera Activa procedure is the newest innovation in regenerative medicine. It uses progenitor cells from the patient’s scalp to reactivate hair growth and support existing hair follicles.

Male and female hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss, both in men and women. In androgenetic alopecia, as it is scientifically called, the hair roots are sensitive to the androgen DHT, which in turn is formed from the male hormone testosterone.

In men, male pattern baldness usually begins in the early twenties; a typical symptom is the receding hairline, which – slowly but surely – moves higher and higher. In women, androgenetic alopecia or female pattern baldness usually begins later, with the onset of menopause.

There is a relatively simple reason for this. Before menopause, the testosterone that is also present in the female body is kept in check by the hormone estrogen. With the onset of menopause, the hormonal balance in the body shifts.

What is Regenera Activa?

Regenera Activa is currently one of the most innovative and modern hair loss treatments. Of course, this treatment is also offered at the Cosmedica Clinic. It is based on autologous cell transplantation and stimulates the hair roots.

Perfect candidates for this type of treatment are patients in whom hereditary hair loss has only just begun. It is suitable for both women and men. Allergy sufferers can also undergo treatment without risk, as no enzymes or chemical additives are used.

Usually, no special preparation is necessary. However, those who would like to undergo a Regenera Activa treatment should abstain from Minoxidil and painkillers for 10 days before the treatment.

What does the procedure look like?

First, the scalp is locally anaesthetised and then three skin samples are taken, usually behind one ear. These have a diameter of about 2.5 mm. The skin tissue is then crushed and filtered with a special Regenera Activa microdermatome. This is a minimally invasive procedure.

What remains is a suspension that still contains the cells. This highly concentrated plasma is then injected subcutaneously into the areas of hair loss. The growth factors inside the cells stimulate the follicles to form new hair and the scalp is better supplied with blood.

As a result, the hair roots have an improved supply of nutrients and minerals. The wounds caused by the removal of the skin cells are not stitched, as they normally heal by themselves. In addition, there is no downtime; even washing your hair is possible again just one day after the treatment.

The effectiveness of Regenera Activa has already been proven in clinical studies. The treatment itself is relatively painless. Only the application of the local anaesthetic might be a bit painful. The suspension itself is injected into the scalp with microneedles.

The treatment takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area. First results are already visible after 30 days, and after about six months you can look forward to better hair density and healthy hair. The Regenera Activa treatment lasts for about two to three years. There are no side effects.

For whom is the Regenera Activa treatment useful?

As mentioned above, Regenera Activa stem cell therapy makes sense if the hereditary hair loss is mild to moderate. If the hair loss is already advanced, a hair transplant in Turkey can provide better results.

To determine how far the hair loss has progressed and whether one is suitable for such treatment, the Cosmedica Clinic offers a free hair analysis.

The post Regenera Activa – High Tech Medicine Against Hair Loss appeared first on Cosmedica.

Hair Thinning: The Causes and the Cures

Elisa Chistyukhina — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 14:13:30 +0000

Diffuse hair loss is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical condition. About 10% of all hair diseases are cause diffuse hair loss. Hair thinning usually becomes visible when more than 100 hairs a day fall out all over the head.

Visible hair shedding can occur in people of all ages and sexes. However, it is ten times more common in women than in men.

There are many reasons for diffuse hair loss. It can be due to hormone levels, or it can be caused by improper care. Another common cause in older women is female pattern hair loss.

Even too much of certain nutrients can cause patients to lose hair.

Female pattern hair loss - androgenetic alopecia

Genetics are one of the most common causes of hair loss. Male pattern hair loss is usually seen with the development of a bald patch on the top of the head or a gradually receding hairline from the temples and forehead.

Genetic hair loss in women is less common than male pattern baldness but is still frequent, especially in older women. It is often less noticeable in its early stages because it results in excessive hair loss all over the scalp. The hair thins but there are no obvious bald patches like in men.

Androgenetic alopecia is not really preventable. It is linked to genetics and hormone levels. Male hormones are found to different extents in both men and women and some people’s hair follicles are oversensitive to them. The only permanent, long term solution is a hair transplant.

Diffuse alopecia, the symptoms, and its causes

Another word for hair loss is alopecia.

In diffuse alopecia – in which hair falls out all over the scalp – hair falls out but the follicles remain. Therefore, theoretically, the hair can continue to grow. But thanks to whatever the cause of the hair shedding is, too many hair follicles stay in the resting phase.

Therefore, when facing hair loss that happens over the whole head, it is important to do a holistic physical examination to find the cause. Once the cause is removed, the hair will start to grow again, unlike in androgenetic alopecia.

There is a distinction between two types of diffuse hair loss, telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium hair thinning

All hair follicles alternate between the resting phase and the growth phase. At the end of the resting phase, hairs fall out, and then the growth phase starts again.

In telogen effluvium, more hairs follicles than usual enter the resting phase. This can happen intermittently or in waves.

They do not grow back if the cause for the imbalance remains in place.

The cause is often difficult to find because hair loss does not start until two to three months later. So, many patients have already forgotten what happened at that time at which hair loss was triggered.

Anagen effluvium hair thinning

In anagen effluvium, keratin production is disrupted. The hair continues to grow normally, but its structure is brittle. In the worst case, the hairs break off at a length of one or two millimetres.

In this medical condition, hair loss occurs a few days after the damaging event. This can be the case, for example, with poisoning or with some – very aggressive – chemotherapies.

The causes of thinning hair

The causes of diffuse alopecia are extremely diverse. They can be divided into 4 categories:

• Local diseases of the scalp
• External damage to the scalp
• Effect of orally ingested substances (drugs, chemicals, toxins)
• General diseases or diseases of internal organs.

Examples of conditions causing diffuse hair loss include:

• Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., pregnancy)
• Thyroid disease
• Stress
• Incorrect care
• Iron deficiency or zinc deficiency
• Vitamin A poisoning
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Unbalanced diet/ wrong nutrition
• Anorexia/bulimia
• Side effects of medication
• Eczema on the scalp
• Mechanical effects on the hair (for example overly tight braids)

It is important to clarify the causes of diffuse alopecia with a doctor to exclude possible diseases.

A much less common form of diffuse hair loss is alopecia areata. The hair falls out in patches over the body in this auto-immune condition. A special form of the disease occurs very rarely, diffuse alopecia areata, or diffuse constitutional hair loss.

Diagnosis of thinning hair

The acute variant of diffuse hair loss, anagen effluvium, can be cured most quickly. Since the hair falls out quickly and strongly after the causative event, the cause can usually be found quickly.

The chronic variant of diffuse hair loss, telogen effluvium, is more difficult to diagnose. Hairs fall out a while after the causative event and, what is more, they do not all fall out at once. Thus, it can very difficult to diagnose what the root problem is.

Diffuse hair loss can often be confused with the hair falling out in patches, such as in alopecia areata. It also needs to be separated hereditary hair loss, especially in women as female pattern baldness most closely resembles it.

Therefore, it is important to also examine the hair under the microscope so that the two diseases can be ruled out. This is because hormone treatments for genetic hair loss can be harmful to the follicles in if the cause lies elsewhere.

The treatment for thinning hair

The best way to cure diffuse hair loss due is to remove the cause.

If the diffuse hair loss is based on a nutrient deficiency, a doctor will prescribe nutritional supplements to replenish the follicles. When the cause of diffuse hair loss is the side effect of a medication, you should consult your doctor to see if other medications are available.

If the cause is a thyroid disease, a specialist should examine and treat it. Medication such as hormones may well be necessary to deal with the cause of illness.

If the cause of diffuse hair loss is dieting, then this should be stopped immediately. In any case, anorexia and bulimia need treating by medical professionals for considerably more reasons than just hair loss.

Only hair loss that results from a disease on the scalp, such as an infection, should be treated locally. For all other causes, the solution must be found elsewhere in the body.

How long does it take for hair to grow back?

The good news is, in most cases of diffuse hair loss, the hair will grow back. This is different from androgenetic alopecia, where hair loss is permanent. So, it takes about three to six months for the hair to grow back.

Of course, hair growth can be supported with lifestyle choices, for example with a healthy diet. A good exercise routine and good all-round health will also be beneficial.

Hair transplants for hair thinning

Diffuse hair loss that is not hereditary reverses when the trigger is recognised and removed. Healthy hair then grows back again.

If the hair does not grow back, a hair transplant may be the best option. Dr Acar and his team at Cosmedica Clinic will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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