Hairloss, or alopecia, is a common condition that can affect the scalp or the entire body. It can be temporary or permanent and can result from various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices. Here’s a general overview of hair loss:
### Types of Hair Loss
1. **Androgenetic Alopecia**:
- Most common type.
- Also known as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness.
- Characterized by a predictable pattern of hair thinning and loss.
2. **Alopecia Areata**:
- An autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss.
- Can affect the scalp and other areas of the body.
3. **Telogen Effluvium**:
- Temporary hair thinning due to changes in the growth cycle.
- Often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
4. **Traction Alopecia**:
- Caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.
- Common in individuals who frequently wear tight braids, ponytails, or extensions.
5. **Anagen Effluvium**:
- Rapid hair loss due to medical treatments like chemotherapy.
6. **Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)**:
- Caused by inflammation that damages hair follicles and leads to scarring.
- Hair loss is often permanent.
### Common Causes
1. **Genetics**:
- Hereditary hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia.
2. **Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions**:
- Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), alopecia areata, and scalp infections.
3. **Medications**:
- Drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
4. **Physical or Emotional Stress**:
- Significant stress or trauma can trigger temporary hair loss.
5. **Nutritional Deficiencies**:
- Lack of essential nutrients like iron, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
6. **Hairstyling Practices**:
- Excessive use of heat, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles.
7. **Aging**:
- Natural part of aging process, leading to thinning hair.
### Symptoms
- Gradual thinning on top of the head.
- Circular or patchy bald spots.
- Sudden loosening of hair.
- Full-body hair loss (due to medical treatments).
- Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp (due to ringworm).
### Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a dermatologist.
- Medical history review.
- Blood tests to identify underlying conditions.
- Scalp biopsy or light microscopy.
### Prevention Tips
- Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.
- Be gentle when washing and brushing hair.
- Avoid harsh treatments and excessive heat styling.
- Maintain a balanced diet and manage stress levels.
Hair loss can be distressing, but understanding its causes and available treatments can help manage the condition effectively. If you have concerns about hair loss, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Tests like Vit B12,Vit B, hormone test, Ferritin , medication will be provided according to reports and after taking detailed history, kindly consult us online so that we can prescribe you accordingly
You are suffering from hormonal changes causing Androgenetic alopecia causing hair fall. It's completely stoppable even regrowth of hair is possible with certain medications without any side effects. Treatment depends on the grade of hair loss. So, it's a must for diagnosing which grade, you are in for an effective treatment. Please send photos of your head, by direct online consultation for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Hair fall and thinning can indeed be distressing, especially when coupled with PCOS.
Blood Tests:
Hormone Levels:
DHEA-S, LH, FSH, and prolactin.
Thyroid Function:
TSH, Free T3, and Free T4.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Ferritin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Zinc.
Scalp Examination:
To check for any conditions contributing to hair loss.
Medications and Treatments:
Spironolactone can help with androgenic hair loss.
Topical Treatments:
Minoxidil (5%) can be beneficial for hair regrowth
Nutritional Supplements:
Biotin, Iron supplements if deficient, and Vitamin D.
Lifestyle Changes:
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Regular exercise to help manage PCOS symptoms.
Kindly schedule an online appointment for a comprehensive evaluation so we can tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs.
Tackling extreme or excess hair fall or hair shedding or hair breakage requires a detailed understanding about its possible causes. PCOS while is one of the important causes, it can cause hair shedding but also hair thinning over time. Therefore - hair fall / hair loss treatment requires 1. Detailed history taking
2. Examination by the doctor in person preferably for dermatoscopy/ trichoscopy. Better to choose a dermatologist who has this facility since it helps in better understanding and more accurate diagnosis.
3. Certain blood investigations to rule out relavant conditions possibly contributing to hair fall.
Then we can proceed with the treatment accordingly!
Hope this gives you some understanding. Warm regards, Dr Govind S Mittal, Therapeía Skin Hair and ENT Centre, Bengaluru.
No need to worry.specific treatment is available.it depends on severity of the disease . Complete medical history is required..
Pls do online consultation with Dermatologist for detailed prescription & guidance.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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