Female Hair Loss and How to Treat It
Reasons for hair loss
There can be numerous reasons for women to lose hair. Whether or not this hair loss is temporary, reversible, or permanent, there are options available that may help you. The first and most important step is to visit a specialist and get the proper diagnosis and assessment so you can learn how to treat your particular hair loss.
How Can You Treat Hair Loss?
Types of Alopecia
Hair loss that is caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy. menopause, or even stress may not require any treatment. Instead, the loss will likely reverse on its own once the body readjusts. Nutritional deficiencies can typically be treated by making changes to your diet or using supplements. The guidance of a doctor is recommended if the deficiency is being caused by some type of underlying medical condition. Any type of medical condition that can lead to hair loss should be treated directly so that the condition is fixed, not just the symptoms.
There are numerous possibilities of medications and treatments for hair loss caused by female-pattern baldness and other types of alopecia. For most cases, it is recommended to use at least one or a combination of multiple treatments for months or, in some cases, years before you see the full results.
Minoxidil
Better known as Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication that is used by men or women to reverse the effects of miniaturization in hair loss. This drug comes in different applications and can be applied in a spray or foam and then applied to the scalp twice per day. Minoxidil works the best at treating an overall area of thinning. This treatment thickens the thin hair strands.
The Stimulation of Hair Growth
Prescription medications
Some medications such as Aldactone or Propecia, the drugs spironolactone and finasteride, work to treat hair loss by addressing hormones. Specifically, they work by binding to the androgen receptors and decreasing the body’s processing of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy
Platelet-rich plasma treatments are done by first drawing a patient’s blood, processing it in a centrifuge, and then injecting the concentration of PRP into the scalp. This treatment is showing really great results in restoring hair in almost all types of hair loss. PRP treatments require 3 initial treatments spread out every 3 to 6 weeks over a 3- to 4-month period. An additional treatment should be done every 6 to 9 months for maintenance.
Light and laser therapy
Laser devices have been showing good results in stimulating hair growth for people with androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern balding). Laser treatments are available in different applications, including red light therapy, cold laser, soft laser, photo biomodulation, and bio stimulation. LLLT (low-level laser therapy) devices are available without a prescription in the form of brushes, combs, and other handheld items such as the most effective Theradome. Most applications of laser therapy for hair loss will require no more than a few times a week for as little as 20 minutes per day. Results are typically noticed within 3 to 6 months.
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Our facility offers a luxurious, comfortable and private setting for consultations and surgery with a waiting room that is both spacious and inviting. Although we hope you don’t have to spend too much time waiting to see Dr. Torgerson, within a few minutes you will feel relaxed and at ease.
