What Kind of Doctor To See for Hair Loss? And What To Expect During the Visit
Hair loss is an issue that affects many people, both men and women. It’s not just about thinning or balding; it also includes hair falling out in clumps. This kind of hair loss may be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, stress, medications, illness, or other factors. Some people are born with this condition, while others develop it later in life.
In either case, it can have serious consequences on your appearance. Fortunately, there are treatments available to stop or slow down the process. The first step is to find a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss. Your primary care physician might refer you to a dermatologist, endocrinologist, or another specialist depending on what type of hair loss you have. If you have been diagnosed with male pattern baldness, you will likely need to see a plastic surgeon.
Hair loss can affect anyone at any age. However, most people notice it when they’re older than 40. Men generally start losing their hair around puberty, but some men experience hair loss as early as their 20s. Women usually begin experiencing hair loss after menopause. As we get older, our bodies produce less testosterone, which causes hair follicles to shrink. This leads to fewer new hairs being produced. In addition, the existing hairs become thinner and shorter.
The good news is that there are treatments available to reverse hair loss. These include prescription drugs, surgery, and laser therapy. There are also non-invasive options such as topical creams, shampoos, and supplements.
There are two main types of hair loss:
alopecia and trichotillomania (TTM). Alopecia refers to hair loss from the scalp, whereas TTM involves pulling individual strands of hair out of the scalp.
Alopecia Areata
This is a common form of hair loss that occurs throughout the body. People with AA lose patches of hair all over their body. Usually, these patches appear on the face, arms, legs, chest, back, buttocks, and genitals.
AA affects more men than women. Most cases occur before the age of 30, although it can happen at any time. AA is hereditary, so if one parent has AA, then the child has a 50 percent chance of developing it.
AA causes patchy areas of hair loss without visible inflammation. Sometimes, though, the affected area becomes red, scaly, and swollen.
People with AA often have no symptoms, but those who do suffer from severe itching, burning, tingling, pain, tenderness, and swelling.
AA isn’t curable, but it’s manageable. Treatments include corticosteroids, minoxidil, and immunosuppressants.
Trichotillomania
This is a psychological disorder that causes someone to pull his or her own hair out. Trichotillomania is sometimes called “hair-pulling syndrome.”
It’s estimated that 1 million American adults have TTM. About half of them are women. Most people with TTM are between 10 and 25 years old.
Symptoms of TTM include excessive picking at the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic region, armpits, underarms, thighs, buttocks, neck, or other parts of the body. Itching and/or pain may be present.
Treatment includes psychotherapy, antidepressants, and behavior modification.
Treatment Options
If you’ve noticed hair thinning or loss, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Some doctors recommend using medications to prevent further hair loss. Others suggest using certain products. Still others use lasers to stimulate hair growth.
Medications
Some medicines help treat hair loss by increasing blood flow to the scalp. They work best in combination with other treatments.
Minoxidil
This drug stimulates hair growth. Minoxidil should not be used alone because it doesn’t cause permanent hair regrowth. If you want to try this medicine, ask your doctor first.
Finasteride
Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down testosterone. It helps slow hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages hair follicles.
Side effects of finasteride include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and breast enlargement.
Propecia
Propecia blocks the action of DHT, which prevents hair loss. This medication also increases the size of existing hairs.
Side effects of propecia include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and rash.
Topical Medicines
These topical creams contain ingredients such as vitamin B5, zinc oxide, and retinol. The goal is to increase circulation to the scalp.
Laser Therapy
A laser beam delivers light energy directly to the hair follicle. This therapy stimulates new hair growth.
Side effects include temporary skin discoloration and scarring.
Hair Transplantation
A hair transplant is performed when there is extensive hair loss on the head. Hair grafts are taken from the back of the patient’s head and inserted into bald spots.
The procedure can take up to two hours. Afterward, stitches are removed, and bandages are applied.
Most patients return home within 24 hours after surgery. You’ll need follow-up visits every few months for several months to ensure healing.
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