Hair loss is a common issue that affects both men and women. If you’re experiencing hair loss, understanding its causes and consulting a medical professional like your GP will help you make informed decisions about your hair health.

Dr Amandeep Singh Grewal, leading private GP, provides an informative overview of hair loss, exploring its causes, treatment options, preventive measures, as well as emerging therapies.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss can result from a variety of factors. The most common include:

Genetics: One of the primary causes of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary type of hair loss. In men, androgenetic alopecia results in a receding hairline and bald patches, while women tend to experience general thinning of hair across the scalp.

Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, many women experience thicker hair, but after childbirth, hormonal changes can lead to excessive hair shedding. In the menopause, declining oestrogen levels can result in thinning hair. Similarly, thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.

Medical conditions: Medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata can also trigger hair loss. Alopecia areata occurs when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to round patches of hair loss.

Stress and trauma: Chronic stress can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed in larger amounts. Traumatic experiences, surgery, or a significant illness can also trigger this condition.

What treatments are available for hair loss?

There are various solutions available depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the hair loss. The most common treatments include:

Medications: The most widely-used medications for hair loss are Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment applied directly to the scalp that stimulates hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth. Meanwhile, Finasteride is a prescription medication that works by inhibiting the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for hair follicle shrinkage.

Hair transplant surgery: Hair transplant involves taking hair follicles from a part of the scalp where hair is still thick and transplanting them to areas with thinning or no hair. It’s recommended for patients with advanced hair loss.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the solution into areas of the scalp where hair loss is occurring. This procedure stimulates hair follicles to encourage regrowth.

Can lifestyle changes help prevent hair loss?

While genetics and medical conditions play a significant role in hair loss, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow down the process. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy hair:

Nutrition: A balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for hair health can support growth and reduce thinning. Iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D are particularly important.

Stress management: Managing stress through techniques such as yoga, regular exercise, or deep breathing can help reduce the impact of stress-related hair loss, lowering cortisol levels.

Gentle hair care: Excessive styling, heat treatments, and tight hairstyles can weaken hair and contribute to hair loss. Opting for a mild shampoo and limiting the use of harsh chemicals, hairdryers and straighteners can help protect your hair and maintain its strength.

Are there any new treatments for hair loss that show promise?

In recent years, there have been several emerging treatments for hair loss that show promise, although many are still in the experimental stages. These notably include:

Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is a relatively new approach that uses stem cells to regenerate damaged hair follicles. Research is still in the early stages, but studies suggest that stem cell therapy could offer a more permanent solution for hair regrowth in the future.

JAK inhibitors: JAK inhibitors are drugs that block specific enzymes involved in the immune response, showing potential in treating autoimmune-related hair loss conditions like alopecia areata. While more research is needed, early studies indicate that JAK inhibitors may promote hair regrowth.

To book an appointment with Dr Amandeep Singh Grewal, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.