Talking to a Hair Doctor About Hereditary Hair Loss
Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness, causes progressive thinning of hair in both men and women. The condition can start to appear as early as the teen years and usually progresses with age. It can be a distressing condition, but the good news is that advances in medical technology include developments in non-surgical and surgical hair restoration treatments to address hereditary hair loss.
Hereditary hair loss tends to be more common in men than in women, with a suspected 50% of all men affected by the condition. However, a significant number of women are also affected by it.
In men, hereditary hair loss is usually characterized by a receding hairline, in the front and crown of the scalp. In women, the condition appears with overall thinning throughout the scalp, and thinning especially along the natural “part” of the hair.
What Is Hereditary Hair Loss?
Hereditary hair loss is caused by a combination of factors – including genetics, age, and hormones known as androgens. Androgens are the hormones responsible for male sex characteristics, which are present in men but also in women to a lesser degree.
The androgen known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a byproduct of testosterone production, which is important for normal sexual development and for regulating hair growth and sex drive in both men and women. If there are elevated DHT levels as a result of genetic variations or hormonal changes, it can make certain hair follicles sensitive to the effects of DHT – leading to a shorter hair growth cycle and the growth of thinner, shorter strands of hair. People with hereditary hair loss are thought to inherit this hair follicle sensitivity to DHT.
Hair Loss Treatment Options
Thanks to advances in hair restoration, treatments now offer better results and are more readily available than ever before. If you are experiencing hair loss, a hair restoration doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your hair loss condition in order to identify and treat your condition effectively.
There are a variety of non-surgical and surgical hair restoration treatments available that can help to restore and preserve your hair. Your hair doctor can recommend the ideal treatment for you based on your diagnosis and specific circumstances, and the treatment options include:
Medications
Hair-restoration medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, can be used to treat certain hair loss conditions including hereditary hair loss. They are specially designed to slow down (and even stop) hair loss, in order to maintain existing hair or to stimulate new hair growth. Hair restoration medication may be recommended or prescribed alongside other treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy
PRP therapy is a non-surgical, regenerative medicine technique that can be used to slow down the progression of hair loss and to stimulate hair regrowth. PRP is a concentration of specialized proteins that are derived from your own blood, and they can stimulate dormant hair follicles.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
A home-unit low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device is a safe, non-invasive, easy-to-use treatment for certain hair loss conditions involving hair thinning or hair miniaturizing. The device uses a unique pathway to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth via low-dose laser energy. The device (which can be hidden under a baseball cap) is usually worn for approximately 20 minutes per session, three times a day.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplantation is generally considered to be the most effective and permanent solution for hair loss, especially in men. The procedure involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from areas of healthy growth, usually around the nape of the neck, and then implanting them in areas suffering from hair loss. Talk to your hair doctor about whether this is a viable option in your case.
Treatment for Hereditary Hair Loss in Kansas City, Missouri
If you are experiencing hair loss, contact Darling Hair Restoration for a thorough evaluation by hair loss expert Dr. Scott Darling. We offer a variety of treatment options for hereditary hair loss, including hair transplant surgery and nonsurgical treatments.
If you would like to find out more about our effective hair restoration treatments, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darling today by calling (816) 792-3400 or fill out our appointment request form online. We look forward to seeing you!