Hair Loss Treatment Treatments
Hair loss (alopecia) can affect the scalp, body, or both, at any age, due to various reasons, including stress, illness, medication, and genetics. It can be temporary or permanent and is more common in men. At Ashcroft Pharmacy, we can supply you with Finasteride or Propecia, which have been proven to reduce the amount of hair you lose. Please see below and fill out the health questionnaire so we can make sure that either of these treatments is suitable for you! Check below to buy hair loss tablets & pills online in the UK.
Start Assessment Re-order medication
Hair Loss Treatment Key Information
Hair loss, medically called alopecia, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Hair shedding is a natural part of ageing.
As we grow older, both men and women tend to lose some hair thickness and volume. Generally, this kind of hair loss isn't caused by a disease. It can be caused by genetics, hormones, medical conditions, and certain medications.
What are the different types of hair loss?
There are many types of hair fall, with different causes and symptoms. Male pattern baldness is just one type of alopecia. Other types of baldness include telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, alopecia areata, and cicatricial alopecia.
- Androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness) is the most common form of hair thinning. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones.
- Telogen effluvium is a temporary type of hair loss that can be caused by stress, illness, or certain medications.
- Anagen effluvium is another type of temporary hair fall, caused by damage to the hair follicles. This can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medical conditions.
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that triggers hair shedding in small, round patches.
- Cicatricial alopecia: This is a type of permanent hair loss that is caused by scarring of the scalp. This can be caused by burns, infections, and certain medical conditions.
Male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common, genetic condition that leads to permanent hair loss. Male pattern baldness affects 50% of men over 50 years of age, but it can also affect men in their 20s.
The hair loss in male pattern baldness starts as a thinning of the hair at the sides and on the top of the head. It’s this “pattern” that defines the condition and separates it from other types of hair loss.
Whilst this form of hair loss in men isn’t serious and doesn’t need treatment, it is permanent and can be distressing.
The loss of hair can affect your confidence and self-esteem. However, there are several treatment options available to slow down or stop excessive hair shedding and even regrow some hair.
Causes of male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, meaning it’s in the genes you got from your parents. Hair follicles on the head convert the hormone testosterone into a different form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
It’s believed that the gene for male pattern baldness causes the follicles to become sensitive to DHT and start to shrink. Eventually, the follicle stops working, and no hair will grow from it.
Risk factors
The following factors may increase your risk of balding:
- Family history of balding
- Older age
- Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, lupus, and alopecia areata
- Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners
What can you do to prevent hair loss?
To help prevent hair thinning, you can eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to support healthy hair growth.
- Manage stress: Stress can trigger hair loss, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress levels.
- Protect your hair from the sun and other environmental damage: Wear a hat or scarf when you are outdoors, and avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair.
- If you have a family history of baldness, there is not much you can do to prevent it. However, early treatment can help to slow the progression of hair thinning and promote hair growth.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about balding:
- Balding is not spread through contact.
- Hair thinning is not caused by poor hygiene or wearing hats.
- Baldness is not a sign of ageing, although it is more common in older adults.
- Alopecia can affect people of all races and ethnicities.
If you are experiencing balding, there are a number of things you can do to cope with it. You can try a variety of hairstyles to disguise the hair loss, or you may choose to wear a wig or hairpiece. Talk to your doctor about medical treatments and a therapist or counsellor about any distress or anxiety.
Treatment for hair loss
If your hair shedding is caused by genetics or stress, there are a variety of medications and procedures that can help to slow or stop hair thinning and promote hair regrowth. Some common treatments include:
- Finasteride (Propecia)
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
- Hair transplant surgery
Sources
Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, meaning it’s in the genes you got from your parents. Hair follicles on the head convert the hormone testosterone into a different form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It’s believed that the gene for male pattern baldness causes the follicles to become sensitive to DHT and start to shrink. Eventually, the follicle stops working, and no hair will grow from it.
What causes hair thinning?
The exact cause of balding is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male sex hormone. DHT can shrink hair follicles and eventually stop them from producing hair.
Hair loss (alopecia) is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics: The most common cause of balding is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. This type of balding is hereditary and is caused by a combination of genes and hormones.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems, can also cause hair loss.
- Medical conditions: A variety of medical conditions can cause balding, including alopecia areata, lupus, and cancer.
- Medications: Chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners are examples of medications that can cause hair thinning as a side effect.
- Stress: Severe or prolonged stress can also cause hair thinning.
- Physical trauma: Physical trauma to the scalp, such as a burn or a head injury, can cause hair shedding in the affected area.
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, protein, or zinc, can also cause hair thinning.
Hair loss treatment varies based on the root cause of the issue. If your hair loss is caused by a medical condition or medication, your doctor will likely recommend treating the main cause of the issue or considering an alternative medication.
There are a variety of medications and procedures that can help to slow or stop hair thinning and promote hair regrowth. Some common treatments include:
- Finasteride (Propecia): This oral medication is available by prescription and is effective in preventing hair thinning and promoting hair regrowth in some men.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): This topical medication is available over the counter and is effective in slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in some people.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): This treatment uses lasers to stimulate hair growth. LLLT is available over-the-counter and at some dermatology offices.
- Hair transplant surgery: This surgery involves transplanting hair follicles from another part of the body to the scalp. Hair transplant surgery is a permanent solution for hair loss, but it can be expensive and time-consuming.
If you're worried about hair loss, it's advisable to consult your doctor. They can assess the cause of your hair loss and suggest suitable treatment options.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team — Mr Suhail Jamil, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2069518).