This September, Dr. Correa is shedding light on the latest advancements, timeless strategies and insights into managing and understanding hair loss. Whether you’re experiencing changes in your own hair or supporting someone through their journey, our goal is to provide you with valuable information empowers and informs.
As a reminder, we are always open to topic suggestions for our future newsletters! After all, this newsletter is created for you - our patients - and is part of our commitment to open, clear, and consistent communication. We encourage you to read it and share it with others who might benefit from the information.
Warmly,
Rylie, Mae and Elena
Hair loss is a common concern that can affect both men and women, young and old, often impacting self-esteem and quality of life. Understanding the causes and exploring treatment options can help manage this condition effectively.
Causes of Hair Loss:
Hair loss can occur for various reasons, including:
Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss.
Hormonal Changes: Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss.
Medical Conditions: Diseases like alopecia areata, scalp infections, and some autoimmune disorders can cause hair loss.
Medications: Certain drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure can lead to hair loss as a side effect.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, protein, vit B12, folate and vit D can contribute to hair thinning and loss.
Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger hair loss, often temporarily (called telogen effluvium).
Treatment Options:
Before spending a boatload of money at CVS or Sephora, please contact us. Several treatment options are available - here are just a few common ones.
Medications:
Minoxidil (Rogaine): An over-the-counter topical treatment that can help stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil also works for hair loss as an oral prescription, but it is not safe for everyone.
Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription oral medication for men that reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth.
Metformin (generic): A prescription topical that can help with certain types of alopecia, by reducing inflammation and stimulating hair follicles.
Spironolactone (generic): a prescription oral (or topical) for women that reduces androgens, or male sex hormones, increasing hair growth on the scalp and reducing hair growth on the face.
Hair Restoration Procedures (if medical therapy does not work):
Hair Transplant Surgery: Involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body to the balding area.
Scalp Micropigmentation: A cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of hair using tiny tattoos.
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy can help stimulate hair growth for some individuals.
Nutritional Supplements: Ensuring a diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals and protein can support hair health. Unfortunately, there are many supplements marketed to help hair loss that simply don't; please run any supplement you're thinking about by Dr. Correa so she can advise properly based on your history, exam and other medications/conditions. (Enrolled patients - just text a photo of the ingredients label to Dr. C directly.)
Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding harsh hair treatments can prevent further hair loss.
There are truly hundreds of causes of hair loss and hundreds of specific types of hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is imperative to determine the underlying cause to choose the most effective treatment and avoid wasting money.
Let us know how we can help!
Warm Regards,
Aditi Correa, MD, MSCP
Your Partner In Health
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