Hair loss is a natural process that occurs in every person’s body. Hair grows, reaches a certain length, then falls out, and new hair begins to grow in its place. However, when hair loss becomes excessive and causes a noticeable decrease in hair density, it may indicate a problem.
Natural hair growth cycle
Hair goes through three main stages of growth:
- Anagen (growth phase): In this phase, the hair is actively growing. This period can last from 2 to 7 years.
- Catagen (transitional phase): A short-term phase when hair stops growing. It lasts about 2-3 weeks.
- Telogen (resting phase): In this phase, the hair is at rest before it falls out. This phase lasts about 3 months.
After the telogen phase is complete, the hair falls out and the cycle starts again with the anagen phase. A daily loss of 50-100 hairs is normal and not a cause for concern.
When does hair loss become a problem?
Hair loss becomes a problem when the amount of hair falling out is much higher than normal and new hair does not have time to grow in its place. This can lead to a noticeable reduction in hair density or the formation of bald patches.
There are many reasons that can cause abnormal hair loss, including genetic factors, hormonal changes, stress, poor diet, disease, and others.
Types of hair loss
There are several types of hair loss, each of which has its own characteristics:
- Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, it manifests itself in the form of bald patches on the frontal and parietal areas, in women – in the form of general hair thinning and significant hair loss in the frontal and parietal areas.
- Telogen effluvium: Temporary hair loss caused by stress, illness, or changes in the body, such as childbirth, disease, or surgery.
- Alopecia areata: An autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in round or oval patches on the head and other parts of the body.
- Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by constant tension or pulling of the hair, such as in tight hairstyles.
- Cicatricial alopecia: Hair loss associated with damage to the hair follicles and the formation of scar tissue on the scalp.
Causes of hair loss
Hormonal changes in women:
- Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to thinning and hair loss.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth can cause temporary hair loss.
- Hormonal contraceptives: Some contraceptives can affect hormone levels and contribute to hair loss.
Hormonal changes in men:
- Andropause: Decreased testosterone levels in men as they age can cause hair loss.
- Increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT): DHT can cause atrophy of hair follicles and, as a result, hair loss.
- Seborrhea can often cause hair loss.
Other reasons
- Stress. Emotional and physical stress can lead to temporary hair loss in both sexes. This condition is known as telogen effluvium.
- Improper nutrition. Lack of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, can weaken hair and contribute to hair loss.
- Genetics. Hereditary predisposition plays an important role in hair loss in both men and women. If there are cases of alopecia in the family, the likelihood of its occurrence increases.
- Androgenetic alopecia. This disease is associated with increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens (hormones). In men, this condition often manifests itself as male pattern baldness, in women – as female pattern baldness.
- Autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing focal hair loss.
- Thyroid diseases: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect hair growth and lead to hair loss.
- Fungal infections of the scalp, such as ringworm, can cause hair loss. These infections require medical treatment.
- Medications. Some medications can have side effects in the form of hair loss.
- Chronic diseases. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus can contribute to hair loss.
- Mechanical impact. Frequent use of tight hairstyles, hot styling and chemicals prevents hair loss.
Diagnosis of hair loss
Diagnosing hair loss is an important step in determining the causes and choosing the most effective treatment method. At Anchor Clinic, we use several key methods to diagnose hair loss. Here are the main stages of hair loss diagnosis:
1. Medical examination
The first step in the diagnosis is a medical examination. A trichologist-dermatologist examines the patient’s scalp and hair. The doctor pays attention to:
- Scalp condition (inflammation, redness, peeling)
- Hair density
- The presence of bald spots
- Type and nature of hair loss (diffuse or focal)
2. Dermatoscopy (trichoscopy)
Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive examination method that allows you to examine the scalp and hair using a special microscope – a dermatoscope. This method helps to detect:
- The structure of hair follicles
- The condition of the skin
- The presence of follicle miniaturization, characteristic of androgenetic alopecia
- Signs of inflammation or infection
3.Blood tests
Blood tests are often prescribed to identify the internal causes of hair loss. The main indicators that can be examined include:
- Iron and ferritin levels (to detect anemia)
- Vitamin D level
- Thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, T3)
- Sex hormones (estrogens, testosterone, DHT)
- Indicators of general health (complete blood count, blood biochemistry)
4. Scalp biopsy
In rare cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis. This method involves taking a small section of the scalp for histological examination. A biopsy helps to identify:
- Inflammatory processes
- Scarring changes
- Features of the structure of hair follicles
5. Traction test
The pull test is a simple method that helps determine the severity of hair loss. The doctor gently pulls on a tuft of hair to estimate the amount of hair that is falling out. This test can help determine the extent of telogen hair loss.
6. Examination of hair under a microscope
Microscopic examination of the hair allows you to assess its structure and identify possible damage. This can be useful for diagnosing diseases of the hair shaft or the influence of external factors.
The main methods of hair loss treatment
Medication treatment
- Minoxidil: This is one of the most common drugs used to stimulate hair growth. It is available as a solution or foam that is applied to the scalp. Minoxidil improves blood circulation in the hair follicles, stimulating the growth of new hair.
- Finasteride: This drug is used mainly to treat androgenetic alopecia in men. It blocks the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink.
- Spironolactone: It is used to treat hormonal hair loss in women. It reduces androgen levels that may contribute to hair loss.
Hardware treatment.
- Laser therapy. Low-intensity laser radiation stimulates hair follicles, improving blood circulation and metabolism in cells. This promotes the growth of new hair and strengthens existing hair.
- Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves the mechanical removal of the top layer of the scalp, which stimulates cell renewal and improves the penetration of medications.
- Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasonic waves help deliver active ingredients deep into the scalp, improving their effectiveness.
- Darsonvalization of hair: This is a hardware effect of alternating high voltage current: it increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes, and improves the supply of oxygen to the skin.
Injection methods
- Mesotherapy: Injecting hair growth-promoting nutrients and hair growth-stimulating substances (vitamins, amino acids, trace elements) directly into the scalp. This improves the nutrition of hair follicles and accelerates hair growth.
- PRP therapy (plasma therapy): Using the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate hair growth. The procedure improves blood circulation, delivers a variety of signal peptides to the scalp that directly stimulate hair follicles and activate hair growth and tissue regeneration.
Conclusion.
Hair loss treatment requires an integrated approach and an individual plan that takes into account all the patient’s characteristics. At Ankor Medical Center, we offer modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, use certified products that ensure effective hair restoration and strengthening. We get excellent results from the combined use of home treatment (minoxidil, finasteride) with hardware and injection methods (MDA, darstnval).
For injectable treatment, we widely use Dermaheal HL and Hair filler, manufactured in South Korea. Contact us with your hair problems, if any, and we will help you!
loss in women and men
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She graduated from Kyiv Medical School No. 1 in 1999.