Hair loss is a prevalent condition affecting many people of all age groups. This results in a person feeling physically and socially less attractive and less likable, leading to low self-esteem.
Dr. Lionel Bissoon is highly trained and offers effective diagnoses to determine the cause of your hair loss, giving you innovative alternatives to surgical hair restoration.
Common causes of hair loss
Hair loss was considered an aging sign decades ago, but currently, it is seen in most middle-aged men and women. Androgenetic Alopecia is an inherited condition commonly seen in men and women. This occurs due to hair follicles being overly sensitive to hormones, which ultimately stop new hair growth.
Other causes of hair loss include:
- Nutritional deficiencies like poor iron intake
- Infections like ringworm infections
- Systemic diseases like thyroid problems
- Trauma
- Hormonal imbalance
- Chronic conditions like diabetes
- Sudden weight loss
- Certain drugs
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
- Severe emotional or physical shock or stress
- Using hair creams or gels or certain hairstyles (traction alopecia)
A note on alopecia areata
Women may experience loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, and men may lose their mustache and beard hair due to a condition known as alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disorder when your own immune system attacks healthy hair follicles. This leads to inflammation and hair loss.
Effective treatments for hair loss
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation for hair loss, followed by comprehensive lab work to determine the cause of your hair loss. Based on the underlying cause, an appropriate treatment plan will be designed.
You may require lifestyle changes to manage your hormonal imbalance, excess weight gain, and techniques to reduce stress.
Other effective therapies include:
PRP therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that stimulate new hair growth, slow down hair fall, and increase hair thickness.
Stem cells and exosomes
- Stem cells or progeny cells aid in self-stimulation, replication, and regeneration of new hair follicles.
- These cells, when injected into the body, help to heal and replace damaged tissues.
- Exosomes are tiny vesicles secreted by stem cells that carry RNA and protein.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
- This procedure involves injecting processed hormones that come from plants.
Nutrition therapy
- This includes supplements, a balanced meal plan, and IV therapy to restore healthy nutrient levels.
Bottom line
Hair loss is a common condition that may look aesthetically unpleasant and negatively impact your quality of life. It may be a cause of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
However, with advanced techniques and growing technology, hair loss can be effectively treated. Following certain lifestyle modifications can also enhance your hair growth and prevent hair loss.
