When To Talk To your Doctor About Hair Loss

If you notice your hairline is thinning or you’re losing more strands of hair than usual, it can be alarming. To help slow or reverse hair loss, a healthcare provider needs to determine and treat the underlying cause(s).

Carolyn Trieu, PA, a physician assistant at Franciscan Health who specializes in dermatology, provides details on the top causes of hair loss, when to seek professional treatment and how you may be able to prevent genetic hair loss.

Common Causes Of Hair Loss

Genetics, an underlying health condition or lifestyle factors can all cause hair loss. Some people experience multiple types of hair loss at the same time. The following health conditions can contribute to hair loss:

Alopecia Areata

This autoimmune condition can be genetic. Tell your doctor if you notice sudden or severe hair loss in round bald patches. Hair loss in these patterns is not typical and may be a symptom of this health condition.

Androgenetic Alopecia

By far the most common form of hair loss, alopecia impacts both men and women. It is also known as male pattern or female pattern hair loss.

“Genetics or hormone shifts can influence androgenetic alopecia, and it can start at any age,” said Trieu.

Despite some old wives’ tales, the genes for this condition can come from one or both parents.

This type of hair loss occurs differently for men and women:

• For men, this typically starts with a receding hairline, and then the hair begins to thin at the crown (top) of the head.
• For women, thinning appears in the middle part, while the hairline typically remains the same.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may develop androgenetic alopecia due to an increase in testosterone (male hormone) in their body.

Telogen Effluvium

This hair loss typically occurs about three months after a stressful event, such as:

• Certain medications, including chemotherapy or acne treatment (Accutane)
• Emotional stress
• Hormonal changes
• Major surgery
• Physical stress
• Serious illness
• Significant weight loss

“If the stressor is not addressed or resolved, the hair loss will continue, and people may develop a chronic condition that can lead to ongoing stress,” explained Trieu.

Other Health Conditions That Can Lead To Hair Loss

Psoriasis, a common health condition, doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, psoriasis causes a lot of inflammation on the scalp which can block hair growth. If you have psoriasis, work with your healthcare provider to manage the condition so it doesn’t lead to hair loss.

Traction alopecia results from regularly wearing hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly over many years or decades.

Diagnosing Hair Loss

If your healthcare provider has ruled out underlying medical conditions for your hair loss, they will likely perform blood work to check for metabolic problems, such as a thyroid issue, or:

• B12 deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency

If your blood work reveals these nutrient levels are not optimal, your doctor may recommend supplements, medications or lifestyle changes. Over time, these changes may decrease your hair loss.

Treatments For Hair Loss

The best treatment for your hair loss depends on its underlying cause. Treatments may include:

• Cosmetic treatments, such as a hair transplant or platelet-rich plasma injections
• Minoxidil topical cream (such as Rogaine)
• Oral medication, such as Finasteride (to block dihydrotestosterone or DHT, a byproduct of testosterone)
• Supplements such as collagen

Results From Hair Loss Treatment

Because hair grows slowly (about a half-centimeter per month), it can take a long time to see results from hair loss treatment. Expect to use a topical cream consistently for at least three months before you see results. It generally takes at least three to six months of oral medications to see results. And if you choose a cosmetic treatment for hair loss, it may take six months to a year to see full results.

If androgenetic alopecia causes your hair loss, you’ll need to continue treatments for as long as you want to see results and prevent further hair loss. If hormone changes or an underlying health condition causes your hair loss, it will usually resolve once you address your other condition.

How To Promote Good Hair Health

Keeping your scalp healthy can help you grow healthy hair. There are steps you can take to help keep the hair you do have, including:

• Addressing any physical or mental health concerns
• Avoiding processed foods
• Eating a mostly whole-foods diet
• Getting enough sleep

“Our bodies are so complex,” explained Trieu. “If you’re not getting the right nourishment, growing healthy hair will not be the body’s priority.”

When To Talk To Your Doctor About Hair Loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak with your primary care provider (PCP):

• Burning
• Itching
• Other uncomfortable sensations on the scalp

“These symptoms may be a sign that inflammation or an infection is contributing to your hair loss,” said Trieu. “If you let inflammation go on long enough without proper treatment, it can lead to permanent hair loss.”

Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition and treat you for hair loss. If your situation is more complex, they may refer you to a dermatologist specializing in treating hair loss.

Preventing Hair Loss

If hair loss runs in your family, you can start early to help reduce your chances of hair loss. Get in the habit of using a topical cream like minoxidil to promote healthy hair growth.

“These solutions carry little risk,” explained Trieu. “They are a vasodilator that brings more blood flow to the scalp, encouraging hair growth.”

Speak with your provider before starting new medications, including minoxidil, to prevent hair loss.

Get Help From Franciscan Health

If you notice you’re losing more hair than you used to or that your hairline is receding, start by speaking with your Franciscan Health primary care provider.