Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, impacting self-esteem and confidence. While some hair shedding is normal (losing 50–100 hairs per day), excessive thinning or bald patches may indicate an underlying issue. The good news? Many types of hair loss are treatable—especially male and female pattern baldness, the most common forms.

In this guide, we’ll explore:
✔ What causes hair loss? (Genetics, hormones, medical conditions)
✔ Different types of alopecia (Androgenetic, areata, telogen effluvium)
✔ Effective treatments (Medications, transplants, lifestyle changes)

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What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss occurs when the natural growth cycle is disrupted. Normally, hair follicles go through phases of growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen). When this cycle is disturbed—whether due to genetics, hormones, or external factors—hair thinning or baldness can develop.

1. Hereditary Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

The most common cause, affecting:

• 50% of men by age 50 (male pattern baldness)
• 40% of women by menopause (female pattern thinning)

How it works:

• Testosterone converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), shrinking follicles.
• Hair becomes thinner, shorter, and eventually stops growing.
• Patterns: Receding hairline & crown balding (men); diffuse thinning (women).

2. Hormonal & Medical Causes

• Thyroid disorders (hypo/hyperthyroidism)
• Pregnancy, menopause, or PCOS (estrogen/progesterone shifts)
• Autoimmune conditions (Alopecia areata—patchy hair loss)
• Scalp infections (Ringworm, folliculitis)

3. Lifestyle & External Factors

• Stress (Telogen Effluvium) – Sudden shedding after illness/surgery.
• Nutritional Deficiencies – Low iron, zinc, or vitamin D.
• Medications – Chemotherapy, blood thinners, acne drugs (retinoids).

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Types of Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Type	Key Features	Treatable?
Male Pattern Baldness	Receding hairline, crown thinning. Genetic & DHT-related.	✅ Yes (Finasteride, Minoxidil)
Female Pattern Thinning	Overall hair loss, wider part. Hormonal & age-related.	✅ Yes (Minoxidil, PRP)
Alopecia Areata	Sudden bald patches. Autoimmune attack on follicles.	⚠️ Sometimes (Steroids, JAK inhibitors)
Telogen Effluvium	Temporary shedding after stress, childbirth, or weight loss.	✅ Yes (Address underlying cause)
Scarring Alopecia	Permanent loss due to follicle destruction (e.g., burns, lupus).	❌ No (Transplants may help)

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Proven Hair Loss Treatments

1. Medications (FDA-Approved)

✔ Finasteride (Propecia®)

• How it works: Blocks DHT, stopping further loss.
• Effectiveness: 90% of men see halted hair loss; 65% regrow hair.
• For: Men only (not safe for women).

✔ Minoxidil (Regaine® / Rogaine®)

• How it works: Boosts blood flow to follicles, extending growth phase.
• Forms: 2% (women), 5% (men – foam or liquid).
• Results: Visible after 4–6 months.

???? Get a free online consultation for Finasteride or Minoxidil

2. Surgical Options

✔ Hair Transplants (FUE/FUT)

• Follicles moved from dense areas to thinning zones.
• Cost: £3,000–£15,000.

✔ Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

• Non-invasive laser caps/comb to stimulate growth.

3. Lifestyle & Supportive Care

• Diet: Iron, protein, omega-3s, biotin.
• Scalp Care: Gentle shampoos, avoid tight hairstyles.
• Stress Management: Yoga, meditation (for telogen effluvium).

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Can Hair Loss Be Reversed?

• Early-stage thinning: High success with Finasteride/Minoxidil.
• Advanced baldness: Transplants offer the best results.
• Scarring/non-DHT loss: Focus on preserving existing hair.

“The sooner you act, the better the results.”

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Next Steps: Finding the Right Treatment

1. Identify the cause (GP/dermatologist consultation).
2. Start treatment early (Medications work best before severe thinning).
3. Combine approaches (e.g., Minoxidil + microneedling).

Start the online consultation to begin your journey.

Jan 2025. Khush Purewall MrPharmS IP

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Have you tried any hair loss treatments? Share your experience below!