Why
Hair loss in adults is extremely common; it affects virtually everyone at some point. In men it may be noted as early as the teen years. In women it is most often noted after menopause. Early on, men typically notice a receding hairline or a bald spot at the top of their crown. Women more commonly develop generalized thinning of their hair over the crown without a receding hairline. The hair loss patterns differ but in both cases it’s usually due to androgen (male hormone) sensitivity, although other medical conditions, stress or medications can also play a role.
Androgenic alopecia can have a strong hereditary component or result from an underlying medical condition. In women, as estrogen decreases, androgens levels can rise, leading to scalp hair loss even while facial hair is growing. In this type of hair loss, the growing phase of the hair is shortened and the time between shedding hair and growing new hair increases. Also, the follicles produce shorter, thinner hair. Overall, your nice, thick hair is replaced with thinner, shorter, less pigmented hair.
What to Do
The first step in addressing this condition is to rule out any other condition that can cause or contribute to hair loss, such as scalp infections or hypothyroidism. Our office recommends a hormone evaluation so that imbalances can be addressed.
For treatment, you want to encourage new hair growth. Several types of non-invasive therapies are available and all of them need to be continued long-term to see sustained results. Also, it will take two to four months to see effects in most cases so don’t give up too early.
These treatments include:
Minoxidil- this was originally a drug used for high blood pressure, but it was found to stimulate hair growth, so the FDA approved a topical formulation that is available without a prescription. It can cause scalp irritation and excessive facial hair, so it isn’t acceptable to all users.
Supplements- a variety of these are available and all contain a combination of vitamins and nutraceuticals to stimulate and sustain healthy hair growth. They are generally safe if used as directed. Be sure to read the ingredients if you are taking other supplements as the components may overlap.
Mesotherapy – this involves a blood draw and then injection of the blood concentrate into the scalp via tiny needles. It is a potent promoter of hair growth and should be repeated for maximum effect. First, monthly treatments are recommended. Then periodic booster treatments are recommended to maintain hair growth. Use of hair growth oral supplements is also smart to be sure you’re getting the required support for healthy hair growth.
CryoTouch MD- this is a device the uses the power of carboxylation to increase oxygenation in tissues. Increasing scalp oxygen can trigger improved hair growth. This is typically administered in an office or spa on a weekly basis for 12 weeks and used in conjunction with oral supplements and a scalp serum (Trichocyte) to foster improved hair growth. The at-home Trichocyte oral supplement and scalp serum is research-proven to be effective in stimulating results in 270 days. In combination with the carboxylation therapy, you should see even faster results, sometimes as fast as 4 to 6 weeks.
Are you ready to get started? Call Advanced PainCare and BioHealth Institute (717-791-2860) or CARE Esthetics Camp Hill (717-480-7176) to get started on your hair regrowth today.