Are you suffering from a loss of hair? It’s not just you: Google searches for hair loss have gone up by almost eight per cent in the past year.
But how do you know the difference between hair loss and shed? A study by the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that an average person sheds between 50 to 100 hairs per day, out of 100,000. While new hair usually replaces lost hair, however, this doesn’t happen always and may be a gradual process or a sudden one.
However frustrating it might be, there are many reasons why the hair doesn’t regenerate, in origin to an autoimmune condition like alopecia areata. It could also be due to stress which is the temporary type of loss of hair known as telogen effluvium, which has experienced an increase of 400 per cent from the time of the pandemic’s onset.
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Michele Green, MD, says she’s seen a “huge uptick” of hair loss sufferers as a result of the pandemic. This includes a lot more women.
“I’ve never seen so many hair loss patients in my entire life,” Dr. Green tells us. “It’s to the point where it’s actually a little bit stressful.”
But there’s hope you could be capable of reversing hair loss or at minimum, slowing it down. Although regrowing your hair might require some time and effort There are a variety of methods that can accelerate the process.
How can you obtain an assessment of your hair loss?
In this age of WebMD and WebMD, we’re all in the habit of trying to determine if we’re sick. However, to receive the most precise answer is to get help from a professional. In general, people visit their physician for an examination. During which they may be asked a number of questions regarding their diet. As well as their family and medical background.
Certain tests may need to be performed, based on what’s happening. Doctor. Green says most diagnoses can be determined by a basic visual examination. However, testing by labs may have to be performed if the loss of hair is significant enough.
In other situations, she might have her patients take hair samples to take them into the laboratory. “The hair is a very good marker that can really tell us what’s going on,” she says. “For some patients, that means that the hair can even tell us if you’re having a reaction to a medication and the medication is causing the hair loss.”
In certain cases, it could have to do with being related to an autoimmune disorder such as alopecia in which your immune system targets hair follicles.
After a diagnosis has been made doctors may give you a prescription. It could be topical or oral, or in some instances the two.
Are over-the-counter hair loss treatments effective?
The positive side is that a lot of the remedies prescribed by doctors are available for purchase over the counter. The most popular one is minoxidil, or the generic name for Rogaine available as in a liquid, foam or even pill form (though it can also cause unwanted hair growth in different parts of the human body).
Minoxidil-based products help many people grow their hair or at least slow down the rate however Jeff Donovan, MD, of the Donovan Hair Clinic in Canada insists on the fact that its efficacy will vary depending on the individual. “It certainly can help,” the doctor told Katie in a recent interview. “It doesn’t help everyone and it doesn’t help everyone dramatically, but it certainly does help.”
There are other popular pills for hair loss, such as Viviscaland Nutrafol that both experts believe are efficient, however, they’re typically employed for an excessive shed or for mild loss of hair. “I often tell people they can get Nutrafol or Viviscal, especially if they want something natural and they don’t want to take any medications,” Dr. Green says.
What are the prescribed treatments for hair loss?
Regarding prescribed medication, the two doctors typically recommend Propecia, the only oral medication for hair loss that is accepted by the Food and Drug Administration.
Doctor. Green typically uses Propecia for males and patients who are older. However, she says she often prescribes it to postmenopausal women experiencing loss of hair. If younger patients suffer from hair loss that is female-specific she frequently recommends Spironolactone, which she claims can provide “really effective” results.
If you don’t want to take oral medication and aren’t comfortable taking oral medications, the doctor. Green recommends platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by injection or micro-needling since this “works amazingly well.” Both treatments rely on the patient’s own blood cells to speed up the healing process of a specific area of the body that’s suffering from hair loss.
If the loss of hair results from stress, as is the case by telogen effluvium symptoms and other conditions, a more holistic approach might be required. For example, bringing in an expert in mental health. “Psychologists are part of the hair loss community, and they can play a valuable role in helping with some of the diagnoses and sometimes the treatments,” Dr. Donovan says.
Do you have any adverse consequences that are associated from hair loss treatment?
There are some adverse effects to using both over-the-counter and prescription medications. The majority of these drugs are not suitable by women nursing or pregnant.
Although minoxidil is widely regarded to be safe, however, it is not always safe. Dr. Dovovan has said that some clients who have taken oral or topical minoxidil have experienced dizziness or experiencing headaches. In certain instances, the doctor says it could influence blood pressure.
For other prescription medications such as Viviscal and Nutrafol, Both experts confirm that they are safe. However, people who have allergies to fish or shellfish must stay clear of them.
Regarding prescription medications, Propecia can lead to various issues ranging from erectile dysfunction. And diminished libido to swelling in your feet and hands. Spironolactone, however, contrary to what it says may cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
How long will it take for the hair loss medication to take effect?
Dr. Green says it takes at least three and a quarter to four months to notice any tangible improvements in hair growth. Although it’s normal to be worried over your hair loss she says it’s best not to worry too much. “Stress makes everything worse, including your hair loss,” she says.
Does food contribute to losing hair?
In short, it depends. The doctor. Donovan believes that food isn’t the main factor in the majority of the time, however, there are instances. For example, if someone is deficient in iron to begin with and isn’t getting enough of the mineral, Dr. Donovan would suggest that the patient alter their diet or supplement their diet to make sure that they’re not lacking.
In the same way, Dr. Green thinks a healthy diet is essential, stating that those who are overweight tend to make more testosterone. Which has long been linked with female or male-pattern hair loss. In particular, higher amounts of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Which is this hormone that comes in testosterone makes your hair’s hair follicles to be more sensitive. And thus more prone to losing hair.
What do you think about loss of hair and shampoo?
Washing your hair doesn’t cause hair’s locks to break, as per Dr. Green. However, keep in mind that each person’s hair is different when is the frequency you need to clean your hair. Those with thinner hair might need to shampoo their hair once a week. While people with more thick hair could be able to go between four and seven days without washing.
No matter what hair type you are regardless of hair type. No matter what hair type, Dr. Dovovon says everyone needs to be aware of the ingredients used in shampoos and conditioners. Since many contain chemical-based ingredients and scents that could result in allergic reactions. Dr. Dovovon suggests using the least fragrance-laden and non-allergenic shampoo and conditioner.
It’s also advisable to be in awe of products such as shampoos and conditioners which claim to grow hair. “It’s arguable whether the shampoos really help,” Dr. Green says. Dr. Green. “No one’s really quite sure.”