Hair loss can be both temporary and permanent, influenced by factors such as health conditions, genetics, age, stress, medication, and hairstyling habits.
Common signs include:
• Thinning of hair
• Bald patches
• Receding hairline
• Medical Conditions: Illness and hormonal changes can prompt hair loss.
• Cancer Treatments: Radiation and chemotherapy may lead to hair thinning.
• Genetics: Androgenic alopecia or male and female pattern baldness is hereditary.
• Medications: Some drugs, especially those treating high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease, can induce hair loss.
• Stress: Significant physical or emotional stress can cause hair to shed.
• Styling: Overstyling or the use of certain products can damage hair follicles and result in loss.
Male pattern baldness is often linked to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a by-product of testosterone. Elevated DHT levels can enlarge the prostate and shrink hair follicles in the scalp, resulting in hair loss. Finasteride, an active ingredient in tablets like Propecia, blocks the production of DHT.
1. Propecia and Finasteride: These prescription tablets work by lowering the level of DHT in the scalp, a by-product of testosterone responsible for hair loss. They prevent further hair damage and stimulate regrowth.
• Usage: Daily intake of 1mg tablet.
• Efficacy:Results typically appear within three months.
• Side Effects: Includes reduced sex drive, erectile problems, depression, skin rash, and nipple tenderness.
2. Regaine: A non-prescription topical solution with minoxidil as its active ingredient. Minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles, promoting growth and enhancing hair thickness.
• Usage: Massage into the scalp twice daily.
• Efficacy: Visible results in 2-3 months.
• Side Effects: Potential skin rash, itching, and headaches.
3. Combination Therapy: Combining Propecia/Finasteride with Regaine can enhance chances of successful hair regrowth.
• Alpecin Shampoo: An over-the-counter treatment containing caffeine. It boosts cell energy in follicles and reverses DHT effects. Visible results in 3 months.
• Laser Therapy: Utilizes infrared laser light to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth.
• Steroid Injections: Used to treat hair loss caused by autoimmune diseases. Can be applied topically, injected, or taken orally.
• Wigs: An aesthetic solution, available in both human and synthetic hair varieties.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Hair transplants can shift hair from denser regions to balding or thinning areas. Two primary methods are FUT and FUE.
• This service is exclusive to men with hair loss caused by male pattern baldness.
• Avoid use if your partner is pregnant or trying to conceive, as there’s a risk to a male foetus.
• Inform your clinician about other medications and medical conditions.
• For a complete list of side effects and guidelines, refer to the provided Patient Information Leaflet.
• Order from MedCare Health Clinic for review and treatment.
• Clinical reviews within 2–24 hrs.
• Up to 12 months of repeat prescriptions available post initial consultation.
Hair loss is a natural process, with up to 100 hairs shedding daily. However, when hair isn’t replaced or the loss exceeds the norm, treatments are available to assist. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable solution.