Many treatments available for hair loss
My patients are still suffering from hair loss after COVID and from COVID stress. I offer a number of treatments that can help:
- Exosomes (click to learn more)
- PRP (see below)
- DefenAge Hair Follicle Serum (click for Fact-Sheet)
- Nutrafol capsules (dietary supplement)
- Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum
Over-the-counter
Minoxidil, now over-the-counter in a 5% foam or liquid, should be used consistently and as directed to get the maximum benefit.
There have been some studies that indicated caffeine and niacin applied topically to hair follicles may stimulate hair growth. There are shampoos and scalp treatments that contain caffeine and niacin. This would not be a treatment for someone who is balding. It only works on active (living) hair roots. It won’t regenerate bald spots.
Hair growth supplements like Nutrafol or Viviscal provide nutrients that promote existing hair growth. We sell a “professional” stronger version of Viviscal in our office. There is also an over-the-counter version of Viviscal available in retail stores.
Prescription Drugs
Finasteride is used primarily with male patients to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Studies on women have not consistently shown the same benefits. Special considerations should be taken for women of childbearing age, as Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT exacerbates male and female-pattern hair loss (top and front of the scalp). Finasteride could also increase estrogen levels, so it should not be used by women with a history of breast cancer.
Spironolactone is an anti-androgenic drug that may reduce hair loss in women. Special precautions also need to be taken for women of childbearing age.
Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a new method to treat hair loss (androgenic alopecia). Some patients experience a reduction in hair loss after several PRP treatments, and also an improvement in the volume and coverage of hair on treated areas of the scalp. PRP is an injectable made from your blood! PRP speeds healing and has been used for years to help athletes recover from injuries and to repair tendons and joints.
A small amount of your blood is drawn and then with a centrifuge, the platelet-rich plasma is extracted. After the injections of the PRP into your scalp, you may experience some redness, a little swelling, or even bruising for a few days. Watch this news story about PRP.
Drug-induced hair loss
Pharmaceuticals make our lives better, but sometimes the side effects can be traumatizing.
For example, the side effect of hair loss.
Drugs prescribed for thyroid disorders, ulcers and Parkinson’s may contribute to hair loss. Anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and some beta-blockers could cause you to lose some hair. And this is just a few pharmaceuticals that can cause hair loss. The hair loss may be temporary, or the prescription medication could cause the onset of male or female pattern baldness. The worst-case scenario could be permanent hair loss.
If you are concerned about hair loss from a medication you are taking, book an appointment with my office. Before your appointment, write some notes about when the hair loss began and if it came on suddenly and gradually. Create a list of all medications (with the dosage) you are currently taking, as well as any other medications you’ve taken 12 months prior (especially the drug(s) you suspect caused hair issues).
An exam of your scalp is an important part of determining what’s going on, and I may want to look at the hair on other parts of your body and I will ask about changes. Depending on your situation, a scalp biopsy may be taken. Also, after evaluating your medical history, I may want to do bloodwork.
I cannot emphasize enough how much an exam and discussion of your medical history is crucial for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan for your hair loss. A treatment plan might include vitamins or mineral supplements, Rogaine applied topically, or prescription drugs such as spironolactone or finasteride. Another option might be PRP Therapy. We may have to experiment to find what works for you.
