The most common cause of hair loss is genetics and affects both men and women. However, other non-hereditary factors can sometimes cause thinning hair in both genders and should be ruled out prior to starting treatment. Men and women with a thyroid condition can experience hair loss due to the hormonal changes it causes in the body. What is the connection between hair and thyroid hormone?The thyroid is a large, ductless gland that regulates many aspects of human health. Thyroid imbalance occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones (hypothyroidism) or produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism). Some of the areas impacted by the thyroid gland include - weight, hair, metabolism etc. Telogen Effluvium or Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) is the common hair loss condition seen in people with a thyroid imbalance. It causes thinning hair due to hair loss all over the scalp. Over time, the condition may result in complete baldness if it goes untreated. Some of the ways in which thyroid hormone effects the hair include - • Decreased growth of hair at the root • Lost hair is not replaced by new hair • Thinning hair across the scalp • The supply of proteins get disturbed • The hair growth energy is taken away by the body Thyroid disease can even contribute to a change in hair quality, texture, and volume. Those with hypothyroidism often experience hair conditions like - coarsening, drying etc. On the contrary, those with hyperthyroidism experience hair conditions such as - hair loss, thinning of hair etc. The hair loss related to the thyroid disease is not exclusive to the scalp. Patients suffering from thyroid disease may experience hair loss in other areas like eyebrows, eyelashes, chest and public areas. Fortunately, thyroid-related hair loss can be reversed with proper treatment. Certain drugs used to treat thyroid imbalance may also cause hair loss. It can be hard to tell if it is the drug or thyroid that is causing hair loss. How to balance thyroid to bring back hairThe primary concern is to restore proper functioning of the thyroid. A mild form of thyroid imbalance doesn’t generally result in hair loss or thinning. Working with the doctors to keep the condition under control may regenerate hair growth. The process begins with a simple blood test that includes an evaluation of TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies. When the production of T3 and T4 is disrupted, it affects several processes in the body. Once you know your thyroid levels, you can work with your doctor to make sure you are on the right dosage of medication. The possible medications for treating thyroid disease include - levothyroxine, beta blockers, and methimazole. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels for a few months while you are on medication. You may notice hair growth within several months. Bottom lineThyroid related hair loss can be treated with medication that helps to correct the condition. However, some men and women also use Rogaine (minoxidil) to help expedite hair regrowth.
Hair transplant surgery is not typically an option for men and women with thyroid related hair loss since hair all over the entire scalp is affected by thinning hair. Thus, there is no donor area safe zone to harvest hair from.
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Hair loss can be extremely stressful and requires timely diagnosis and treatment. It is estimated that genetic hair loss affects more than 50 million men in the US alone. Treatment of androgenetic alopecia is challenging with limited therapeutic options. In recent years, hair transplant surgery has exploded in popularity and is the best way to restore a full and natural looking head of hair. However, there are also nonsurgical options for hair loss that can help individuals maintain their existing hair and even potentially regrow a nominal amount of lost hair. Catching hair loss early is off and the key to success with nonsurgical treatments. Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of non-surgical treatments in pattern baldness in both men and women. Below, we explore the non-surgical treatments to treat hair loss. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)Platelets are the tiny cells that contain growth factors for healing and tissue regeneration. Growth factors include the Epidermal growth factor, Transforming Growth Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Platelet Derived Growth Factor. Studies suggest that growth factors associated with platelets play an important role in regulating hair follicle functioning by stimulating stem cells and other cells in the microenvironment of the hair follicle. This hair loss treatment can give effective results in men and women experiencing hair loss. PRP therapy for hair loss involves withdrawing a small amount of patients blood for processing through the Magellan TruPRP device that separates platelets and plasma from other blood components. In some cases, Aminon would be mixed with PRP prior to injecting the solution into the scalp through micro-needles. People with mild to medium hair loss are generally the best candidates for PRP hair loss treatment. Benefits of PRP TherapyIt is a simple non-surgical procedure • It can be combined with hair transplant surgery for a synergistic effect • Natural and stylish hair with increased volume • No recovery period • 100% safe and provides reliable results in terms of hair loss reduction Low-Level Laser Therapy LLLT, also referred to as red light therapy is a less invasive treatment for those suffering from the devastating effects of hair loss. Those with a nominal amount of hair loss may be able to achieve fuller, shinier, thicker and healthier hair with laser therapy. Low-level laser light is the compressed light of a wavelength from the red part spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The coherent and monochromatic properties of the laser light allow it to penetrate into the scalp tissue where it improves cellular metabolism with no damage, heat or side effects. Low level laser therapy has been used by leading hair restoration clinics for years. It is completely safe and there are no known side effects associated with it. When combined with any hair loss prevention program, it increases the likelihood of effective results. Benefits of low-level laser therapy Increases blood supply to the scalp and stimulates hair follicles • Stops the progression of hair loss • Laser therapy can help newly transplanted hair thrive • Promotes hair re-growth • Increases strength and elasticity of hair MedicationYou may be able to slow down hair loss using prescription medications and ointments. These include: Minoxidil, Dutasteride, Finasteride and Corticosteroids and are commonly used to treat hair loss in men and women experiencing genetic pattern baldness.
• Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine was originally designed as a vasodilator. Unexpectedly, this drug helped patients grow more hair. Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp twice daily to treat hair loss. • Dutasteride was originally designed to treat an enlarged prostate. But because it blocks both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase enzymes, it was found to be effective in treating pattern hair loss in men. • Corticosteroids are prescribed for a specific type of hair loss that occurs when the body attacks its own hair follicles due to inflammation. Men and women experiencing hair loss must use these medicines for several months for noticeable results. • Finasteride is a clinically proven treatment for male pattern baldness. Dihydrotesterone (DHT) is the primary cause of hair loss in men and women. This drug works by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT in the body and helps prevent hair loss. At the Hair Transplant Network, we provide information on surgical and non-surgical alternatives for people suffering from hair loss. Our recommended hair transplant surgeons will work closely with you to find the best option - surgical or non-surgical. Click the link above for a FREE consultation with one of our prescreened hair doctors. |
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