HAIR RESTORATION
WHY CHOOSE HAIR RESTORATION? Hair loss and thinning is a very common problem in our society, with approximately 40% of women experiencing hair loss by age 40, and 85% of men displaying visible hair loss by age 50. Not all hair thinning is a result of simple aging; hair loss in women in their 20’s and 30’s is becoming more prevalent than ever before.
Some hair loss, like that experienced with pregnancy, stress, and certain medications, may only be a temporary side effect. Each hair follicle goes through a normal cycle over the course of several years where a follicle grows, rests, and then sheds. Then a new hair replaces it and the cycle starts again. It is perfectly normal for a women to lose up to a 100 hairs a day; however, when new growth no longer keeps up with normal losses, the balance is tipped, and visual/troublesome hair loss results.
CAUSES OF ALOPECIA (HAIR LOSS)
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
- Poor diet, specifically low protein or calorie restriction
- Excess alcohol
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Dry scalp
- Inflammation (physical and emotional stress, leaky gut, adrenal dysfunction, insulin resistance, obesity, toxin exposure). Recent research suggests hair follicles have receptors for cortisol. Cortisol is released as a response to stress, which results in inflammation at the level of the hair follicle. This inflammation results in decreased blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery and absorption at the level of the hair follicle, causing hair loss.
- Stress (physical and emotional, both acute and chronic) directly inhibits hair growth by pushing hair follicles into a “transitional” phase, which will result in shedding of that hair within weeks.
HORMONAL
IMBALANCE
- Testosterone deficiency/excess
- Thyroid deficiency/excess
- Pregnancy
PRESCRIPTION
MEDICATIONS
- Oral contraceptives
- Blood pressure medications (B-blockers)
- H2 Blockers (Pepcid, Zantac)
- Antidepressants
OVER-PROCESSING
HAIR/ PHYSICAL
CAUSES
- Hair color more often than every 10-12 weeks
- Chlorine exposure
- Harsh shampoo, products
The main type of hair loss in both women and men is androgenic alopecia, which is a genetic condition resulting in hair loss. In men, hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline, in the typical “M” distribution, as well as thinning and eventual baldness at the crown. Women experience a general thinning over the entire scalp (first noticing a widening of their part), with the most extensive hair loss at the crown.
Increased levels of androgens in hair follicles can lead to a shorter cycle of hair growth and thinner/shorter strands of hair. In today’s society, more men and women are seeking hormone replacement with testosterone, leading to the potential accumulation of its metabolites with replacement. Rarely, a woman with high levels of androgens may experience hair loss if they convert testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp/hair follicle. This side effect of testosterone replacement can be managed with the supplement Saw Palmetto or prescription medication (finasteride), which decreases the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
TREATMENT
OPTIONS
Hair loss may not be completely preventable, but there are several treatment options to manage it. If you are uncertain as to the source of your hair loss, please consider making an appointment with one of our providers for an examination and appropriate laboratory studies. Frequently, a discussion of your medical history and complete patient profile will reveal the cause behind your hair loss and the most effective treatment plan.
Adjuvant treatments found to be extremely effective in regrowing hair when combined with the treatment of any medical underlying causes of hair loss, if indicated, include:
Specific supplements for hair and nail growth, such as biotin and collagen, and Vampire Hair Restoration.
