Hair Loss Primer - An Algorithm for Treatment

Hair loss, though not a fatal condition, can have devastating psychological consequences.  Patients often look for options to correct hair loss and the ideal solution would be permanent, natural, and create  a head of hair like the patient had in their early teen years. When thinking about hair loss, think about a plan for treatment.

Determine the cause

For some people, hair loss is a factor in growing old, such as those with male pattern baldness, or more medically speaking androgenic alopecia. For others, hair loss can be due to trauma or even some medical conditions. The first step in treating hair loss is to define the cause. If it is a medical condition causing the hair loss, treating the medical condition will often reverse the hair loss.

Determining your course of treatment

For patients with hair loss, there are many options for treatment. Of course, there is always the option of not doing anything. For patients who are not interested in surgery, but want a more youthful appearance, hair pieces are a good option. The downside is that a poorly designed hair piece can be easily identified. It will not grow and change color as normal hair and often must be attached daily. This can also be obvious should the attachment wear off.
Currently two medications are available to help prevent further hair loss and allow for some increase in hair density. Under the tradenames of Rogaine and Propecia, these two are the only drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat hair loss. Other over the counter herbal remedies have been used to treat hair loss with mixed results.

For a more permanent solution, hair transplants and surgery are an option. Some surgeries aim to reduce the amount of bald area while others aim to replace lost hair. Unfortunately once a hair dies or is injured, it does not regenerate. Transplants can be done in which individual hairs are moved from one area of the head to another to produce a very natural appearing hair line.

Research and execute

Once you have determined that you are looking for a hair loss solution, do your research. Find a physician who can talk to you not just about one options, but about all options that are available.  A knowledgeable hair loss physician can evaluate the patient and determine first if further medical testing is necessary. Then, they can outline all of the options for treatment that are available. A physician who understands the hair loss and aging process will be the one who can produce the best and most long lasting results.