At a Loss About Your Hair Loss?
At a Loss About Your Hair Loss? https://communityclinicalrx.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hair-loss-women-mesa-arizona-pharmacy-1024x538.jpg 1024 538 Community Clinical Pharmacy https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e5859a5ea81a26a35dbca0f20faaa25d?s=96&d=mm&r=g
At a Loss About Your Hair Loss?
Types of Hair Loss and Treatment Options.
It has been said that during the reign of Alexander the Great, Greek soldiers were ordered to shave their heads to stop enemies from grabbing their hair in hand-to-hand battle. Since then a shaved head has become a symbol of confidence, dominance, strength, aggression, and toughness in men.
Hair Loss in Men
In 2012, a study published in the Journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science showed that thinning hair on top is the weakest hairstyle for men. But the most powerful hairstyle seems to be a completely bald head.
In this study, bald men were rated to be:
- 6% more confident
- 10% more masculine
- 1 inch taller
- 13% stronger
- Nearly 4 years older
When a man shaves his head, he joins the group of successful tough men such as Michael Jordan, Jason Statham, Samuel L. Jackson, The Rock, Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis and Patrick Stewart.
While men seem to have found a solution or two on how to deal with thinning hair, women who encounter hair loss are still suffering in silence. Just like many other challenges in life, there is a difference between men vs women who have hair loss. It is estimated that up to 5% of women under 30 and 60% of those over 70 years of age experience hair loss.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, on average, most people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day and up to 250 strands on the days they wash their hair. The new hair coming in balances out the hair we lose each day. But sometimes things get off balance.
Hair Loss in Women
The most common form of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 30 million American women experience hair thinning over the crown of their head which is the typical presentation of female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is referred to as androgenic alopecia. In the beginning, most women notice widening of their part or a smaller ponytail.
Androgenic alopecia can start in the late teens or later on in life but the younger it starts, the more severe the hair loss appears to be. High levels of male hormones (androgens) in women can cause hair loss. Hyperandrogenism, is a medical condition when a woman produces too much androgens. The most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Fortunately PCOS is a treatable condition and once hormone levels are balanced, the hair loss is often resolved.
Other reason for hair loss may involve low iron storage (Ferritin) levels. A simple blood test is needed to check your Ferritin level and to start treatment.
Thyroid disease can be another cause of hair loss. Again, a comprehensive thyroid blood test can determine if the hair loss is due to thyroid hormone imbalance.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause, menopause and pregnancy, skin conditions such as psoriasis, acute stress, illnesses, infections, or chemotherapy can also cause hair loss.
Certain medications can promote thinning hair as well. Examples of these drugs include Warfarin, Amiodarone, some cholesterol lowering meds, some blood pressure drugs and seizure medications.
Treatment Options
When evaluating a patient suffering from hair loss, the first step is to find the root cause of the problem.
The next step may involve over the counter supplements, stress management, oral prescription medications, topical solutions and creams, laser combs, stem cell therapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to the scalp and hair transplantation.
At Community Clinical Pharmacy we have worked with many prescribers and patients, creating compounded topical solutions and creams to help with hair loss. These treatment options can be prescribed by your doctor. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is here to offer solutions and answer any questions you or your doctor may have. Please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss options that would meet your specific needs.
Sharzad Green, Pharm.D.
Sharzad Green, Pharm. D., is a hormone replacement specialist & pharmacist at Community Clinical Pharmacy, in Mesa, Arizona. She offers private Hormone Replacement Consultations to find a tailored solution that fits your needs. Sharzad has had the privilege of working with over 12,000 patients and providers in the Valley and around the world.
When in doubt, contact one of our knowledgeable pharmacists at Community Clinical Pharmacy. We are here to offer you solutions and assist you in making informed decisions about your health.
related topics you’d like to know more about. And, as always, stay healthy!
DO YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE?
Sign up to receive updates on new health tips & tricks, advances in medicine, and special offers from Community Clinical Pharmacy.
Refills
