What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair naturally sheds every day as part of its normal growth cycle. When more hair is lost than replaced, noticeable thinning or baldness can occur.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Hereditary pattern hair loss
- Hormonal changes
- Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Physical or emotional stress
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions affecting the scalp or body
Diagnosing Hair Loss
Your Midwest Dermatology provider will begin by discussing your medical history, medications, family history, and the pattern of your hair loss. A careful examination of your scalp and hair helps identify the underlying cause.
In some cases, additional testing may be recommended to help guide treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of your hair loss and your individual goals. Your provider may recommend one or more of the following:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP uses your own blood to create a concentrated solution rich in growth factors. These growth factors are injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and help prolong the hair growth cycle.
Because PRP uses your body’s own healing properties, it is a nonsurgical treatment with little downtime.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications may help slow hair loss, encourage regrowth, or reduce inflammation depending on the diagnosis.
These may include medications such as:
- Finasteride for appropriate male patients
- Corticosteroids for alopecia areata
- Other prescription therapies based on your individual condition
Topical Treatments
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) is an FDA-approved treatment that may help increase hair density and slow additional hair loss in appropriate patients.
Nutritional Support
Healthy hair growth depends on healthy hair follicles. For appropriate candidates, your provider may recommend Nutrafol®, a physician-recommended supplement formulated to support healthier hair growth by addressing nutritional, hormonal, metabolic, and stress-related factors that can contribute to hair thinning.
Nutrafol is often used alongside medical treatments as part of a comprehensive hair restoration plan.
