The cause of hair loss is often an underlying condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or medical conditions such as thyroid problems. In all cases, a careful examination and an effective treatment plan help to control the causes of hair loss. Many factors can lead to hair loss, and genetics is a major one. It has been estimated that 1 in 10 individuals suffer from genes that affect hair color. But even after identifying these genetic predispositions, it has not always been possible for you to manage the condition. You must start your journey towards recovery at the earliest possible time because some things cannot be changed. Some of the treatments for hair loss include medication and surgery. So if you have tried everything and nothing seems to work, it may be time to get in contact with a doctor who will suggest what’s best for you.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss, or thinning of the hair, is called alopecia areata. People suffer from this condition when their hair structure gets weaker over time than usual. When the hair follicles die and stop growing new hairs, it results in abnormal hair growth. Although people who suffer from alopecia areata don’t usually notice the thinning and hair loss, it may result in severe baldness as well as physical health complications. This condition is common in men and women over 30, although many women are also affected. They usually lose their hair gradually over three months. However, there are some cases where it may take two or more years. Hair loss can also result from certain medications. For example, drugs such as finasteride can temporarily increase the level of a chemical called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which helps stimulate the cells to make more melanocytes (the pigment responsible for hair color). Melanocytes produce melanin, which gives hair color. As a result of these effects, the skin becomes darker. A person may not notice how much hair is being lost, but once the hairline starts receding or falls out entirely, this person loses track of his or her identity and eventually finds it challenging to keep up friendships.
Diagnosis
Before making any progress toward recovery, it is important to determine the underlying reason for hair loss. Doctors must conduct several tests before trying anything else, but one test may be enough to diagnose the condition. To do so, doctors have to look for signs of increased levels of DHT that can explain hair loss. Another way to rule out other reasons for hair loss is to perform another biopsy on scalp tissues; that allows the doctor to examine the exact cause of hair loss. Your healthcare team will also want to know if a patient has had recent chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Even if all of these options have failed, the next step after a diagnosis is surgery. If the underlying reason for hair loss is known, the surgeon will remove excess hair to improve the patient’s overall appearance. He or she will also try to reduce the amount of DHT and melatonin that the body produces and then remove them altogether. Once both the roots and cortex of the hair are removed, the damaged areas will be covered by healthy hair. The next stage involves treating the root of the thinning hair to make sure that the affected areas heal well. After this, hair restoration begins. Depending on when the damage was done, the area that needs additional nourishment will not be fully recovered until about six months, while those that were already damaged will need only four to six weeks.
How Can I Manage My Hair Loss Situation?
If your hair loss situation still doesn’t respond positively at least 3–6 months after getting started with different therapies, it might be time to consider pursuing further testing and evaluation. While it may seem impossible to treat the problem completely, once you reach the final stages, treatment is possible. At each stage of recovery, you will start seeing improvements. By focusing on keeping your natural hair, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and taking care of your self-esteem, you can begin to see positive changes.
