Hair loss (or male/female pattern baldness) is a very common condition, characterised by a thinning of the hair at the temples and over the top of the head.
People lose, on average, between 50 and 100 hairs per day, but if your hair is thinning more than this, it is characterised as actual hair loss, which means that you are losing hair loss at a faster rate than new ones are able to grow, or where you have no new growth at all.
Genetics is the most common cause of hair loss and, in this instance, the pattern is characterised by a receding hairline, bald spots and an overall thinning of the hair. Hair loss can also be caused by age, with new hair production slowing down and/or regrowth stopping altogether.
Another cause of hair loss is stress, which can push hair follicles into a resting phase, which means that they don’t produce. This can be reversible, however.
Medical conditions can also cause hair loss, such as alopecia areata, thyroid diseases, anaemia and hyperandrogenism.
From a medical perspective, hair loss is not a cause for concern but it can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as having an impact on self-esteem and confidence. In this case, it may be advisable to consider hair loss treatments to help control the condition.
Medication for hair loss includes Regaine Foam, Finasteride and Propecia, as well as other brands of lotion, shampoo and tablet. These work by decelerating hair loss and tackling male pattern baldness, although note that it can take some time to see results.
It may also be possible to help slow the rate of hair loss by making lifestyle changes. For example, following a healthy balanced diet can be beneficial, as can avoiding harsh shampoos to prevent further hair damage. Increasing the amount of calcium in your diet may also be beneficial.
Aside from medication and shampoos, hair transplant surgery is available. This involves moving sections of skin that have strands of hair on them to bald parts of the head. But note that the surgery is invasive and expensive, you may need multiple treatments and it carries a risk of infection and scarring.
It is natural to experience feelings of distress if you are starting to see hair loss take place. You may want to consider talking to a counsellor for emotional health and support while using hair loss treatments.
These treatments are available at Enimed pharmacies. One of our professional and experienced clinicians will have a consultation with you, assess your medical history and provide you with the appropriate treatments based on the answers you provide.
The service is available on an ongoing basis, so you can continue receiving support throughout your hair loss journey. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team to make an appointment at your nearest pharmacy.
