Hair Loss

 

Male (or Female) Pattern Baldness

 

The most common form of hair loss is male or female-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). This type of hair loss usually begins around the thirties.

 

Male-pattern baldness normally begins with a receding hairline, followed by thinning on the crown and temples. In rare occasions it can progress to complete baldness. The condition is hereditary and thought to be caused by oversensitive follicles.

 

Female-pattern baldness is usually only characterised by a thinning of hair on the top of the head. It is more noticeable in women who have been through menopause which is thought to be because they have fewer female hormones.

 

There are currently two medicines that help with hair loss of this nature:

  • Finasteride (Propecia ®) – blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are then not affected by this hormone and can enlarge back to normal.
  • Minoxidil (Regaine ®) – a topical rub-on treatment that works by increasing blood and nutrient supply to hair follicles, thus strengthening existing hair and stimulating hair growth.

If you are suffering from male pattern baldness and would like to consult the doctor for a treatment that suits you, please call us on 02074991581.

 

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles causing coin-sized patches of baldness on the scalp or on the body. It is usually non-permanent (except in about 10% of cases) and in most cases hair will grow back in a few months.

 

The condition is most common in people with autoimmune conditions such as an overactive thyroid, diabetes or Down’s syndrome and is typically diagnosed through a combination of hair analysis under a microscope and a blood test looking at thyroid function.

 

If you do not want to wait for your hair to grow back, treatment usually occurs through steroid injections, although steroid creams, gels and ointments can sometimes be used instead.

 

If you are suffering from this patchy baldness, contact us to book an appointment to see one of our doctors who can help identify whether or not you are suffering from Alopecia Areata and advice you on how to proceed if you opt for treatment.

Mayfair Doctors

37 North Audley Street

Mayfair | London | W1k 6ZL

Tel: 0207 499 1581

We are open 6 days a week

Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5:00pm

Saturday: 10am to 4:30pm

Sunday: Closed

Times may vary due to the current situation. Please call us to confirm.

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