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Treatments

Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) can affect the scalp, body, or both, at any age, due to various reasons, including stress, illness, medication, and genetics. It can be temporary or permanent and is more common in men. At Ashcroft Pharmacy, we can supply you with Finasteride or Propecia, which have been proven to reduce the amount of hair you lose. Please see below and fill out the health questionnaire so we can make sure that either of these treatments are suitable for you!

Overview

Hair loss (alopecia)

Hair loss, baldness medically called alopecia, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Hair shedding is a natural part of aging.

As we grow older, both men and women tend to lose some hair thickness and volume. Generally, this kind of hair loss isn't caused by a disease. It can be caused by genetics, hormones, medical conditions, and certain medications.

What are the different types of hair loss?

There are many types of hair fall, with different causes and symptoms. Male pattern baldness is just one type of alopecia. Other types of baldness include telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, alopecia areata, and cicatricial alopecia.

  • Androgenic alopecia, (male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness) is the most common form of hair thinning. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones.
  • Telogen effluvium is a temporary type of hair fall that can be caused by stress, illness, or certain medications.
  • Anagen effluvium is another type of temporary hair fall, caused by damage to the hair follicles. This can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medical conditions.
  • Anagen effluvium is another type of temporary hair fall, caused by damage to the hair follicles. This can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medical conditions.
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that triggers hair shedding in small, round patches.
  • Cicatricial alopecia: This is a type of permanent hair loss that is caused by scarring of the scalp. This can be caused by burns, infections, and certain medical conditions.

Male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common, genetic condition that leads to permanent hair loss. Male pattern baldness affects 50% of men over 50 years of age but can also affect men in their 20s.

The hair loss in male pattern baldness starts as a thinning of the hair at the sides and on the top of the head. It’s this “pattern” that defines the condition and separates it from other types of hair loss.

Whilst this form of hair loss in men isn’t serious and doesn’t need treatment, it is permanent and can be distressing.

The loss of hair can affect your confidence and self-esteem. However, there are several treatment options available to slow down or stop excessive hair shedding and even regrow some hair.

Causes of male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition meaning it’s in the genes you got from your parents. Hair follicles on the head convert the hormone, testosterone, into a different form of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

It’s believed that the gene for male pattern baldness causes the follicles to become sensitive to DHT and start to shrink. Eventually, the follicle stops working and no hairs will grow from it.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase your risk of balding:

  • Family history of balding
  • Older age
  • Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, lupus, and alopecia areata
  • Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners

What can you do to prevent hair loss?

To help prevent hair thinning, you can eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to support healthy hair growth.

  • Manage stress: Stress can trigger hair loss, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress levels.
  • Protect your hair from the sun and other environmental damage: Wear a hat or scarf when you are outdoors, and avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair.

If you have a family history of baldness, there is not much you can do to prevent it. However, early treatment can help to slow the progression of hair thinning and promote hair growth.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about balding:

  • Balding is not spread through contact.
  • Hair thinning is not caused by poor hygiene or wearing hats.
  • Baldness is not a sign of aging, although it is more common in older adults.
  • Alopecia can affect people of all races and ethnicities.

If you are experiencing balding, there are a number of things you can do to cope with it. You can try a variety of hairstyles to disguise the hair loss, or you may choose to wear a wig or hairpiece. Talk to your doctor about medical treatments and a therapist or counselor about any distress or anxiety.

Treatment for hair loss

If your hair shedding is caused by genetics or stress, there are a variety of medications and procedures that can help to slow or stop hair thinning and promote hair regrowth. Some common treatments include:

  • Finasteride (Propecia)
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine)
  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
  • Hair transplant surgery

Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11217871/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11217871/

Causes

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition meaning it’s in the genes you got from your parents. Hair follicles on the head convert the hormone, testosterone, into a different form of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It’s believed that the gene for male pattern baldness causes the follicles to become sensitive to DHT and start to shrink. Eventually, the follicle stops working and no hairs will grow from it.

What causes hair thinning?

The exact cause of balding is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male sex hormone. DHT can shrink hair follicles and eventually stop them from producing hair.

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Genetics: The most common cause of balding is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. This type of balding is hereditary and is caused by a combination of genes and hormones.
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems, can also cause hair fall.
  • Medical conditions: A variety of medical conditions can cause balding, including alopecia areata, lupus, and cancer.
  • Medications: Chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners are examples of medications that can cause hair thinning as a side effect.
  • Stress: Severe or prolonged stress can also cause hair thinning.
  • Physical trauma: Physical trauma to the scalp, such as a burn or a head injury, can cause hair shedding in the affected area.
  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, protein, or zinc, can also cause hair thinning.

Treatments

Hair loss treatment varies based on the root cause of the issue. If your hair loss is caused by a medical condition or medication, your doctor will likely recommend treating the main cause of the issue or considering an alternative medication.

There are a variety of medications and procedures that can help to slow or stop hair thinning and promote hair regrowth. Some common treatments include:

  • Finasteride (Propecia): This oral medication is available by prescription and is effective in preventing hair thinning and promoting hair regrowth in some men.
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine): This topical medication is available over the counter and is effective in slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in some people.
  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): This treatment uses lasers to stimulate hair growth. LLLT is available over-the-counter and at some dermatology offices.
  • Hair transplant surgery: This surgery involves transplanting hair follicles from another part of the body to the scalp. Hair transplant surgery is a permanent solution for hair loss, but it can be expensive and time-consuming.

If you're worried about hair loss, it's advisable to consult your doctor. They can assess the cause of your hair loss and suggest suitable treatment options.

Symptoms

Male pattern baldness starts as a thinning of the hair at the sides and on the top of the head. Thinning hair is the most common symptom of balding. It can affect any part of the scalp, but it is most common on the top and front of the head. Thinning hair can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, medical conditions, and medications.

Here are some other common symptoms of baldness:

  • Excessive hair shedding
  • Bald spots
  • Receding hairline
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Changes in hair texture or color

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.

FAQ

  • What is male hair loss?

    Male pattern baldness is a common, genetic condition that leads to permanent hair loss. Male pattern baldness affects 50% of men over 50 years of age but can also affect men in their 20s.

    The hair loss in male pattern baldness starts as a thinning of the hair at the sides and on the top of the head. It’s this “pattern” that defines the condition and separates it from other types of hair loss.

    Whilst this form of hair loss in men isn’t serious and doesn’t need treatment, it is permanent and can be distressing. The loss of hair can affect your confidence and self-esteem.
    However, there are several treatment options available to stop your hair loss and even regrow new hair.

  • What causes male pattern baldness?

    Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition meaning it’s in the genes you got from your
    parents.

    Hair follicles on the head convert the hormone, testosterone, into a different form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It’s believed that the gene for male pattern baldness causes the follicles to become sensitive to DHT and start to shrink. Eventually, the follicle stops working and no hairs will grow from it.

  • Other causes of hair loss

    It’s normal to lose hairs: we all lose around 50 to 100 every day without noticing. And hair loss is normally not something to worry about.

    However, hair loss can sometimes happen because of a medical condition:

    • Medication or treatment, such as chemotherapy
    • Stress
    • Weight loss
    • Iron deficiency
    • An illness
    • Skin condition such as alopecia

    These types of hair are usually temporary. If you experience sudden hair loss or hair loss in clumps, you should see to your GP.

  • What treatments are available for male hair loss?

    There are types of treatment available to men with male pattern baldness. Some treatments
    may take several months before any improvement is noticeable:

    • Topical medication - creams applied to areas of thinning hair
    • Oral medications - daily tablets to help reduce hair loss
    • Light treatment - laser therapy designed to stimulate the hair follicles
    • Hair transplant - a surgical procedure to add hair cells to thinning patches
    • Scalp reduction surgery - bald scalp sections are removed and scalp with hair is stretched and stitched together.
    • Wigs & hairpieces - synthetic or natural human hair that are worn over the scalp.

    It’s important to stay vigilant over the promises of miracle cures for male hair loss when searching online. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true it probably isn’t a trustworthy product.

    We offer a reputable form of oral medication to treat male hair loss with proven effectiveness:
    Finasteride, which can also be sold under the brand, Propecia.

  • What are the side effects of hair loss medication for men?

    All medication comes with side effects, and it’s important to consider these when taking any medication. The side effects of Finasteride are uncommon and usually mild: rash, low mood, reduced sex drive and erection problems.

    If you have any concerns about side effects of any medication you take, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.

  • How is alopecia/hair loss diagnosed?

    Your doctor can diagnose hair loss by asking you about your symptoms and examining your scalp and hair. They may also order tests, such as blood tests or a scalp biopsy, to rule out other medical conditions.

  • Is hair loss or alopecia permanent?

    Hair loss can be permanent or temporary, depending on the underlying cause. If the tiny hair sacs (hair follicles) in your skin are damaged, your hair loss may be permanent.

    This can be caused by genetics, medical conditions, or certain medications. However, if the hair follicles are still intact, hair loss is usually temporary and will grow back on its own.

    In general, most hair loss is temporary and will grow back on its own. However, some types of hair loss, such as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, are permanent.

  • What is the difference between androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata?

    The main difference between androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata is the cause. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetics and hormones, while alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder.

    Another difference is the pattern of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia typically follows a predictable pattern, starting with a receding hairline or thinning of the crown in men and thinning of the hair on the top of the head in women. Alopecia areata, on the other hand, can cause hair loss in small, round patches anywhere on the body.


    Finally, androgenetic alopecia is typically permanent, while alopecia areata is often temporary. However, alopecia areata can recur, and in some cases, it can lead to permanent hair loss.

  • What are some natural remedies for hair loss?

    Scalp massage, onion juice, coconut oil, amla, and aloe vera are some natural remedies for hair loss. These remedies can help to stimulate blood circulation, promote hair growth, and keep your hair healthy.

Finasteride (1mg)

Medication Ashcroft Pharmacy
1mg x28 Tablets £11.49
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1mg x56 Tablets £23.49
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1mg x84 Tablets £34.49
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1mg x168 Tablets £67.49
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Propecia

Medication Ashcroft Pharmacy
1mg x28 £49.49
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1mg x56 £89.09
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1mg x84 £133.64
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1mg x168 £237.59
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