As male hormones can be said to be the root cause of hair loss, you should consider seeing an endocrinologist or hormone specialist for treatment. Androgenetic alopecia is equally prevalent in both sexes.
Hair loss may accompany several endocrine disorders, including hypopituitarism, hypothyreosis, hyperthyreosis, hypoparathyroidism, diabetes mellitus, growth hormone deficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, SAHA syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing syndrome, or virilising tumours.
Hormonal imbalances can often result in hair loss, so an endocrinologist – a doctor that has specialised in endocrinology which is the study of the organs that release hormones – can provide treatment aimed at restoring hormonal balance, which should resolve the accompanying hair loss.
It's best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it's FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss.
A good endocrinologist will also take a careful history and examine the scalp to be sure the hair loss is not a non-hormonal issue. He or she can then explain which combination of treatments is likely to be of value in an individual and can discuss possible side effects of treatment.
As with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness comes from hormone imbalances, specifically dihydrotestosterone imbalances, or DHT. This hormone is similar in structure to testosterone, but it is significantly more potent [3]. DHT can attach to receptors on the hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink.
DHT: The hormone behind hair loss
The actions of DHT and the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is what causes hair loss.
How is female hair loss treated? Minoxidil (Rogaine) 5% is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for female-pattern hair loss. The once daily use foam treatment regrows hair in 81% of the women who try it. Liquid options of 2% and 5% solutions are available over the counter.
Genetics play a large role in determining how much hair loss you'll see as you age. However, other factors — such as stress levels, nutrition, and medications — also cause balding. Genetic hair loss can't be reversed, but there are steps you can take to slow it down and maximize your hair growth potential.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, topical minoxidil is the most common treatment for androgenic alopecia or hormonal hair loss as opposed to corticosteroids for non-hormonal hair loss treatment. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and lower the immune response in alopecia areata.
With hirsutism, extra hair growth often arises from excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.
Hirsutism is linked to hormones called androgens. It can happen if the level of these hormones increases or if your body becomes more sensitive to them. The most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
There are various treatment options for female hair loss, including topical medications, such as Rogaine. Other options include light therapy, hormone therapy, or in some cases, hair transplants. Eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help keep hair healthy.
The answer is yes! Fortunately, unlike genetic hair loss, most hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances is reversible.
There are a wide range of conditions that can bring on hair loss, with some of the most common being pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and anemia. Others include autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, Rogers says.
I am experiencing lots of hair coming out, what tests are recommended? Ferritin, CRP Thyroid Function Tests (T4 and TSH) B12 Folate Vitamin D Routine tests like Full Blood Count, Renal Function U&Es, Liver Function Tests, Magnesium, iron studies are usually included but less essential.
Too little iron in the bloodstream may contribute to hair loss. Doctors use blood tests to check the level of ferritin, a protein that indicates how much iron is stored in the body.
Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist injects this medication into the bald (or thinning) areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
Minoxidil. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness. It's available in 2% or 5% formulas. If possible, opt for the 5% formula — older studies found that it's superior.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness.
Because many people try to hide hair loss, this percentage may be higher. Asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, thyroid disease, vitiligo, or Down syndrome: Research shows that people who have one of these diseases are more likely to get alopecia areata.