What kind of doctor treats women's hair loss?

Author: Dr. Fletcher Hane  |  Last update: Sunday, April 16, 2023

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. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it's important to rule out these causes.

Can a dermatologist do anything for a female hair loss?

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.

What is the best treatment for female hair loss?

The only medicine approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil:
  • It is applied to the scalp.
  • For women, the 2% solution or 5% foam is recommended.
  • Minoxidil may help hair grow in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women.

Can an endocrinologist help with female hair loss?

A doctor who is well experienced in endocrinology will examine the scalp to ensure the hair loss is a hormonal issue and not an underlying problem. The doctor can then decide which treatment combinations will be most effective for the individual, as well as discussing potential side effects.

Should I see a gynecologist for hair loss?

As a key member of the woman's health care team, the obstetrician/gynecologist may be the first person to evaluate the complaint of hair loss. Common types of nonscarring hair loss, including female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium, may be diagnosed and managed by the obstetrician/gynecologist.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Treatment for hair loss in women

How do I know if my hair loss is hormonal?

Hormonal Hair Loss: Gradual Thinning Of Hair

In women, androgenic alopecia begins with a gradual widening of the part line, followed by increased thinning starting at the top of the head. “A patient may begin to notice a thinner ponytail or may say 'I see more of my scalp,'” St. Surin-Lord says.

What hormones affect female hair loss?

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.

What hormones should be checked for hair loss?

There are several hormones which you can screen in case of having massive hair loss. They are Prolactin, Testosterone, DHEA, luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone. Thyroid Level Test: This is another most important test which you can go for; they are T3, T4, and TSH.

What hormone do I need for hair loss?

DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss. Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

What condition causes hair loss in females?

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.

What causes severe hair loss in females?

Genes: Your family's genes can cause thinning of hair along the top of your head. Aging: Hormone changes as you age can cause balding. Menopause: This type of hair loss often gets worse when estrogen is lost during menopause.

Is there a pill for women's hair loss?

Antiandrogens. Medications that inhibit androgens—sex hormones that damage or destroy hair follicles—may stop hair loss in female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia.

What stops hair from falling out and thinning?

Ways to stop hair loss
  • Eat extra protein. You may not be getting enough protein each day and that can affect your hair growth. ...
  • Take vitamins. ...
  • Follow the Mediterranean diet. ...
  • Use over-the-counter hair loss medication. ...
  • Try low-level laser light therapy. ...
  • Maintain good hair and scalp care. ...
  • Can hair loss be reversed?

Does insurance cover dermatology for hair loss?

According to Mayo Clinic, if your hair loss is caused by a medical condition, the cost of some treatments might be covered by insurance but in most cases, insurance will not cover hair loss treatment because hair loss is not a medical condition itself.

What tests do dermatologists do for hair loss?

Diagnosis
  • Blood test. This might help uncover medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
  • Pull test. Your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come out. ...
  • Scalp biopsy. ...
  • Light microscopy.

What happens when you go to dermatologist for hair loss?

Your dermatologist will prescribe medication to help with hair loss. Topical minoxidil, commonly called Rogaine, can help with hair growth and thickness. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe Finasteride in oral form.

Which female hormone helps hair growth?

Lower estrogen and progesterone levels: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate hair growth, which is why pregnant women—who are producing extra levels of these hormones—tend to experience thickening hair during their pregnancy.

Will increasing estrogen help hair loss?

Estrogen and progesterone can help keep your hair in the growing (anagen) phase. Therefore, these hormones can help your hair stay on your head longer and may even help your hair grow faster. This may be why many women notice their hair thinning starts to improve with estrogen replacement therapy.

Can low estrogen cause hair loss?

While estrogen levels are high, women have full, thick hair. But when they drop, such as after a pregnancy or during and after menopause, more hair enters the "resting" phase, where it soon falls out and causes thinning and even balding patches.

Is there a blood test for hair loss?

Yes, a blood test can diagnose alopecia. Your doctor may order several blood works to determine the cause of the hair loss along with a scalp biopsy. In most cases, the particular lab tests your doctor could depend on accompanying symptoms or recent life changes you have.

How do I know if my hair loss is serious?

When to see a doctor. See your doctor if you're concerned about how much hair you are losing every day. A gradual thinning on the top of your head, the appearance of patchy or bald spots on your scalp, and full-body hair loss are signs that there may be an underlying health condition.

How do you stop hormonal imbalance hair fall?

Follow these tips to keep your locks healthy and strong during menopause.
  1. Reduce Stress. It's important to keep your stress levels in check to prevent a hormonal imbalance. ...
  2. Get Moving. ...
  3. Eat Well. ...
  4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. ...
  5. Keep It Natural. ...
  6. Talk to Your Doctor About Your Medications.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:
  • Dry skin.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Weak or brittle bones.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Moodiness and irritability.
  • Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Rogaine's unscented foam has a 4.2-star average rating from 24,364 reviews on Amazon.
  • Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam. $44.97. ...
  • Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Solution. $41.59. ...
  • Nutrafol. $79.00. ...
  • Nioxin Kit System. $55.00. ...
  • Avalon Organics Tea Tree Oil shampoo. ...
  • Art Naturals Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo. ...
  • Grown Alchemist Anti-Frizz Shampoo.

What is the best vitamin for thinning hair?

Thinning hair? You might not be getting enough of these important vitamins and nutrients.
...
The 5 Best Vitamins for Hair Loss Prevention, Based on Research
  1. Biotin. Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. ...
  2. Iron. ...
  3. Vitamin C. ...
  4. Vitamin D. ...
  5. Zinc.

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