If you’re dealing with unwanted hair loss, the GP team consulting at South Melbourne Medical Hub can offer advice and treatment. We address a variety of conditions that can lead to thinning or losing hair, and we have significant experience assisting patients of all genders in managing their hair loss with confidence.
Book a hair loss consult with Dr. Jeet Garud.
| Private fee | Out of pocket fee (after medicare rebate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Jeet Garud hair loss consult 30 mins | $190 | $107.10 |
Hair Loss
Hair loss (alopecia) can be distressing. If you are concerned about significant hair loss or thinning please book a consult with us for an assessment and discuss possible treatment options. Hair loss treatments can reduce, slow and stimulate partial hair regrowth.
There are about 100,000 hair follicles on the scalp and on average we lose about 50-100 hair a day. If hair loss is severe or premature it can cause distress. Hair loss(alopecia) can be caused by a number of factors and conditions.
Some people can experience temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium) while others experience long-term hair loss.
Causes of Hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia: Hair loss is caused by androgen hormones and occurs in people with a genetic susceptibility. This is also called pattern hair loss as it follows a specific pattern in men and women. In men, it usually begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness. In women, it often presents as overall thinning, particularly at the crown, without a receding hairline.
Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata isa an autoimmune condition that causes sudden hair loss, typically in patches. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. While the condition can be unpredictable, hair often regrows on its own, though it may fall out again in the future. Treatment options include topical medications, corticosteroids, and other therapies to promote hair regrowth.
Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, Lupus, Psoriasis, PCOS, Seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea of scalp can cause hair loss.
Hair styling: Certain hair styling practices can contribute to hair loss, particularly if they cause physical stress on the hair and scalp.
Styles like ponytails, braids, or buns that pull on the hair can lead to traction alopecia, a condition caused by consistent tension on the hair follicles.
Frequent use of hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair, leading to breakage and thinning over time. Hair colouring, perming, or relaxing can weaken the hair structure, making it more susceptible to damage and loss.
Over-washing or using harsh shampoos and styling products can strip natural oils and irritate the scalp, leading to hair weakening.
Not maintaining a healthy scalp can contribute to hair loss; scalp irritation or buildup can affect hair growth.
Hormonal changes/imbalances: Hormonal changes can significantly impact hair health and contribute to hair loss in various ways:
- During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to thinning hair and increased hair shedding in women.
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can cause temporary thickening of hair. However, after childbirth, many women experience postpartum hair loss due to rapid hormonal shifts, leading to increased shedding.
- Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens, which can result in thinning hair on the scalp and increased hair growth in unwanted areas (hirsutism).
- An underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can disrupt hair growth cycles, causing thinning or shedding.
- Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may contribute to hair loss through mechanisms like telogen effluvium.
Nutrition: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly proteins and vitamins, can affect hair health.
Stress: Stress can significantly contribute to hair loss, often manifesting in a condition called telogen effluvium. This occurs when physical or emotional stress pushes a large number of hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding several months later. Common stressors can include major life changes, trauma, illness, major surgery, chronic stress.
Medical treatments: Some drugs, like those for cancer, arthritis, and depression, may have hair loss as a side effect.
Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania is a psychological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to noticeable hair loss.
People with trichotillomania often pull hair as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom, and it can become a compulsive behaviour.
Management options for hair loss vary based on the underlying cause, but some common approaches include:
- Medication
- Lifestyle modification
- Hair care/styling practices
- Surgery