Thinning hair is a common problem among nearly half of the men and women in America. Although hair loss is accelerated by genetics in many cases, there are also many individuals (including those genetically predisposed for hair loss) that lose their hair due to nutrient and hormone deficiencies.
There are several causes of Alopecia (Hair Loss):
Hormone Imbalance:
- Testosterone deficiency/excess
- Thyroid deficiency/excess
- Pregnancy
Prescription medications
- Oral contraceptives
- Blood pressure medications (B-blockers)
- H2 Blockers (Pepcid, Zantac)
- Antidepressants
Over-processing hair
- Hair color more often than every 10-12 weeks
- Chlorine exposure
- Harsh shampoo, products
Lifestyle factors including:
- Poor diet, specifically low protein or severe calorie restriction
- Overuse of alcohol
- Iron deficiency, anemia
- Dry scalp
- Inflammation, which can be related to multiple factors (physical and emotional stress, leaky gut, adrenal dysfunction, insulin resistance, obesity, toxin exposure). Recent research suggests hair follicles have receptors for cortisol. Cortisol is released as a response to stress, which results in inflammation at the level of the hair follicle. This inflammation results in decreased blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery and absorption at the level of the hair follicle, causing hair loss.
- Stress (physical and emotional, both acute and chronic) directly inhibits hair growth through Substance P, a neuropeptide which induces inflammation, activates mast cells/cytokine release, pushing hair follicles into the “transitional” phase, which will result in shedding of that hair within weeks.
The main type of hair loss in both women and men is Androgenic Alopecia, which is a genetic condition resulting in hair loss. In men, hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline, in the typical “M” distribution, as well as thinning and eventual baldness at the crown. Women experience a general thinning over the entire scalp (first noticing a widening of their part), with the most extensive hair loss at the crown.
Despite extensive research, the factors involved in female androgenic alopecia remain unknown, and to make it more confusing, the role of androgens (or male sex hormones) is hard to determine.
Unless caused by a very rare androgen-producing tumor, hair loss in post-menopausal women is NOT associated with androgen excess. We actually see significant hair loss in women who are testosterone deficient.
Stopping hair loss from the inside out
Here are the nutrients mentioned we all need to maintain and strengthen our hair:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Omega 3
- Biotin
- Iron
- Niacin
- Zinc
- Lycopene
- Black Currant Seed Oil
Don’t want to take all those pills? There is a product we recommend to our clients called Viviscal Professional which has all of these in one tablet. You can find Viviscal Professional online from numerous retailers.
Non surgical hair loss treatments we have found effective include:
- Specific supplements for hair and nail growth like Viviscal
- Minoxidil topical (Rogaine)
- Vampire Hair Restoration
Looking for an extra boost in hair growth?
Hair loss may not be completely preventable, but there are several options in which to treat it. To start, you should make an appointment with one of our office for a thorough exam. Frequently, a discussion of your medical history and complete patient profile will reveal the cause behind your hair loss and the most effective treatment plan.
WHAT IS VAMPIRE® HAIR RESTORATION?
The revolutionary Vampire® Hair Regrowth procedure uses your own Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injected into the scalp to encourage new hair growth. The application of PRP causes miniaturized hair follicles to become healthier and larger, producing more robust hair growth. Follicular progenitor cells become activated, and PRP is loaded with growth factors that promote rapid development of new blood vessels and localized cell growth.
Effective for both male and female pattern hair loss, Vampire® Hair Regrowth has also *regrown hair in alopecia areata, eyebrow hypotrichosis and other patient cases with non-hereditary hair loss.
HOW DOES VAMPIRE® HAIR REGROWTH WORK?
The Vampire® Hair Regrowth treatment takes about 90 minutes to complete. First, a blood sample is obtained which is specially processed to produce the PRP. A local anesthetic is then administered to completely numb the scalp treatment area. The PRP is then administered via a series of injections over the full scalp or in a localized treatment area such as the eyebrows or beard.
The recovery from the procedure is typically uneventful. *Pain is easily managed in most cases with non-narcotic pain relievers such as Ibuprofen. Some mild swelling of the forehead is occasionally seen one to two days after injections. This is normal and will typically resolve in 48 hours. Avoiding vigorous activity is recommended until the swelling is gone. There is no other downtime or noticeable effects of the procedure. Patients can wash their hair normally immediately after the injections.
*New hair growth can be seen as early as two months, but is typically *evident between four to eight months and will continue to improve up to a year after treatment. To date, results have been maintained without additional injections for up two years in many patients, but no long-term data is yet available to conclude that this hair growth is permanent.
These are things we should be doing on a daily basis.
You can also contact our office at 937-350-5527 today to speak to us about the many benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. No matter what your age or symptoms, we can help you feel like your former self by reclaiming your peak health through Predictive, Preventative and Proactive Precision Medicine!
