What Causes Hair Loss and How Can I Stop It?

The medical name for hair loss is alopecia, and it’s often hereditary. However, just because you have a family history of hair loss doesn’t mean you have to like it. Although everyone sheds some hair each day, if your hair is thinning or you have bald patches, you may have significant hair loss. 

Dr. Marcia A. Harris and her staff in New York, New York, know that when your self-confidence suffers, other parts of your life are impacted. Hair loss may make you feel less sure of yourself when you ask for that promotion, or you may not feel confident enough to ask someone on a date. Whatever the situation, feeling good about how you look can help. 

What causes hair loss

The most common reason people lose their hair is simple: genetics. This is true for men and women. If you have a family history of hair loss, your risk of losing your hair is greater. 

Although both men and women have hereditary hair loss, it follows a different pattern. Men tend to have a receding hairline, and eventually develop bald patches on top or on the back of their heads. Women usually keep the same hairline, but their hair gets thinner, and their part may become wider. 

Other causes of hair loss include underlying health conditions, illness, and pregnancy. Some medications, such as those used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure can cause hair loss. Thyroid issues and pregnancy are common reasons women lose hair. 

Hair loss can be a result of non-medical causes, as well. For example, frequently wearing a tightly-banded ponytail or cornrows can place a strain on your hair, actually pulling it out, or leading to breakage. Heated tools like your trusty blow dryer may also contribute. 

Stopping hair loss

If you’re losing your hair due to your genetic makeup, there are medical treatments that can help. Dr. Harris suggests a treatment that suits your needs. She may suggest either over-the-counter or prescription medications that may be applied directly to your scalp. 

Another option is called PRP therapy, which stands for platelet-rich plasma therapy. PRP therapy harnesses the power of your own body to stimulate your follicles. 

We draw a sample of your blood and put it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other components. This part of your blood contains natural growth factors to re-energize dormant hair follicles and stimulate stem cells responsible for cell and hair growth. 

The number of treatments you’re likely to need depends on several factors. During your consultation, Dr. Harris determines the number of sessions you may need, along with whether or not you may need to combine PRP therapy with other treatments. 

Most people see the results of PRP therapy about three to six months following their treatment, and the full results are usually apparent after about nine months. 

If you’d like to learn more about the options available to stop hair loss, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harris today.