Like most years, August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month. Fortunately, awareness for hair loss in women is increasing, and with that awareness comes improved evaluation and treatments. Up until about 10 years ago, there wasn’t much to offer women except minoxidil. But things are rapidly changing.
I believe many of you know that I also suffer from Female Androgenic Alopecia, or FAGA. I always tell my patients, if you’re not sure if it runs in your family, take a close look at whoever is sitting at your family’s holiday dinner table. Well, around my table was my immediate family, including my parents and two brothers. Both my parents had a full head of hair, as did both my brothers. But also at my table was my maternal grandfather who had thinning hair, as well as my paternal grandmother who sadly, wore a wig because her hair was so thin. So there it was. I always had fine hair, but enough to cover completely. But when I was pre-menopausal I started to notice some “see through” areas right in the front. When it seemed to be getting worse, after a couple of years I started myself on minoxidil, first 2%, then 5%. I was able to use it for a couple of years, but then my scalp became so inflamed I had to stop it. After awhile I tried again, but unfortunately, the burning, itching, and scabbing happened again. So I stopped and had nothing else to try at the time.
Fast forward about 15 years and fortunately now there are 5% minoxidil products like Formula PM which don’t contain the alcohol which had caused my irritation in the past.  I also use a Laser Cap faithfully every other day, as well as my  daily hair supplement Nutrofol and Lock RX to keep my scalp healthy, decrease shedding and help grow newer, stronger hair. I also know that our newest PRP treatment, known as Optimal Platelet Concentration (OPC) therapy is available if I decide I need that extra stimulation to grow stronger, thicker hair.  And while I presently don’t need it, we also offer micro-pigmentation, which uses a semi-permanent dying technique to gently color the scalp to fill in the areas that look thin.
So, have these treatments helped me? Absolutely, YES.  I know that our Tresse Rejuvenation Therapy works. We see improvement in our patients every day. When I look at my own photos from ten years ago, my hair is healthier and fuller now. My hair will always be fine, and I know that I will need to continue these treatments, but I am confident that I will never need that wig that my poor grandmother used so many years ago!
So let’s celebrate Hair Loss Awareness Month, knowing that because of improved awareness newer treatments are being studied, not just for Androgenic Alopecia, but for Alopecia Areata and Scarring Alopecia as well.
If you think you would benefit from an evaluation, or want to hear more about our Tresse Rejuvenation Therapy, give us a call. We presently  are doing both in person consults as well as video consultations, for those not quite ready to venture out.
Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Posted by Dr. Mary Wendel
