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Causes of Hair Loss

One of the first questions patients ask when they come in for a consultation is “why am I losing my hair?” It is necessary to answer this question in order to properly manage and treat hair loss because we want to make sure we are addressing the problem or cause. Although there are many factors […]

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One of the first questions patients ask when they come in for a consultation is “why am I losing my hair?” It is necessary to answer this question in order to properly manage and treat hair loss because we want to make sure we are addressing the problem or cause. Although there are many factors that can contribute to hair thinning or loss in women, there are five main types of hair loss that we typically see in patients at Medi Tresse. These various types of hair loss all present differently and often require different evaluations and treatments.

Androgenic Alopecia

This is the most common cause of hair thinning and loss in women. It is also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss, or FPHL. Up to 50 % of women have some degree of this in their lifetime. It certainly is more common as women age, particularly after menopause, but it can start as early as the teenage years. We know that it tends to run in families but sometimes there is no family history. Inheritance can be from either the mother or father. We know that hormones play a role in this type of hair loss, especially the “androgenic” hormones such as testosterone. The hair loss is typically more pronounced in the frontal areas of the scalp. Over time the hair shaft gets thinner in a process known as “miniaturization”. Eventually if not treated, the affected hair will continue to get smaller and disappear completely.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium is a common and temporary cause of hair loss. It usually presents as a diffuse hair loss, meaning coming from all parts of the scalp. Most commonly a woman will see increased shedding of hair. This can be caused by pregnancy, rapid weight loss, protein deficiency, emotional stress, physical illness, surgery, trauma, and some medications. Fortunately, it is usually reversible and complete regrowth occurs in about a year.

Traction Alopecia

This type of hair loss occurs from pulling the hair too tightly over prolonged periods of time. This commonly occurs with use of dread locks, cornrows, or tight ponytails. The constant pulling puts pressure on the hair follicle and can lead to permanent loss.

Alopecia Areata

This form of hair loss is an “autoimmune” disease, meaning the body causes inflammation around the hair follicle preventing it from growing. Most often it presents as a coin shaped lesion or discrete patches of hair loss with sharp borders. Less commonly it can be more diffuse. Women with Alopecia Areata can have hair loss in other areas beside the scalp, including eyelashes and eyebrows.

Scarring Alopecia

This is a rare type of hair loss, which is due to inflammation around the hair follicle. There often are areas with white scales surrounding an area of inflammation, which then leads to scarring in that area. The hair follicles are actually destroyed and disappear.

If you think you may suffer from any type of hair loss it is important to see a hair loss specialist as soon as possible so that you can diagnose the cause and get the appropriate treatment, which will give you the best chance of stopping and reversing the hair loss.

Posted By Your Medi Tresse Team

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Boston, MA

888 Worcester Street, Suite 95
Wellesley, MA 02482

Medical Director: Mary Wendel, MD

Phone: (774) 314-3900Visit Medi Tresse Boston Office

Worcester, MA

108 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605

Medical Director: Mary Wendel, MD

Phone: (774) 314 3901Visit Medi Tresse Worcester Office

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65 W 36th St, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018

Medical Director: Mark DiStefano, MD

Phone: (347) 704-2370Visit Medi Tresse New York Office

Westchester, NY

2 Overhill Road, Suite 320
Scarsdale, NY 10583

Medical Director: Mark DiStefano, MD

Phone: 914-704-3070
Visit Medi Tresse Westchester Office

Chattanooga, TN

7305 Jarnigan Rd, Suite 110
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Medical Director: Deborah DiStefano, MD

Phone: 423-664-4494Visit Medi Tresse Chattanooga Office

Welcome to Medi Tresse

The Medi Tresse team is composed of experts in female hair loss. We are committed to offering innovative, non-surgical treatments for hair rejuvenation in women. Whether you are simply looking to increase your hair’s thickness or want to stop more extensive hair loss, Medi Tresse has a wide array of solutions ranging from platelet-rich plasma therapy to low-level laser therapy.

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