Causes of Hair Loss and Treatment Options for Younger Patients

Currently in the USA, approximately 50 million men and women are affected by some type of hair loss. One of the most distressing forms of hair loss is Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss (MPHL). The symptoms of this genetically predetermined disorder include physical changes in the hair, including loss of normal vigor and elasticity. Eventually, the hair can become thin and brittle and begin to fall out. In a genetically prone man, the presence of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is necessary for this problem to occur.

Some of the less common causes of hair loss that are reversible with treatment, include: thyroid disease, iron deficiency, high fever, surgery or general anesthesia, “crash diets,” stress and certain medications. There are also certain dermatologic scalp disorders that can result in temporary or permanent hair loss, such as lupus, lichen planopilaris, and alopecia areata.

In general patients younger than 23 years old suffering from hair loss, hair transplantation is not an option. Most hair transplant specialist prefer to wait until a more definite diagnosis is established. Some doctors recommend doing miniturization studies to establish the cause of hair loss as MPHL, however these studies are not definite. Since in some cases hair loss is not permanent, one needs to be patient and not jump into conclusion. At this point, it is to patients' advantage to visit a hair restoration specialist to begin some sort of preventive medical regiment. Sometimes, as a result of using theses regiments you can decrease degree of future hair loss and patients may even get some hair back. In a few years, if hair loss is genetic and patient continues to lose hair and a more definite diagnosis is established, hair transplantation is a treatment option.

Dr. Mike Meshkin, a hair transplant specialist based in Los Angeles and Orange County offers many advises to his clients to start hair loss prevention when they notice thinning at the initial stages. It is important to keep hair healthy by eating the right food and proper vitamins for support. If hair loss is genetic, then hair transplant can be an option to restore the hair that is lost and medical treatment is used to prevent future hair loss.

To find out more about your hair loss, visit one of Dr. Meshkin's hair transplant and hair restoration clinics in Los Angeles or in Irvine locations. Dr. Meshkin will use the latest techniques to find out the cause of your hair loss and give the best hair restoration recommendations customized to your needs and concerns. You can also visit www.meshkinmedical.com to find out about the nutritional needs that may be a factor in hair loss.

If you are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning you can contact us at (949) 219-0027 to schedule for a free consultation or visit our website at www.MeshkinMedical.com.