Hair Loss Q & A

What’s causing my hair loss?

Men, women, and children can all experience hair loss as a result of several different factors including heredity, hormones, diseases, and certain medications. Hair loss that affects your head is most often caused by heredity and the most common reason men go bald. A variety of hair loss treatments exist, but it’s important to discuss your symptoms with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Borkowsky Rubell so she can determine any medically-related underlying causes.

Depending on the causes, thinning hair and hair loss can happen suddenly, or gradually over time. Some hair loss is permanent, while some is only temporary. Factors that contribute to temporary hair loss include:

- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Physical or emotional stress
- Traumatic illness
- Too much vitamin A
- Not enough vitamin B
- A diet lacking a sufficient amount of protein
- Prescription medication
- Anemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Dramatic weight loss
- Scalp infections or skin disorders

To determine the cause of your specific hair loss, Dr. Borkowsky Rubell may order blood tests to rule out any type of underlying health condition such as a thyroid problem or autoimmune deficiency.

What are the signs of hair loss?

Most adults lose 50 to 100 strands of hair each day, but, if your case is severe, you may even lose 250 strands after washing your hair. If you begin experiencing significant hair loss, you could start to notice a larger amount of hair on your pillow when you get up in the morning, or see a bunch of hair in your comb or brush.

Additionally, your hairline may change. Men often notice that the hair around their forehead or on the top of their head is receding. Women tend to see thinning on the top of their head near their scalp, as the part grows wider.

How is hair loss treated?

If hair loss is the result of a temporary condition, your hair will most likely recover once your condition improves. However, for those losing their hair as a result of inherited male pattern baldness, or another chronic health condition, there are other treatment options. These include:

- Topical medications like minoxidil (Rogaine®)
- Oral medications such as Finasteride (Propecia®) or Spironolactone
- Surgical hair transplants
- Corticosteroids for an autoimmune disorder that’s causing hair loss
- Laser treatments to stimulate new hair growth
- Wigs and hairpieces

To understand what’s causing your thinning hair and to learn about treatment options, call or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool.