hair loss is know as pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia and happens both in men and women. Men tend to see a recession of the hair line by the temples as well as loss on the top, or vertex, of the scalp. Women tend to preserve the frontal hair line and lose hair across the crown. Hair loss can occur at any age but usually happens later in life. The mechanism behind pattern hair loss is changes that occur in the hair follicle due to DHT. DHT is a hormone that results from conversion of testosterone by an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase.

General advice:
See your dermatologist: There are other forms of hair loss including alopeica areata and hair loss related to underlying factors and it is best to make sure that your hair loss is simply the pattern type. If you feel you may benefit from an office visit, please contact us for an appointment.

Don't be fooled: There are many products out there that claim to help regrow hair and help hair loss. There is very little actual science out there to support claims made by products like Avacor, HairGenesis, and Nioxin. Avacor is actually under review because it was found that it contained minoxidil which was not listed as an acitve ingredient. Part of the HairGenesis system contains oral supplementation wtih saw palmetto which in some studies has shown improvement in hair growth. Saw palmetto works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.

Treat: There are a few solid FDA approved medications that can help treat hair loss and prevent any further worsening of the condition (see below).

Key ingredients to look for:
Minoxidil: This agent has been used for many years and is available over the counter. It's current mechanism is not completely known. Minoxidil has proven successful in both men and women.
Propecia: This prescription medication is currenlty only indicated for men and has solid clinical support in proving its effectiveness. Propecia or finasteride works by blocking the converison of testosterone to DHT by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase
Spironolactone: This medication may help women and works by blocking the "male-type" hormone at its receptor.

Propecia and spironolactone are prescription only. If you feel you may benefit from these medications, contact us for an appointment.