Are you grappling with hair loss? Gilbride Pharmacy offers insights into this common condition affecting both men and women and provides treatment solutions that help slow down the hair loss process.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia or baldness, involves the partial or complete absence of hair from areas where it typically grows. It can affect individuals of all ages and genders. Alopecia manifests in various forms, each with its distinct causes and symptoms.
The most frequent cause is male-pattern baldness, scientifically termed androgenic alopecia. This hereditary condition affects around 50% of men by the age of 50. It typically presents as a receding hairline coupled with thinning of hair on the temples and crown.
Male-pattern baldness results from hair follicles becoming sensitive to the hormone testosterone. Over time, exposure to testosterone causes these follicles to shrink and cease functioning. Importantly, male-pattern baldness is often genetic and not indicative of underlying disease or poor health. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for men, including both medicinal and surgical approaches.
Female-pattern baldness is less common but still characterized by thinning hair on the top of the head, with increased prominence after menopause.
Other types of alopecia include:
- Alopecia Areata: Although it can occur at any age, it is more prevalent among teenagers and young adults. Six out of every ten individuals affected experience their first bout before the age of twenty. Alopecia areata manifests as patches of baldness that may come and go, and it is thought to stem from immune system irregularities.
- Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia): Typically the result of other conditions such as lichen planus or discoid lupus, this type involves the complete destruction of hair follicles, preventing regrowth.
- Anagen Effluvium: Commonly caused by chemotherapy, this form of alopecia can affect the entire body. Fortunately, it is usually temporary, and hair tends to regrow after completing chemotherapy. Hair loss may occur on the body, face and scalp.
Please note that at Gilbride Pharmacy, we focus on treating male and female-pattern baldness and do not provide specialised treatment for these additional hair loss types, which require specialist care.
Symptoms
Hair loss often presents differently depending on the type:
Male-Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia): Male-pattern baldness affects up to 6.5 million men in the UK, starting as early as the teenage years and becoming more pronounced by age 40. It can lead to emotional distress, particularly in younger men. Typically, it begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the temples and crown, rarely progressing to complete baldness. This gradual process typically starts in the late twenties or early thirties.
Female-Pattern Baldness: Less common than male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness primarily manifests as thinning on the top of the head, often becoming more noticeable after menopause.
Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata appears as coin-sized patches of baldness and can occur anywhere on the body, although it's more common on the scalp. About one in ten individuals with alopecia areata may experience nail symptoms, including grooves or pitting.
Scarring Alopecia: Symptoms of scarring alopecia correlate with the underlying condition causing it. For example, if lichen planus leads to hair loss, the affected skin may also be damaged. Scarring alopecia is unique because it affects both the hair and the skin in the affected areas. Unfortunately, the damaged skin can hinder hair follicle regeneration, preventing hair regrowth.
Anagen Effluvium: Typically caused by chemotherapy, anagen effluvium results in temporary hair loss. Hair will usually begin to regrow a few months after completing chemotherapy, affecting the body, face and scalp.
Diagnosis
In most cases of male hair loss (androgenic alopecia), self-diagnosis is possible without consulting a doctor. Genetic predisposition often means that if someone in your family, such as your father, grandfather or uncle, experienced this condition, you may follow a similar pattern. Male-pattern baldness typically progresses gradually over several years, making it initially challenging to detect. Early treatment yields more favourable results, so it's advisable to seek treatment promptly if desired.
If you have concerns, consulting your GP for a diagnosis is an option. Your GP can perform a simple examination of your hair and scalp to identify the specific type of hair loss and provide appropriate guidance.
Treatment
Hair loss treatments, primarily used for cosmetic reasons, are available at Gilbride Pharmacy. Effective medications for male-pattern baldness include finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Regaine). Please note that these treatments are not available through the NHS and must be purchased privately. Initiating hair loss treatment early is crucial for optimal results, as it is easier to preserve existing hair than regrow it. Female-pattern baldness is also treated with minoxidil (Regaine for Women), albeit at a lower strength.
Finasteride (Propecia): Propecia, available as a 1mg tablet, treats hair loss by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which causes hair follicles to shrink. By maintaining normal hair follicle size, Propecia enhances hair density and overall appearance. Treatment typically spans six months to reverse balding, followed by long-term maintenance. Discontinuing treatment may lead to hair loss resuming within six to twelve months.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil, available over-the-counter without a prescription, comes in topical foam or lotion forms, applied daily to the scalp. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, minoxidil has demonstrated the ability to stimulate hair regrowth and thickening. Like finasteride, it requires several months of use for visible results. Ceasing treatment may result in hair loss recurrence. Some examples of minoxidil-containing hair loss treatments include:
- Regaine for Men Extra Strength Foam (1 & 3 month packs) - containing minoxidil 5%
- Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Solution (1 & 3 month packs) - containing minoxidil 5%
- Regaine for Women Regular Strength (1 month pack) - containing minoxidil 2%
Additionally, alternatives such as wigs and surgical hair transplants are available for managing hair loss.
Prevention
Preventing hair loss may not always be within your control, especially when genetic factors play a role. However, you can adopt strategies to minimise its impact:
- Avoid constant or extreme heating and drying procedures.
- Limit hair dyeing to once every 6-8 weeks using semi-permanent colour.
- Be cautious about over-styling and the use of clasps, clips and elastics that pull hair tightly daily.
- Use a mild shampoo and avoid brushing wet hair.
- Gently pat dry hair with a towel instead of rubbing vigorously.
- Opt for a soft-bristled comb or brush.
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet for healthier hair.
- Manage stress whenever possible.
- Prioritise sufficient sleep and regular exercise.
- Consider weekly scalp massages to stimulate hair follicles.
Alternatives
Alternative non-medicinal therapies for hair loss, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy, exist. However, evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited, and there is no clinical proof of herbal remedies positively affecting hair loss.
Another alternative worth exploring is the use of wigs or hairpieces, with options available in varying price ranges, including synthetic and real hair.
For those seeking a more permanent solution, hair transplants have gained popularity. Keep in mind that these procedures can be expensive, and success rates may vary.
Visit Us
At Gilbride Pharmacy, we are committed to helping you understand and address your hair loss concerns. Contact us today to explore effective treatment options tailored to your needs.