Hair Loss

Around 80% of men and more than 50% of women experience hair loss due to genetics, aging, or some underlying medical problem. Watching your hair thin can be frustrating, but advanced treatments can help prevent further loss and restore a full head of hair. At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Toccoa, Georgia, the expert dermatologists specialize in comprehensive hair loss treatment. Call the nearest office today to schedule a hair loss consultation or book your appointment online.

What is hair loss?

Hair loss is part of the natural hair growth cycle. Most healthy people lose about 100 hairs daily, which are then replaced with new hair. However, when you begin shedding more hair than usual, and only some (or none) of it grows back, it can affect your self-esteem and even indicate an underlying medical problem.

Hair loss affects people of all ages, gender identities, and races, but it’s especially common in middle-aged men.

What are the symptoms and causes of hair loss?

Hair loss affects everyone differently and depends on the underlying cause. Even so, telltale signs include:

• Receding hairline (more common in men)
• Small patches of scalp hair loss (a possible sign of alopecia areata)
• Thinning hair all over the head (more common in women)
• Loss of hair on the scalp and body

The most widespread cause of men’s hair loss is genetics. For example, if your father or grandfather was bald, you’re more likely to lose hair. However, for women, the causes of hair loss are more complex. Things that contribute to hair loss include thyroid disease, hormonal changes brought on by perimenopause and menopause, and chronic stress.

How is hair loss diagnosed?

The cause of hair loss is obvious most of the time. For example, if you’re undergoing chemotherapy, hair loss is among the most common side effects. At other times, your provider will order diagnostic tests to check for underlying health conditions that can affect hair growth or trigger excessive shedding.

During your appointment, your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your family history, and examines your scalp. They also order blood tests to check your iron, thyroid, and other hormone levels. If your hair loss occurs alongside itchy skin or red patches, they might collect a small skin sample (biopsy) to check for a fungal or bacterial infection.

How is hair loss treated?

The board-certified dermatologists at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology take an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating hair loss. They could suggest:

• Red-light therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)
• Nutrafol® supplements
• Topical finasteride
• Topical minoxidil
• Oral minoxidil
• Oral finasteride
• Oral dutasteride (for male hair loss only)

Most people benefit from a personalized combination of treatments. We monitor your hair growth regularly, adjusting your care as needed to ensure lasting results.

Call the nearest Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology office today or go online to schedule hair loss treatment.