Factors leading to hair loss vary. Aging is a factor; however, things like diet, disease, and even stress can cause balding. Luckily, there are some treatments available for those experiencing hair loss.
While hair transplantation might be the most effective solution for hair loss, particularly advanced hair loss, there are also many non-surgical treatments worth consideration.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are creams, gels, foams, or lotions that you apply directly to your skin. The most well-known of these treatments is minoxidil, more commonly recognized by the name Rogaine. Topical treatments may take a few months to begin working, and their benefits will be lost if you stop using them. Typically, topical treatments are available without a prescription.
Medications
The prescription medicine Propecia (finasteride) is useful in helping thicken hair and stop hair loss. It’s designed primarily to be taken by men because of its effects on lowering by-products of testosterone that lead to male pattern baldness. Some doctors will prescribe it for women, but it is advised that they avoid becoming pregnant while taking the medication. Like the topical treatments, the effects of Propecia reverse if you stop taking it. Finasteride is now available in a topical formula, as well.
Vitamin and Hormone Treatments
There is some evidence indicating that vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss. Particularly, B vitamins, like Biotin and B12, and vitamin D can contribute to hair loss. Adding those as supplements or with dietary changes can help reverse the process and stimulate natural hair growth. Hormone therapies can also help with hair regeneration.
Conclusion
Anyone, at any age, can experience hair loss. The causes are varied, but some of the common ones are aging, vitamin deficiencies, diseases, and even stress. Non-surgical treatments have become more common, and some of them are available without a prescription while others require one.
Topical treatments, like Rogaine, are typically available without a prescription, but they only work for the duration of the treatment. Prescription oral treatments, like Propecia, are also only effective while you are taking them, and they are typically only recommended for men. Finally, vitamin deficiencies can be somewhat corrected by supplements or dietary changes and those may reverse hair loss caused by the deficiency.
