Hair Loss – Curable?

Hair loss, called “alopecia” in the medical field, can be a sobering event for both men and women. Whether or not you’re male or female, finding more-than-usual numbers of hairs on your pillow, in the tub, or in your brush or comb can be truly disturbing.

But can hair loss be cured? The answer lies in a number of factors, one of which includes the type of alopecia you experience. For instance, some medications you may be taking can cause hair to fall out. Your doctor can help by possibly prescribing a different medicine to treat you. Some drugs that can cause hair loss include anticoagulants, birth control pills, depression medications – even too much Vitamin A! Other causes of hair loss include disease, hormonal changes, stress, and fungal infections.

Another type of hair loss stems from your genetic predisposition. This type – termed androgenetic alopecia – constitutes about 95 percent of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this type of balding begins as a receding hairline, progressing to the entire top of the head. Female pattern alopecia shows up as a general thinning of the hair all over the head. Men experience much more dramatic hair loss, in general, than women.

Treatments for Hair Loss 

For this type of hair loss, also called male and female pattern baldness, a number of oral and topical treatments can be administered. Some of these include Propecia (finasteride); Rogaine (minoxidil); Retin-A (tretinoin); Skinoren (azelaic acid); the herb, saw palmetto; and the mineral, zinc. Talking with your doctor remains the best way to learn which hair loss treatment is right for you.

Whatever type of hair loss you may be experiencing, the most important thing is to get informed. Don’t waste time and money on dubious hair loss products, and don’t give up, either! It’s always best to contact your doctor at the first sign of abnormal loss of hair because early treatment can often mean the difference between success and failure at keeping your remaining hair. It can also help in the process of re-growth.

And so in essence, what is the answer to whether or not hair loss can be cured? It’s “Yes,” many times and “No” sometimes. One thing’s for sure, however – you won’t know a thing until you get a doctor’s trained opinion and advice. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone!