Hair loss in men begins at an early age. Usually men in their mid 20’s start to face hair loss. It significantly impacts their self-esteem and leads to self-consciousness. Some men face male baldness.
As much as male hair loss is common, getting hair loss treatment is also very common. Traditionally, seeking a hair loss treatment requires in-person consultation and frequent visits, however, with the sudden rise in alternatives to consultation. Now you can connect with hair treatment professionals in the comfort of your home.
In this article, we will learn about hair loss in men and the causes of hair loss. We will also learn about telehealth’s rise in treating men’s hair loss. In addition, we will also look at how telehealth has revolutionized hair loss treatment.
Causes of Hair Loss
It is crucial to understand the causes of hair loss in men for effective treatment options. The causes include:
- Genetics
It is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is known as androgenetic alopecia or male baldness. This hereditary condition begins to impact men in their late teens or early twenties and by the age of 50 it causes baldness in men. Research on Genetic prediction of male patterns states that genetics plays a significant role in male baldness after a certain age.
- Hormonal Fluctuations
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone driven by testosterone. It can shrink hair follicles leading to hair-thinning or eventually hair loss.
- Health Condition
Health issues such as thyroid, autoimmune conditions, or any scalp infection can lead to hair loss. This condition disturbs the natural hair growth cycle that causes hair loss.
- Nutrition Deficiency
Deficiencies such as low iron, vitamins and specifically B & D are the root cause of hair fall.
- Stress
Stress, also known as telogen effluvium, either physical or emotional, can lead to hair loss.
- Age
As men age, naturally their hair growth slows down and by the age of 50 most men experience baldness or hair thinning.
- Medication
Medications such as cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression have a side effect of hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be of different types. Let’s understand it one by one:
- Androgenetic Alopecia
As stated earlier, it is a common cause of hair loss and thinning in men. It begins by thinning in the crown area and follows a predictable pattern. Androgenetic alopecia follows the hereditary pattern and can start in late teens.
- Alopecia Areata
It is an autoimmune disorder that leads to hair loss in small patches. The exact reason is still unknown however, it is believed that the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles.
- Telogen Effluvium
It is the most commonly experienced condition. Hair shedding and thinning begin after a stressful event, medical issue, or hormonal changes.
- Traction Alopecia
This type of hair fall happens due to excessive hair styling, using heat or chemicals on hair. It can damage the hair follicles which leads to permanent hair damage.
5. Scarring Alopecia
It is a rare type of hair loss. The condition Lichen Planopilaris or discoid lupus erythematosus causes inflammation, leading to hair damage and eventually hair loss.
Treatment for Hair Loss
The treatment for hair loss is always prescribed as per the cause and severity. There is never one treatment that fits all. As per the condition, your doctor will tailor the plan accordingly.
1. Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
A topical treatment that promotes hair growth while slowing down hair loss. It works well for those who are experiencing early hair loss.
- Finasteride (Propecia)
A prescription medicine that inhibits the production of DHT, therefore preventing future hair loss and, in certain situations, promoting regrowth. It is often beneficial in males with androgenetic alopecia.
2. Hair Transplant
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
A surgical procedure in which a strip of scalp containing healthy hair follicles is removed and transplanted into balding regions.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
A less invasive procedure in which individual hair follicles are removed and implanted in thinning regions. FUE is preferred because of its rapid recovery period and little scarring.
3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
This non-invasive procedure uses laser light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth. While the findings vary, some research indicates that males with androgenetic alopecia may have better outcomes.
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
The procedure consists of extracting a tiny quantity of blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the scalp. PRP is said to improve healing and hair growth.
5. Lifestyle Changes
- Balanced diet
A well-balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals can help improve hair health. Protein-rich foods, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E are very useful.
- Stress Management
Yoga, meditation, and exercise might help decrease stress, possibly preventing stress-related hair loss.
Telehealth For Men’s Hair Loss Treatment
With the advancement in technology and treatment. Telehealth has also revolutionized in providing treatment for men’s hair loss. Here is how telehealth for men’s hair loss is a feasible treatment:
- Convenience: Telehealth provides you the convenience of connecting with the healthcare provider from anywhere. You do not have to step out and travel kilometers for an appointment makes it easier to seek help, ask about your concerns, and get them treated.
- Consultations: during the online appointment healthcare provider talks about your condition, and the symptoms you are facing, and on video call you can show your scalp and current condition. Through this, your doctor can make the correct diagnosis.
- Tailored Treatment Plan: The healthcare provider prescribes a tailored treatment plan as per the severity of the symptoms. It may include medication, surgical procedures, or lifestyle changes. It entirely depends on your condition.
- Monitoring and Support: telehealth provides ongoing support during the treatment. You can talk to a doctor. In addition, healthcare providers also keep track of your current condition, report, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments as per requirement.
Conclusion
To sum up, hair loss is a common issue that most men face after a certain age. A lot of factors contribute to hair loss and most commonly it is genetics. If you have a family history of hair loss after a certain age then there are high chances of you getting it. In addition, other factors such as stress, medication, and age can also be a factor. Now with the advancement of technology, you can get your hair loss treated easily. Furthermore, for consultation and treatment, you can connect with a range of consultants through telehealth services. You can consult, and get treated by them depending on your symptoms.
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