Hair loss is a condition that affects men and women of all backgrounds and can seriously impact your self-confidence. It can feel alarming when you start to notice thinning or balding patches. However, at Dermatology Realm, we offer topical and injectable solutions for hair loss to help you restore your scalp and renew your self-esteem.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss has several causes; for men, the primary cause is genetic. Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is a hereditary condition that causes hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in thinning hair and eventual hair loss. The condition is typically passed down through generations and can start in the late teens or early twenties.
Hormonal changes can also cause hair loss, specifically an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs until they stop producing hair completely.
Women can also experience hair loss from hormonal changes. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can cause hormonal imbalances that result in hair thinning and shedding.
Other causes of hair loss include physical and emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and hairstyles that cause too much tension on the hair shafts. Hair loss in women tends to happen more sporadically, while men typically experience a receding hairline or bald spots.
Metformin topical treatments
If you’re interested in a topical treatment for hair loss (meaning you apply it to your scalp without any needles), Metformin is a great option! Commonly used to manage diabetes, Metformin has proven to benefit hair loss by reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and stimulating hair follicles to encourage growth.
Metformin topical treatments are easy to use and don’t require any downtime. When you schedule a visit with our Germantown office, we’ll examine your situation and create a plan to help you get the best results. You’ll get a topical solution or cream from your Dermatology Realm provider and apply it according to your custom treatment plan.
When using Metformin, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Every case is unique, and everyone responds differently, so it may take weeks or months to see noticeable results.
One of the most significant benefits of Metformin topical treatments is that the process is entirely non-invasive and 100% safe. Since it can reduce inflammation, topical Metformin can improve your scalp health.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication that treats hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. It works by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in your body, a chemical responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing hair loss. By blocking the production of DHT, Finasteride can help slow down hair loss and even promote hair regrowth in some cases.
You’ll need to take Finasteride orally as a pill, usually once a day. It’s essential to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to be consistent with taking it. It may take several months of consistent use before you start seeing results, so be patient and keep taking it as prescribed.
Like any medication, Finasteride may have some side effects, such as decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving an erection, or breast tenderness. If you experience any of these side effects or have any concerns, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Steroid injections
Steroid injections use corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and promote hair growth when injected directly into the scalp. At Dermatology Realm, we can combine finasteride and steroid injections to address different aspects of hair loss and provide a comprehensive approach to promoting hair growth.
As with topical hair loss treatment, you should go into the process with realistic expectations. We perform steroid injections in our Germantown office every few weeks, depending on your case and personalized treatment plan.
It’s essential to follow the treatment plan provided by your Dermatology Realm professional and be patient, as hair growth is a gradual process.
Steroid injections can help reduce scalp inflammation that contributes to hair loss and stimulate hair follicles to promote regrowth. It’s important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the right treatment plan for your individual needs, monitor for any potential side effects, and ensure the safe and effective use of these medications.
Combining treatmens for superior results
Combining Metformin topical treatment with finasteride or steroid injections can offer several benefits in addressing hair loss. By reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity, Metformin may complement the effects of finasteride in blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Finasteride and steroid injections, on the other hand, can directly target the underlying hormonal imbalance that causes hair loss by inhibiting the production of DHT. When combined with Metformin topical treatment, the two treatments can address multiple factors contributing to hair loss, potentially resulting in improved hair density, thickness, and overall health.
Lifestyle changes to help with hair loss
Whether or not you choose to pursue hair loss treatment, there are some lifestyle changes you can implement to help your condition.
Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin, can promote healthy hair growth. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, eggs, fish, and lean meats can provide the necessary nutrients for maintaining healthy hair.
Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve overall circulation, including blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth. Exercise also helps reduce stress, which can contribute to hair loss in some individuals.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact hair health and contribute to hair loss. Finding effective ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation, may help control hair loss.
Avoiding Heat and Chemical Damage: Overuse of heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, as well as exposure to harsh chemicals, can damage the hair shaft and contribute to hair loss. Limiting these tools and opting for gentle hair care practices may help prevent hair loss.
Scalp Care: Keeping the scalp clean and well-nourished is important for maintaining healthy hair. Regular scalp massages, gentle shampoos and conditioners, and avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on the hair shaft can help promote healthy hair growth.
Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm overall health, including hair health. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake may help improve hair health and potentially reduce hair loss.
It’s important to note that lifestyle changes may not be effective in all hair loss cases, especially if the underlying cause is genetic or medical. The best choice is to consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, medication, or other interventions based on your needs.
Get your best hair with Dermatology Realm
Regardless of age or gender, hair loss can leave you feeling down about your appearance. Our team at Dermatology Realm wants to help you look and feel your best! We’ll help determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and create a personalized treatment plan to give you the best results.
If you want to learn more about topical or injectable hair loss solutions, contact our Germantown office to schedule an appointment.