Hair loss can affect both men and women, and understanding the underlying causes can help to manage the condition. While hair loss is not a serious health concern, it can impact self-esteem and quality of life.
What Causes Female Hair Loss?
Female hair loss can result from various factors, often involving a combination of genetic,hormonal, and lifestyle influences. Common causes include:
- Genetics: A family history of hair loss can predispose women to conditions like female pattern hair loss, characterised by thinning hair primarily on the top and crown of the scalp.
- Hormonal Changes: Events such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid imbalances can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary or permanent hair loss.
- Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, and dermatological disorders can contribute to hair shedding and loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron and vitamin D has been linked to hair thinning.
- Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Physical or emotional stress, along with certain hairstyling practices, can trigger hair loss.
- How Can Women Reduce Hair Loss?
Addressing hair loss involves understanding the underlying causes and tailoring treatment and management to your situation. Strategies include:
- Topical Medical Treatments: Topical minoxidil is a commonly used treatment for female pattern hair loss, shown to slow hair loss and promote regrowth in some women.
- Prescription Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications with anti-androgen properties, such as spironolactone or cyproterone acetate, to address hormonal imbalances contributing to hair loss.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, managing stress, and avoiding hairstyling that strains hair follicles can help reduce hair loss.
How Can an Online Doctor Help with Hair Loss?
If you are struggling with hair loss, you can consult with a doctor regarding causes, symptoms, management and treatment options. Online doctors consult with patients from the comfort of their homes or any location, providing a suitable option for those who are unable to visit a clinic in person.
Online doctors can:
- Assess Symptoms: Through virtual consultations, online doctors can evaluate hair loss patterns and your medical history to identify potential causes.
- Recommend Treatments: Based on the assessment, online doctors can suggest appropriate over-the-counter products, prescribe medications, or recommend lifestyle changes.
- Provide Referrals: If necessary, online doctors can refer patients to dermatologists or other specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
Booking an Online Appointment with Private Medical
Professional guidance for hair loss can lead to effective management, restoration and improved confidence.
If you are experiencing hair loss and seeking professional guidance, Private Medical offers online Hair Loss and Hair Restoration Consultations, available Australia-wide for both men and women. Private Medical’s experienced online doctors can assist in identifying the cause of hair loss and guide you towards appropriate therapy.
To book an appointment:
1. Schedule your appointment at a convenient time: Book your Private Medical appointment online and select “Healthy Lifestyle Consultation” as your appointment type. You can also book over the phone by calling 135 001.
2. Consult with your online Doctor: During your video consultation, discuss your concerns and symptoms with one of our experienced, Australian-registered GPs.
3. Receive a Treatment Plan: Based on the consultation assessment and your needs, your online doctor will provide personalised advice, a treatment plan, and recommendations tailored to your situation.
Our telehealth services are available seven days a week, including after-hours,weekends, and public holidays.
Sources:
· Healthdirect.gov.au - Femail Pattern Hair Loss
· RACGP – Australian Journal of General Practice: Female pattern hair loss
· Healthdirect.gov.au – Alopecia (Hair Loss)
· Harvard Medical School / Harvard Health Publishing: Treating female pattern hair loss
