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Checklist on steps should you take
The first step- investigate. Some of the things to determine are:
- If you are losing an excessive amount of hair, or that your hair density is decreasing. The hair loss should be characterized as shedding (hair falling out a lot) or associated with easy breakage
- How long you have been losing hair
- Your family’s history of women and men with hair loss, which would be suggestive of the most common female pattern hair loss
- All of the medications you are taking
- If you had any stressful events (i.e. high fevers or other illness, childbirth) over the preceding 4 months
The next step- if not contraindicated, try minoxidil 2%, as well as some other over-the-counter nutritional and hair care products we recommend (Click here to see list). Observe for a minimum of 4 months to assess the response to therapy, unless there is a continued rapid continuation of the hair loss, or other unusual signs such as problems with the scalp or patchy areas of hair loss.
Find a qualified physician specialist- most commonly this will be a dermatologist, but many primary care doctors can undertake the basic workup for the hair loss problem. Make sure that the doctor you choose has experience in working up the hair loss problem. This doctor will not necessary be the same doctor you would use for a hair transplant, because if you should decide to undergo surgery, it is important to pick a doctor who specializes in surgery.
What to expect when you see a doctor for hair loss:
- He or she will take an extensive history, as well as perform a careful examination
- Blood tests will be performed, which will include but are not limited to:
- Thyroid levels
- Blood count
- Iron and ferritin levels
- Certain hormone tests such as testosterone and DHEA sulfate
- Other steps in the medical workup your doctor may recommend include:
Continue here to read about hair loss prevention |
