Hair Loss

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss can affect anybody at any age, but certain factors can increase your risk, such as:

Hormonal changes

Hormonal hair loss is more common in women and men. Many women tend to experience thinner, sparser hair during menopause when estrogen levels plummet. Thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism, can also lead to dry, thinning hair.

Many types of hormonal hair loss are temporary. Some women lose hair when they stop taking birth control pills, while others notice thinning hair after childbirth.

Family history

Hereditary hair loss stems from your genetics. If one of your parents or siblings experiences early hair loss, you’re more likely to develop the condition with age. Hereditary hair loss can affect anybody, but it’s more common in men than women.

Stress

High stress levels can cause your hair follicles to stop producing new growth. While stress-related hair loss is usually temporary, it can be permanent without early intervention.

Certain hairstyles

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when certain hairstyles continually pull at your scalp. Without treatment, traction alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss.

How do I know if I’m losing my hair?

Hair loss symptoms affect everyone differently and often depend on the type you have. The most common signs of hair loss include:

Sudden hair loss

Sudden hair loss causes hair to fall out in large clumps. A traumatic, stressful event may lead to sudden hair loss, though its effects are usually temporary.

Gradual thinning

The most common type of hair loss, gradual thinning tends to occur with age. While men often experience receding hairlines, women may notice the part in the center of their scalp growing wider.

Patchy hair loss

Losing patches of hair is a sign of alopecia areata, one of the most prominent types of hair loss. Alopecia areata typically begins with small, circular patches that broaden over time. These patches may itch and cause persistent discomfort.

How does PRP work for hair loss?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a substance in your blood that contains growth factors. Isolating PRP from your blood and injecting it into your scalp can help promote new hair growth for thicker, stronger hair. 

After drawing your blood, the team runs it through a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the other contents. Next, they inject the PRP into your scalp. Most treatments take just a few minutes and can produce long-lasting hair growth. The team typically recommends up to three treatments, spaced, four to six weeks apart, for the best results.

Call Integrated Dermatology of Reno or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about hair loss.