Hair loss can be unfortunate, but it does not have to be permanent. Hereditary hair loss or thinning can occur in both men and women who are genetically predisposed to such a trait, and will usually begin occurring during puberty and continue gradually for years. There are specific patterns to look for relating to hair loss. Hair loss in men tends to be noticeable in specific patterns, especially around the hairline. In women, hair tends to thin generally around all areas of the scalp.
Due to the fact that every hair follicle an individual has is on a different growth cycle, the average person sheds around 100 hairs a day. However, losing more than 100 hairs a day is not the main diagnostic criteria for hereditary hair loss. Instead, it is the dominant pattern is hair loss and thinning that leads to the diagnosis. Our office will work with a patient to help diagnose his or her hair loss pattern. Assuming that there are no irregularities in a patient’s blood work (e.g. hormone and thyroid levels) that could be causing the loss or thinning, we can help patients to find a reasonable, effective treatment that will work for them.