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The average full head of hair has approximately
100,000 - 150,000 individual strands, with approximately
90-95% in its growing phase (anagen), 2-3% in its regressive
phase (catagen), and 5-8% in its resting/shedding phase
(telogen). The anagen phase can range from 2-6 years,
and is usually longer in women due to their hormonal
influence. The catagen and telogen phases together last
about 2-3 months, following which, the hair falls out.
It is normal to lose approximately 40-80 hairs every
day, but any more than this should be investigated by
qualified medical hair specialists.
There are many reasons why you might start losing hair:
- Poor diet, stress, scalp problems,
prescribed medication or a medical condition
- Poor hair care, over processed perming,
straightening, colouring or other hairdressing chemicals
- Alopecia areata or totalis, which are
autoimmune disorders
- Female pattern hair loss (can be hereditary)
- Hormone imbalances (including polycystic
ovaries)
- Post natal hair loss
Approximately 40% of women experience
some sort of hair loss at some time in their life
Most female hair loss in menopausal women
is due to hormonal imbalances, which can be hereditary
(female pattern) or induced by an illness, following
a pregnancy, or idiopathic (unknown). The pattern of
hair loss is usually similar to male hair loss (thinning
to the top of the scalp), and there may also be a general
diffuse loss all over, but the frontal hairline may
not be affected. This can take effect in the subjects
from as early as their mid 20's, and if it continues,
should be investigated or treated.
The subject should be tested to eliminate any possibility
of low levels of iron and thyroid, and then either sex
hormone assays performed or the subject should be treated
with an appropriate anti-androgen therapy. If the patient
is post menopausal or contra-indicated, then either
a non-hormonal therapy or a topical lotion should be
prescribed. Where the patient is already on oral contraception,
they should come off this for 3 months prior to the
blood tests, or change to one that has anti-androgen
properties. If the patient is not treated, in most cases
the hair loss will continue and the hair will become
thinner, lank and possibly greasier. In some cases,
facial and bodily hair becomes stronger, darker, and
in typical male places (e.g. upper lip, chin, chest
and naval area).
It is always advisable for the patient to see a medically
trained hair specialist, and at Medical Specialists,
we have all the staff trained to deal with your problems.
Should you wish to speak to a Doctor or a Trichologist,
please do not hesitate in telephoning us, or you may
send us an email.
WHAT
ARE THE TREATMENTS?
(Click on the links below)
Cyclical Anti-androgen
Therapy (Dianette)
Non-Hormonal Therapy (Spironolactone)
Topical Anti-androgen
Therapy (Trichagen)
Regaine® (Minoxidil)
Scalp Stimulants
Cyclical
Anti-androgen Therapy (Dianette)
The most effective treatment is oral Cyclical Anti-androgen
Therapy (CAT), which is prescribed at our clinic. Patients
notice improvements in skin quality and reductions in
hair loss after 3 months treatment. After approximately
6-9 months, noticeable improvement in hair growth and
thickness of hair is quite evident, and all abnormal
hair loss has stopped. The patient's hair continues
to improve, until in most cases there is no evidence
of hair loss with a full recovery.
 
Non-Hormonal Therapy (Spironolactone)
If the patient is contra-indicated to CAT (not medically
suitable) or they are post- menopausal, then our secondary
therapy is usually prescribed. This oral drug works
in a similar way, but is non-hormonal.
Topical Anti-androgen
Therapy (Trichagen)
Should the patient not wish to take any oral therapy
or they are contra-indicated, then we are able to prescribe
topical anti-androgen therapy. This works by stopping
or reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) in the hair cell, and by blocking the receptor
that the hormone eventually goes to, thus helping to
reverse the balding process.
Regaine®
(Minoxidil)
Regaine® (Minoxidil) This product is the only topical
lotion with many published papers to show it's efficacy.
In trials over eight months, 55% of the women experienced
some regrowth. Regaine® is researched and developed
by Pharmacia & Upjohn. For further information click
on: www.regaine.co.uk
Scalp Stimulants
These topical lotions or ointments are used when the
hair loss is non-genetically inherited.
Stimulant Lotion
This product has an advanced formula for non-specific
diffuse hair loss, and adds nutrients to the scalp and
follicle. It includes a stimulant to aid better blood
supply and hence nutrients to the hair follicle and
bulb, and therefore encourages a more appropriate growing
condition which stabilises hair loss.
Stimulant
Ointment
This luxury cream treatment has an advanced formula
for non-specific diffuse hair loss of the more difficult
type. It includes moisturisers, and nutrients to encourage
optimum scalp condition, and stimulants to aid better
blood supply and hence nutrients to the hair follicle
and bulb. Can be used in conjunction with Regaine®
Extra Strength.
In alopecia areata or totalis, Regaine® Extra Strength
has been shown to be of beneficial effect. Can be used
in conjunction with Stimulant Ointment.
Back
to list of Treatments
It is always advisable
for the patient to see a medically trained hair specialist,
and at Medical Specialists Co., we have all the staff
trained to deal with your problems. Should you wish
to speak to a Doctor or a Trichologist, please do not
hesitate to contact us by clicking
here.
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