Hair loss is a common problem affecting both males and females. It has been estimated to affect 50% of men and up to 40% of women by the age of 50.
There are many potential forms of hair loss and aggravating factors.
The main factors can be classified into these 5 areas
- Hereditary factors. Some people may inherit the condition which is identified by the pattern of hair loss in the ancestors. However its inheritance is not an essential feature.
- Hypovitaminosis. Deficiency of some minerals and/or vitamins like Vitamin A, Biotin, and Vitamin B-6 etc can cause loss of hair and due enrichment in that case is remedial.
- Hypothyroidism: has also been found to cause loss of hair
- Stress and age factors. Play some role in hair loss
- Drug Induced. Radio or chemotherapy follows with hair loss. Some drugs used in acne treatment like ‘Accutane’or birth control pills too, cause hair loss.
Androgenic alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is the commonest cause of hair loss for both males and females. Men tend to present with thinning of hair by the temples and receding hair line, while women start noticing diffuse thinning of hair on the crown.
While women notice progressive thinning, they tend to retain their hairline compared with men. This process starts gradually, often as early as in the 30s, sometimes in late teens. It is believed that genetics plays a part in this process, combined with the environmental and lifestyle factors.
A full head of hair is often associated with sexuality, youth, vitality and good health; hence it is no surprise that progressive hair loss often causes great anxiety, poor self esteem, increased self consciousness which may then lead to reduced social interaction amongst other issues.
There are a few options to consider when seeking treatment for alopecia.
Options for hair loss treatment and hair loss management
- oral supplements over the counter
- prescription oral medication
- topical treatments (which work well but can often cause skin reactions)
- mesotherapy for hair loss (one of the most effective treatments today)
- hair transplantation (invasive, involved and requires good skill set)
- hair pieces /powders/creams for camouflages (there are about 9 on the
Any predisposing factors eg thyroid disorder/iron deficiency/scalp psoriasis have to be addressed as well. It is likely that a person suffering from alopecia may have more than one contributing factor towards the condition.
As such, it would be desirable to make an appointment for a formal medical consultation, where likely aggravating factors can be better identified, and an individual treatment plan can be tailored.
Mesotherapy for Hair Loss
Hair loss Mesotherapy is an increasingly popular treatment in Europe and the US. This method involves administering shallow microinjections of a compounded mixture directly into the affected (thinning) scalp.
The mixture contains specific B complex vitamins and minerals used for scalp support and hair growth stimulation, as well as a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocking agent to counteract the problem of androgenic alopecia.
The scalp is cleaned and anaesthetised prior to treatment with the topical application of a numbing cream, followed by the mesotherapy injections which are administered by a trained medical practitioner.
It is recommended to have a course of six treatment sessions spaced fortnightly, followed by maintenance treatment thereafter. Individual recommendations may differ depending on the condition of the scalp and degree of hair loss.
