Find out what causes hair loss and how patients can take back control.

Hair loss is something that affects people of all walks of life: men and women, old and young, and people of all varying levels of health and fitness. It is a condition that can be caused by several different things, and it can be triggered by an array of health conditions. These include conditions like telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, and various infections.

Telogen effluvium is a very common and temporary form of hair loss that results in increased hair shedding due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle. This occurs because more hair than normal enters the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle, resulting in shedding hair in clumps and thinning patches throughout the hair.

Alopecia is a condition that is becoming more commonly known due to an increase in its presence throughout the modeling and social media world. Influencers are sharing their own stories with alopecia, shining more light on the condition that leads to hair loss. There are two types of this disorder.

“Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles,” says Dr. Thomas B. Nittler M.D. with JC Total Health. “This can affect both women and men, and it results in hair loss across the entire body, including eyebrows, body hair, and eyelashes. Scarring alopecia is classified as the destruction of hair follicles and replacement of such with scar tissue.”

This type of hair loss can be permanent and can cause irreversible symptoms and effects. This type of alopecia can be a result of other chronic conditions.

The fourth cause of hair loss is related to various infections. These infections can include ringworm and folliculitis. These infections can also be related to non-genetic causes, like environmental factors, poor hair care, and poor hygiene. Stress, whether it’s physiologic or psychologic, can also cause temporary hair loss. However, once the stress is resolved, hair loss is diminished, and regrowth usually follows.

While hair loss can impact men and women for various reasons, no gender or age group is affected by hair loss more than another. The good news is hair regrowth is possible. Several things can aid in regrowing hair. The first step is to understand the root cause of hair loss and to move forward with treatment for any autoimmune disorders or infections.

There are several treatment options. Some of these include topical products, like prescription shampoos or creams; oral medications; or a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment. All of these treatments can be used to soothe symptoms and promote regrowth.

“JC Total Health offers PRP to patients that doctors determine to be good candidates for this type of therapy,” Dr. Nittler says.

PRP uses the patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration. JC Total Health’s PRP process should ideally be completed monthly for a three-month period. Then, it should be done every six months or for the duration of time the doctor and patient deem necessary. Sometimes, combining PRP treatment with oral or topical medications can optimize results.

Hair loss is a common condition, but the important thing is understanding the cause of hair loss and knowing how to move forward with treatment options. If hair loss is a concern, it is important to speak with a medical professional to appropriately diagnose and then to understand the treatment options available. When it comes to regrowing hair, knowing is growing, or regrowing, and it’s important to explore options, do research, and make informed decisions.