Hair Fall Reasons in Men & Women and Medical Solutions - Dermatologist Explains

Hair Fall Reasons in Men & Women and Medical Solutions - Expert Guide by Dr. Ankit Mehra

Hello, I am Dr. Ankit Mehra, a dermatologist and hair restoration specialist practicing in Ajmer. In my daily practice at the clinic, hair fall remains one of the most common concerns I encounter among both men and women. The distress it causes goes beyond physical appearance, affecting confidence and emotional well-being.

Having treated thousands of hair loss patients, I've witnessed how understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment. This comprehensive guide will explain the different reasons behind hair fall in men and women, and the advanced medical solutions available at our hair treatment center in Ajmer.

Normal Hair Fall vs Excessive Hair Fall: Understanding the Difference

Before panicking, it's important to understand what's normal:

• • Normal Shedding: 50-100 hairs per day is normal hair cycle
• • Excessive Hair Fall: Clumps of hair, thinning patches, widening part
• • Duration Matters: More than 3 months of increased shedding needs evaluation
• • Scalp Visibility: Visible scalp through hair is a red flag

Hair Fall Reasons in Men: More Than Just Genetics

1. Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Affects 50% of men by age 50, following predictable patterns (receding hairline, crown thinning).

• • Causes: Genetic sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
• • Pattern: Hamilton-Norwood scale (stages I-VII)
• • Onset: Can begin as early as late teens

2. Alopecia Areata

Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss.

• • Appearance: Round, smooth bald patches
• • Associated: Often with stress or other autoimmune conditions

3. Traction Alopecia

Common in men who wear tight hairstyles or turbans.

4. Medications & Treatments

Certain medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, and cancer treatments.

Hair Fall Reasons in Women: The Multifactorial Challenge

1. Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

Affects 40% of women by age 50, different pattern than men.

• • Pattern: Ludwig scale - diffuse thinning, widening part
• • Hairline: Usually preserved unlike in men
• • Hormonal: Androgen sensitivity plus other factors

2. Telogen Effluvium

Temporary but dramatic hair shedding 2-3 months after triggering event.

• • Triggers: Childbirth (postpartum), surgery, severe illness, crash diets
• • Recovery: Usually resolves in 6-9 months if trigger is removed

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Hormonal imbalance causing thinning hair, often with acne and irregular periods.

4. Postmenopausal Hair Loss

Estrogen decline and relative androgen increase leads to thinning.

5. Traction & Styling Damage

From tight ponytails, braids, heat styling, and chemical treatments.

Common Causes in Both Men & Women

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

• • Iron: Most common deficiency causing hair loss
• • Vitamin D: Essential for hair follicle cycling
• • Vitamin B12: Especially in vegetarians
• • Protein: Hair is 90% protein (keratin)
• • Zinc: Deficiency causes telogen effluvium

2. Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse hair loss.

3. Chronic Stress

Physical or emotional stress pushes hair into resting phase.

4. Scalp Conditions

• • Seborrheic Dermatitis: Inflammation and scaling
• • Psoriasis: Thick plaques that affect hair growth
• • Fungal Infections: Like tinea capitis

5. Autoimmune Diseases

Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc., can cause hair loss.

6. Medications

Blood thinners, retinoids, antidepressants, gout medications.

How We Diagnose Hair Fall at Our Ajmer Clinic

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At our dermatology clinic in Ajmer, we use:

1. Detailed History: Onset, pattern, family history, medications, diet, stress
2. Hair Pull Test: Gently pulling hair to assess shedding
3. Trichoscopy: Magnified scalp examination (digital microscope)
4. Blood Tests: Thyroid, iron studies, vitamin D, hormones, CBC
5. Scalp Biopsy: Rarely needed for difficult diagnoses
6. Hair Wash Test: Counting shed hairs during washing

Medical Solutions & Treatments for Hair Fall

1. FDA-Approved Medications

Minoxidil (Topical)

• • For: Men and women
• • Strength: 5% for men, 2-5% for women
• • Mechanism: Vasodilator, prolongs growth phase
• • Note: Initial shedding common, lifelong use needed

Finasteride (Oral)

• • For: Men only (contraindicated in women of childbearing age)
• • Mechanism: Blocks DHT conversion
• • Effectiveness: 80-90% stop further loss, 65% regrow hair
• • Prescription: Requires dermatologist prescription

Dutasteride

More potent DHT blocker, used off-label for resistant cases.

Spironolactone (For Women)

Anti-androgen for female pattern hair loss, especially with PCOS.

2. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

• • Technology: Laser caps, helmets, in-clinic devices
• • Mechanism: Stimulates cellular activity in follicles
• • FDA Cleared: For both men and women
• • Results: Visible in 3-6 months

3. Topical Formulations

Custom compounded solutions combining minoxidil with other agents like finasteride, dutasteride, or growth factors.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy for Hair Regrowth

One of the most effective treatments we offer at our PRP therapy center in Ajmer:

• • Process: Patient's blood spun to concentrate platelets, injected into scalp
• • Growth Factors: Stimulate dormant hair follicles
• • Sessions: 3-6 initial sessions monthly, then maintenance
• • Best For: Early to moderate hair loss, thinning areas
• • Combination: Works well with minoxidil and other treatments

Hair Transplant: Permanent Solution for Baldness

For advanced hair loss, we perform hair transplant in Ajmer using modern techniques:

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

• • Technique: Individual follicles extracted from donor area
• • Scarring: Tiny dot scars (not visible with short hair)
• • Recovery: 5-7 days, faster than FUT

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

• • Technique: Strip of scalp removed, dissected into grafts
• • Graft Count: Higher number in one session
• • Linear Scar: Can be hidden with hair

Post-Transplant Care

• • Medications: Continue finasteride/minoxidil to protect native hair
• • Growth Timeline: Shedding at 2-4 weeks, growth from 3-4 months
• • Final Results: 12-18 months

Lifestyle & Preventive Measures

Dietary Recommendations

• • Protein: Eggs, fish, chicken, lentils, dairy
• • Iron: Spinach, red meat, pomegranate, dates
• • Biotin: Nuts, whole grains, bananas
• • Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, mushrooms
• • Omega-3: Flaxseeds, walnuts, fish

Hair Care Practices

• • Gentle Handling: Avoid tight hairstyles, rough towel drying
• • Heat Protection: Limit blow drying, flat iron use
• • Chemical Treatments: Space out coloring/straightening
• • Scalp Massage: Improves blood circulation

Stress Management

• • Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones
• • Sleep: 7-8 hours quality sleep for hair repair
• • Meditation/Yoga: Reduces cortisol levels

Common Hair Fall Myths Debunked

• • Myth: Washing hair daily causes hair fall
• • Truth: You lose the hair that was already destined to fall
• • Myth: Only men get hereditary baldness
• • Truth: Women get it too, but pattern is different
• • Myth: Hair oils can regrow hair
• • Truth: Oils improve scalp health but don't reverse genetic hair loss
• • Myth: Cutting hair makes it grow thicker
• • Truth: Hair thickness is determined at follicle level
• • Myth: Stress turns hair grey but doesn't cause hair fall
• • Truth: Stress is a major cause of telogen effluvium

When to See a Dermatologist for Hair Fall

• • Sudden or patchy hair loss
• • Hair loss for more than 3 months
• • Visible scalp or widening part
• • Hair loss with itching, pain, or scaling
• • Family history of baldness (early intervention is key)
• • Hair loss after starting new medication

My Final Thoughts as Your Hair Specialist

Hair fall treatment has evolved dramatically in recent years. The most important principles I emphasize to my patients at our skin and hair clinic in Ajmer are:

• • Early Intervention: Better to treat when 30% lost than 70%
• • Correct Diagnosis: Treatment differs vastly by cause
• • Combination Therapy: Often 2-3 treatments work better than one
• • Realistic Expectations: Regrowth takes 3-6 months, maintenance is lifelong
• • Patience & Consistency: Hair treatments require commitment

Remember, hair loss is a medical condition, not just a cosmetic concern. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most hair loss can be successfully managed. I've helped countless patients regain not just their hair but their confidence.

For more information on related treatments, you might find our guide on laser skin treatments helpful, or browse our complete educational blogs.

To your healthy hair journey,

Dr. Ankit Mehra, MD
Dermatologist & Hair Restoration Specialist, Ajmer

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Hair loss treatments require in-person consultation and proper diagnosis. Please book a consultation for personalized assessment and treatment planning.

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• • 📞 Call: 96970 41111
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