Hair Loss Management
At Hawthorn Medical and Wellness Hub, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your hair loss concerns. Our assessment typically includes a detailed consultation and relevant blood tests to help determine the underlying cause. We will work with you to discuss and recommend the most effective management options, customized to suit your individual needs.
Common Types of Hair Loss:
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss): This is the most common form, driven by genetics and DHT hormones.
- Men: Presents as a receding hairline and loss of hair at the vertex (crown), often resulting in a “horseshoe” pattern.
- Women: Presents as diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp with a widening of the central part (Christmas tree pattern), usually maintaining the front hairline.
- Telogen Effluvium: A temporary, sudden, and often massive shedding of hair. It usually happens 3–6 months after a stressful event (e.g., pregnancy, illness, high fever, or surgery).
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition causing circular or patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows.
- Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by constant pulling (traction) from tight hairstyles (e.g., ponytails, braids, extensions).
- Anagen Effluvium: Rapid loss of hair, commonly caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation), typically temporary.
- Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia: A group of rare conditions where inflammation destroys hair follicles, causing permanent hair loss (e.g., Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Discoid Lupus). This type of hair loss always requires a referral to a Dermatologist.
We can offer treatments for Men:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Topical foam or drops applied twice daily to the scalp, available over-the-counter. Oral Minoxidil can be prescribed if medically indicated. Sublingual form is preferred.
- Finasteride or Dutasteride: A prescription medication that stops hair loss in over 90% of men by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. Adverse effects mainly relate to sexual dysfunction (e.g. erectile dysfunction, low libido, anorgasmia), gynaecomastia and lower blood pressure. These rarely persist and are generally reversible with discontinuation of the medication.
We can offer Treatments for Women:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Topical solution or foam, typically applied once daily, is recommended. Sublingual or oral minoxidil may cause postural hypotension, fluid retention and hypertrichosis. Sublingual administration bypasses hepatic metabolism, increases bioavailability and may reduce the systemic effects of oral minoxidil.
- Spironolactone: A prescription medication that blocks androgen receptors and lowers androgen levels. As spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, hyperkalaemia is a serious adverse effect that has been noted. Hypotension, increased urinary frequency, low energy and irregular menstruation are other potential adverse effects.
- Antiandrogens: Cyproterone acetate can be used if medically indicated.
- Iron/Nutrient Correction: Treating underlying deficiencies such as iron, zinc, or vitamins is critical.
We can offer treatment for both men and women:
- Steroid injections for Alopecia areata aim to stimulate hair regrowth and manage immune system attacks. While many experience spontaneous regrowth, treatments help speed the process, though relapse is common and no permanent cure exists. Complex cases would need a referral to a dermatologist.
- Microneedling: A procedure that creates minor trauma to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. We can use topical Minoxidil or topical Finasteride with microneedling (prepared by compounding pharmacy)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Injections from the patient’s blood into the scalp to encourage growth.
- Lifestyle & supplements: Proper nutrition, reducing stress. Nutritional supplements such as zinc, vitamins B and D, and antioxidants have been used extensively for hair loss; however, evidence for their efficacy is highly variable.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Marina to discuss your concerns, receive a possible diagnosis, and explore treatment options.
In some cases, a referral to a dermatologist may be necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis and specialist treatment.