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Treatments for baldness and hair loss
What it is
All body hair falls out periodically and is replaced by new hair.
However, sometimes new hair fails to keep with hair loss and
baldness appears. Baldness is characterised by a receding hairline
and it may continue at the top and the back of the head. In severe
cases hair grows only at the sides of the head. Baldness occurs more
frequently in men than women, although partial hair loss may affect
some women after the menopause.
Causes of baldness and hair loss
The most common cause of hair loss is male hormones. There can also
be temporary hair loss due to stress, chemotherapy, X rays,
pregnancy, endocrine disorders, trauma.
Treatments for baldness and hair loss
No all hair loss needs treatment. If it is caused by illness, trauma
or pregnancy, re-growth will take place within 3 to 4 months.
Otherwise there are 3 main types of treatments:
1) hair transplantation from an area where hair is growing. The
procedure is expensive and results vary;
2) the drug minoxidil, which stimulates re-growth and is applied to
the scalp. This drug must be applied continuously as hair loss
resumes when its use is stopped; an
3) the drug finasteride, which may promote growth.
If hair loss is not hereditary, then you can have yourself tested
for thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions and anaemia.
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