Hair loss treatment options in Ottawa: Female pattern baldness and PRP
We have been seeing a lot of women in the last number of months looking for treatment for their hair loss in Ottawa. Many of them have very similar questions about options to help improve their hair growth.
Therefore, we wanted to create an educational blog to help answer some of our most commonly answered questions about hair loss treatments in Ottawa. Keep reading for more details. Of course, if your hair loss questions are not answered below, feel free to reach out.
As always, this article is for education purposes only, and does not substitute for medical advice from your physician. As for the treatment options discussed here individual results do vary. Ensure you have a detailed consultation with your provided by prior proceeding with any treatments.
How common is hair loss in women?
It is estimated that over 50% of women will notice their hair thinning or baldness as they age. This is more apparent after menopause, however, hair thinning can occur at younger ages as well. We routine see women in their, 20s, 30s and 40s who are finding their hair is not as thick as it previously was, or are losing hair faster. Don’t fret! There are options that may help you maintain your hair or even grow new hair. Female pattern baldness is called androgenetic alopecia, and is due to a combination of age and hormones. It’s the SAME process that occurs in men – however, hair loss is more common in men. As we age, testosterone in women causes the formation of smaller hairs, and eventually no hair production in specific areas. Yes, even women have testosterone! However, testosterone does not need to be elevated to have female-pattern hair loss. Most women with this hair loss have normal hormone levels. Hormone level testing is typically not needed.
Is all hair loss the same?
Certainly not! We’re focusing this article on the most common type of hair loss in Ottawa, androgenetic alopecia. However, there are other types as well. If your hair is thinning you would likely benefit from a consultation with a physician. Other types of hair loss include, but are not limited to telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium. alopecia areata, and cicatricial alopecia – just to name a few. Certain medical conditions such as low iron, or thyroid issues can also cause hair thinning or hair loss. A detailed consultation is the first step to determining the type of hair loss you have. Specific blood work is also occasionally helpful to rule out other causes. Rarely, a physician may suggest a small biopsy (sample) of the scalp to ensure a correct diagnosis. This is very rarely needed in patients with suspected female pattern hair loss.
Is some hair loss normal?
Yes! In women it’s normal to lose about 50-100 single hairs per day per day. This is due to the natural growth cycles of hair. Hair goes through three distinct phases of growth. The first is the active growth phase. This is followed by a pause in growth, following by a phase where the hair falls out. However, in women with female-pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia or androgenic alopecia, hair loss is exacerbated. Fall out is increased and the growth phase is stunted. Over time this leads to areas of thinning and baldness. For women, this type of hair loss is usually along the midline (and spreads outwards), although it can be in other areas of the scalp such as the temples and frontal scalp. In men, androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness is noted at the front of the scalp (widow’s peak, in an ‘M’ pattern), and at the crown of the scalp. Typically the sides and back are sparred from thinning in androgenic alopecia.
What about special shampoos or conditioners?
There is little evidence to support the use of specific shampoos, conditioners or other serums in promotion hair growth. However, there are some over the counter as well as oral medications, which have been shown to be helpful. Your physician may suggest trying these medications to assist with your hair loss.
Is baldness hereditary?
Female pattern and male pattern baldness is hereditary, meaning that if one or both of your parents have thinning hair, you may have thinning as well. Thanks mom and dad!
What options are available for hair loss in Ottawa
Numerous options exist for hair loss treatments in Ottawa. First, it is important to have the correct diagnosis, and ensure your hair loss is amenable to treatment. This is where a consultation with your physician is important. Due to Health Canada advertising regulations we cannot specifically discuss medication here.
At Concept Medical, we offer options for hair loss and hair thinning in women and men, including (but not limited to) platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP for hair loss in involves taking a small amount of blood and placing it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, plasma and growth factors from the remaining parts. The PRP is then injected back into the scalp. Studies have shown that PRP may be effective at improving hair growth in men and women.* As with all treatments, results do vary, and risks are possible. It is important to discuss these with your provided prior to treatment.
PRP in Ottawa for hair loss
To learn more about hair loss, and options including PRP, please contact us.
*Stem Cells Transl Med. 2015 Nov; 4(11): 1317–1323.
*Int J Trichology. 2018 Jan-Feb; 10(1): 1–10.
*Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:760709. doi: 10.1155/2014/760709. Epub 2014 May 6.
*Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016 Aug;17(4):359-67. doi: 10.1007/s40257-016-0196-2.