Hair Loss Treatment

Manage hair loss effectively with our Australian-registered online doctors and health practitioners within 15 minutes, available 24/7 from anywhere in Australia.

This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

About hair loss

Hair loss is a common concern that can affect people of all ages and genders, often impacting confidence and self-esteem. It can happen gradually or suddenly and may be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, or certain medications. While some hair loss is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, excessive shedding or noticeable thinning can signal an underlying issue that needs attention. Identifying the cause is key to effective treatment, which might involve lifestyle adjustments, topical solutions, medications, or professional consultations.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vishnu, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Hola

You should consult a doctor when you are extremely distressed by your hair loss and are seeking treatment. Here are some reasons to seek hair loss treatment:

  • Unexplained hair loss: If you have sudden unexplained hair loss it is important to understand the underlying issue
  • Experiencing stress and anxiety: If you are not able to accept the hair loss situation
  • Hair loss in a child: Sudden patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss in children
  • Red, swollen patches: If you have red swollen, and blistered patches of hair loss
  • Genetic history: If hair loss runs in the family, it is easier to tackle if you see a doctor soon.

Hair loss is losing one’s hair on the scalp or any other part of the body either gradually or abruptly. There are many different types of hair loss, such as:

  • Male pattern hair loss: Male pattern baldness starts with hair loss at the hairline above the temples, leading to a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. Though common in older men, it can also affect young adult men.
  • Female pattern hair loss: Female pattern hair loss is slightly different from male pattern baldness and starts at the parting and the hair gets thin across the scalp. Common in women of all ages but prevalent in women post menopause
  • Alopecia areata: It is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks the hair follicles. This might happen due to genetics, stress, anxiety, or other environmental factors.
  • Telogen effluvium: This is also called temporary hair loss where your body stops growing hair for a short time due to various reasons such as childbirth, fever, sudden weight loss, or hypothyroidism.
  • Tinea capitis: Ringworm of the scalp

We usually lose 50-100 hairs daily. Hair loss symptoms include thinning of hair, wide bald patches, a receding hairline, and more. Hair loss is caused by many different triggers such as:

  • Extreme weight loss
  • Stress
  • Chemical hair treatments
  • Chemotherapy or other cancer treatments
  • Anaemia, thyroid or vitamin deficiencies
  • Pregnancy or menopause and other hormonal changes
  • Genetic issues

Hair loss can significantly affect self-esteem and emotional well-being. For many, hair is closely tied to identity, and losing it may lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or social withdrawal. This change in appearance might also trigger stress or depression, further exacerbating emotional distress. This might require the patients to speak to mental health specialists and get help to come out of this situation with the help of a mental health treatment plan.

Vitamins are crucial in maintaining healthy and strong hair. It is important to understand which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss and how to handle them. Deficiencies in key nutrients like Vitamin D, B12, and Biotin can lead to noticeable thinning and hair loss. It is important to make diet and lifestyle modifications and take the vitamin supplements suggested by a doctor to ensure you have healthy hair.

You can prevent hair loss by maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, changing your lifestyle, reducing stress, and more. Stress can cause hair loss and it is important to maintain mental health by developing mindfulness, practising meditation, and more.

Hair loss in men or male pattern baldness is caused by genetics, hormonal changes, and a poor lifestyle. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, scalp infections and certain cancer treatments also cause baldness. Nutritional deficiencies such as iron, and vitamin D also cause hair loss in men.

Female pattern hair loss is caused by many different factors including:

  • Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones during pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disorders
  • Genetics
  • Extreme physical and emotional stress
  • Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and scalp infections can cause hair loss.
  • Other factors such as nutritional deficiencies, hair styling or chemical treatments

If your hair loss is caused by stress or poor diet it can easily be reversed or slowed down with slight lifestyle modifications. If your hair loss is from any underlying medical conditions, the doctor will suggest certain medications to help your situation better. Genetic conditions like male or female pattern baldness are more difficult to reverse, though treatments like medications, hair transplants, or laser therapy can slow down or manage the process. Early intervention is key for better results.

An online doctor will discuss your current condition, and past medical history and diagnose the type of hair loss you have. You will then be given some medical advice to help with your hair loss. If any medication is needed, a virtual doctor will issue an online prescription. If your condition requires further assessment, then an online referral will be issued by the online doctor for diagnostic tests, specialists, or blood tests.

Speaking about hair loss can cause a certain amount of stigma for the patients.

An online doctor consultation addresses this issue by providing the necessary privacy for the patient. You can now speak to a telehealth doctor 24/7 Australia-wide using Hola Health. Some of the benefits of these telehealth consultations include:

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

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