Everyone, whether male or female, yearns to have a life where they don’t have any hair loss. Nevertheless, this is also a fact that both men and women encounter hair loss at some point. Hair loss can be of different degrees and have different causes, so it is always better to have complete knowledge about it to treat it. You must be in search of the answers to your queries about hair loss. If yes, this article will help you a lot because it will tell you all that you should know about hair loss as you read ahead.
Causes and Types of Hair Loss
People can encounter different types of hair loss, which can occur due to genetic disorders, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, poor nutrition, and hairstyles and hair treatments. Once you understand the common types, understanding your condition’s causes and apt treatment becomes more accessible.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia is a type of hair loss that can affect both genders, so it is often referred to as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by a gradual thinning of the hair, usually beginning at the crown or hairline. Such hair loss is primarily caused by hormonal changes or genetic disorders. Here, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, shrinks hair follicles and makes them eventually stop producing hair.
Alopecia Areata
Some people can have autoimmune hair loss disorders, and Alopecia Areata is one of them that causes hair loss in patches. The exact cause of this hair loss type is unknown, but it is considered a mix of environmental and genetic factors. In this hair loss condition, the immune system attacks hair follicles shrinks them, and eventually makes them stop producing hair.
Telogen Effluvium
You may encounter temporary hair loss like telogen effluvium, where multiple hair follicles get into the resting or telogen phase. It can occur after a stressful event like some severe illness or childbirth. Usually, it gets sorted out on its own within a few months, but treatment may be recommended if the hair loss persists.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when someone pulls their hair too tightly for a long time to make certain hairstyles, such as tight braids, hair extensions, or ponytails. Treatment options for traction alopecia may include:
- Changing hairstyles to avoid further damage.
- Using topical treatments to promote hair growth.
- Having hair transplant surgery for more severe cases.
Treatments Available for Hair Loss
Depending on the severity and reason for the condition, you have different effective hair loss treatments at your disposal. It is important to note that every hair loss type does not require treatment, and some types of hair loss may be temporary and resolved independently. However, several options exist if hair loss is causing distress or impacting the quality of life.
Medication
One of the most used treatments for hair loss is medication, including Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia), which are effective in slowing or stopping hair loss and promoting growth. Minoxidil is available over the counter as a topical solution or foam, while finasteride is a prescribed medication by a physician and is consumed orally. These medications are generally safe and well-tolerated but may have side effects and require ongoing use to maintain results.
Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is an option for those who want a life-long solution for hair loss. This involves transplanting tiny grafts of healthy hair follicles from a person’s scalp to the balding areas. Hair transplant surgery is considered the gold standard of hair restoration. It can provide natural-looking results, but you must contact a qualified and experienced surgeon to perform the procedure.
Medical Insurance Coverage for Hair Loss
Does insurance cover hair loss? This question would have popped into your mind when you read about different treatment options for hair loss. Mostly, hair loss treatment is not covered by any medical insurance. However, some insurance companies cover a few parts of the hair loss treatment. Insurance companies generally consider hair loss treatment a cosmetic procedure, which most medical insurance policies do not cover.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be a grieving condition, but you have multiple treatments depending on the severity and reason for the condition. It’s essential to visit a physician to get the apt treatment if you are experiencing hair loss. While medical insurance coverage for hair loss is only sometimes there, it’s always a good idea to search and check with your insurance provider to determine what parts of a hair loss treatment are covered under their policy.
