Choose ‘right expert’ to manage hair loss

That is why I completely understand the reason people who suffer hair loss are hesitant to seek help. They may be afraid of being judged or ridiculed. I will share some of the steps that you can take to manage hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia.

Choosing the “right doctor” It is important that you choose the right expert for your condition.

And the right person to go to, if you have a hair and scalp problems, is a trichologist.

Trichologists specialise in hair and scalp health, and if they identify that the underlying condition of your hair loss is related to genetics or hormones, they will refer you to the right specialist for proper treatment. You can also visit your dermatologist. However, most dermatologists will recommend blood tests or other diagnostics to be informed on the real cause of your hair loss. With this information, your dermatologist can prescribe treatment that is tailored to your specific condition and make necessary referrals.

Diagnosing Androgenetic Alopecia Below are some of the laboratory blood works that are recommended. They may be costly, but the results will assist in an accurate diagnosis. • DHEA, DHEA Sulfate, Prolactin, follicle stimulating (FSH) and Leutinising Hormone (LH) • Androstenedione • free and total testosterone • thyroid tests: T-3, T-4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TS H) • Iron and serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) • haemoglobin/haematocrit or CBC (complete blood count) The first three tests measure the androgen levels in your blood, as I have pointed before, testosterone is the most active hormone when it comes to hair loss.

The thyroid test is also important considering its hormones, T3 and T4, play an important role in hair growth. The last two diagnostics are optional, but these can also help your doctor rule out other underlying conditions.

Effective treatment There are commonly prescribed drugs for hair loss. It is important that you follow the suggested dosage and frequency to maximise the effectiveness of the drugs. If you experience any adverse reaction to the drugs, you must report it to your doctor.

However, I will caution the use of products that contain minoxidil, as once you begin your treatment using any product with minoxidil, you must commit to a lifetime of use. You must be made aware that if you discontinue treatment with the minoxidil, you will lose all the benefits you received while using it.

Surgical care Surgical treatment for androgenetic alopecia has been proven to be successful, especially with a follicular unit transplant. This creates a more normal look since it uses the clients’ own follicles with its oil glands and nerves. This procedure requires time for the preparatory stage to ensure a smooth and successful treatment.

Androgenetic alopecia is difficult to treat or manage if you do not fully commit yourself to the treatment. Yes, it is tough and it may cost you money, but you must remember that your hair is as important as any other organ of your body.

Your hair helps shape your self-image. If you love yourself, you should do so from head to toe.

As we draw close to the end of the year, thank you for your support throughout 2016. I do hope that my articles have provided information which assisted many of you in unravelling the mysteries that surround hair loss, its types and possible treatment.

In the new year, I will continue to provide you with info and keep you abreast of the new technologies in the hair care industry, as it relates treatment for hair loss and scaly scalp conditions.

Do have a Blessed and Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Germaine Williams Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT T?CT) and nutrition consultant (NC), motivational speaker, coach, mentor; Rayogee Wellness Lifestyle, Woodbrook, germainewilliamsbeckles.

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