Seeking Medical Help for Hair Loss

1. Know when to visit the doctor

It's important to know when your hair loss could be a symptom of a more serious medical complaint, in which case you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Contact a doctor if you are losing hair in an unusual pattern, or rapidly at an early age, such as in your teen or twenties. Other symptoms to look out for are:

• Pain and itching with hair loss, or a red, scaly scalp.
• You have bald spots on your beard or eyebrows.
• If you are a woman and you are experiencing male pattern baldness or an abnormal menstrual cycle.
• You have been gaining weight, suffering fatigue, muscle weakness, or intolerance to cold temperatures.

2. Prepare for your appointment

Before you go to your appointment, it's a good idea to think about the symptoms you are experiencing so you can describe them clearly to the doctor. Consider when you first began experiencing hair loss, and whether has been occasional or continuous. Also ask yourself:

• Have you noticed poor hair growth, breakage or shredding?
• Has anyone in your immediate family experienced hair loss?
• Are you taking any medications or supplements?

3. Know the treatments for men

Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. In men, it is characterised by a receding hairline that forms a rough "M" shape. Although it is not a disease and is based on your genes, there are treatments that your doctor can prescribe to you. The two medications most commonly used are:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a solution that is applied to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles.
• Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) is a pill that interferes with the production of a form of testosterone that is linked to baldness.

4. Know the treatments for women

About a third of women experience some hair loss. As many as two thirds of menopausal women experience hair thinning or bald patches. Women rarely suffer a receding hairline, but a thinning at the part line develops into increasing diffuse hair on the top of the head. Some of the most common medications for female pattern hair loss include:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) is applied topically and massaged into the scalp.
• Anti-androgens are receptor-blocking drugs which are only very rarely prescribed.
• Iron supplements are prescribed for some women, especially vegetarians, those with a history of anemia, or those who have heavy menstrual bleeding.