Hair Loss: Compounding Medications Guide

Hair loss affects many people, regardless of age, gender, or background. It may significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence.

It’s natural to be irritated and upset when you first detect signs of hair loss. And what’s the first thing that would come to your mind at that time? – Yes! You need hair loss remedies to reduce hair fall and increase hair growth as soon as possible, regardless of when it happens to you.

So, if you’re facing this problem, this article is for you. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to hair loss causes, treatments, and compounding medications. Let’s get started!

What exactly is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, commonly known as alopecia, happens when new hair does not replace the hair that has fallen out. While hair loss is a natural process, it can be accelerated by many factors, leading to baldness, thin hair, and other hair-related issues.

Hair loss may occur suddenly or gradually over time and might be transient or permanent. While it is more common in older persons, it can affect anyone, even children.

Many people use the term baldness. It refers to significant scalp hair loss. Hereditary hair loss with advancing age is the most common cause of baldness.

Therefore, you may be experiencing hair loss and must consult a dermatologist if your hair part is expanding, you see bald spots, or you lose 50 to 100 hairs or more daily.

Hair Loss Symptoms

The symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on the underlying cause, but common symptoms include the following:

• Thinning of the hair on the scalp: This is the most common symptom of hair loss, characterized by a gradual reduction in hair volume and thickness.
• Bald patches: Round or oval-shaped patches on the scalp.
• Receding hairline: Progressive hair loss from the front of the scalp, which can result in an “M-shaped” hairline.
• Slow or stunted hair growth: Hair growth may slow down or stop altogether, decreasing hair volume or thickness over time.
• Decrease in hair volume: A general reduction in the thickness and volume of hair on the scalp.
• Excessive shedding: Increased hair loss during washing, brushing, or styling.
• Patches of damaged hair: This can occur due to excessive styling or chemical treatments.
• Drain clogs: You might discover that hair has clogged the drains in your shower or sink.

Types of Hair Loss

There are various types of hair loss, including:

• Androgenetic Alopecia

It is also known as male or female-pattern baldness. It’s the most common type of hair loss affecting about 50% of people.

Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by gradually thinning hair on the scalp, with a receding hairline or balding at the crown. A combination of genetics and hormones causes it.

• Traction Alopecia

This hair loss is caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight buns. Over time, this can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss.

• Telogen Effluvium

This hair loss occurs when many hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) simultaneously, causing excessive hair shedding and reduced hair volume.

Stress, hormonal imbalances, medications, and other factors can cause it.

• Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. Hair loss can be sudden and occur in any part of the scalp, but it is most common on the beard, eyebrows, and scalp.

• Anagen Effluvium

This hair loss is caused by damage to the hair matrix (the part of the hair follicle responsible for hair growth), causing the hair to fall out rapidly and severely.

Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or other factors, can cause it.

• Scarring Alopecia

This hair loss is caused by damage to the hair follicles, resulting in scarring and permanent hair loss. Several factors, including autoimmune disorders, chemical treatments, and skin conditions, can cause scarring alopecia.

Hair Loss Causes

Many factors can cause hair loss. Some of them include the following:

Heredity

The most typical type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, often known as male or female-pattern baldness, is primarily inherited.

Age

As people age, their hair naturally becomes finer and thinner. Male pattern hair loss typically begins between 20 and 40, especially in people whose hair loss is inherited. However, female pattern hair loss frequently begins during the reproductive years, leading many patients between the ages of 25 and 40 to seek treatment.

Nevertheless, hair loss can begin in both sexes at the onset of puberty.

Stress

Physical or emotional stress can cause hair loss by triggering the hair follicles to enter the telogen phase, leading to excessive hair shedding.

Poor nutrition

A diet low in protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss.

Hormonal imbalances

Changes in hormone levels, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can cause hair loss.

Medical conditions

Certain conditions, such as iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders, can cause hair loss.

Medications

Hair loss is an adverse effect of some medications, particularly those used to treat cancer.

Hairstyles

Certain hairstyles, such as braids, cornrows, and tight buns, can put tension on the hair and cause hair loss over time.

Chemical treatments

Exposure to harsh chemicals, like those found in hair dyes, can cause hair loss and damage the hair follicles.

Hair Loss Treatment

Finding the cause is the first step in any effective hair loss treatment. Contact us at Text2MD for the best hair loss treatment consultation and an accurate diagnosis. Our specialists have in-depth knowledge about the many causes of hair loss and expertise in treating various hair loss problems.

Hair loss treatment plans include:

• Minoxidil (topical medication)

It is one of the most popular topical medications for baldness in both men and women. It is an over-the-counter medication available as a liquid, foam, and shampoo. For best results, use the product twice daily for males and once daily for women on the scalp skin.

How it works

Minoxidil stimulates and prolongs hair growth by increasing follicular size and shaft diameter. Pregnant women can use this medication because it is androgen-independent.

Minoxidil promotes hair regeneration in a variety of ways:

• Reverses follicle miniaturization
• Boosts the blood flow surrounding the follicles
• Prolongs the development phase of every follicle

Skin irritation, headaches, itching, unwanted non-scalp hair, and facial inflammation are a few of the adverse effects of Minoxidil that are frequently reported.

• Topical Finasteride

It is a topical medication that treats male-pattern baldness by preventing the generation of the hormone that results in hair loss. Men who use finasteride notice a slowdown in their hair loss, and some even see new hair growth.

How it works

It prevents the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into the more powerful 5-DHT. Pregnant women shouldn’t use this medication because it is androgen-dependent.

A few typical side effects are breast soreness, a decline in libido, and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

• Topical Dutasteride

It is effective in treating hair loss. The topical dutasteride is applied directly to the scalp, blocking the hormone production that causes hair loss.

• Topical Spironolactone

It is an androgen-dependent medication used for hair loss treatment. It is a diuretic commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but it has also been found to have anti-androgenic effects, making it helpful in treating hair loss. Pregnant women should not use it.

• Corticosteroids

They can be used to treat various medical conditions, including hair loss. Corticosteroids are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

In the case of hair loss, corticosteroids can be used to treat certain types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Corticosteroids can be administered orally, topically, or through injections directly into the scalp.

Topical corticosteroids can be applied directly to the scalp to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth. Injectable corticosteroids can treat alopecia areata and other types of hair loss by reducing inflammation and promoting hair growth.

• Compounding Hair Loss Medications

Compounding medications are custom-made formulations of medications that are designed to meet the specific needs of an individual. Topical therapies comprising Finasteride and Minoxidil are the major ingredients of compounding hair loss medications– both are FDA-approved hair loss treatment options.

According to research, Finasteride and Minoxidil are topical medications that work better together than they do separately to provide a more potent hair loss treatment.

• Hair Transplants

Hair transplants involve transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another. This can be a permanent solution for hair loss.

• Scalp Micropigmentation

Small dots are tattooed on the scalp during this cosmetic procedure to give the appearance of thicker hair.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy

This non-invasive treatment uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth.

Other Hair Loss Remedies

You can prevent hair loss by adopting some lifestyle changes. Some home remedies for hair loss include:

• Diet and nutrition: Eating a balanced diet is vital for hair health, such as vitamin C, iron, and biotin, which can help to promote hair growth.
• Scalp massage: Gentle scalp massage can improve blood circulation to the hair follicles and promote growth.
• Loose hairstyles: Keep your buns, braids, or ponytails loose if you frequently wear your hair in these styles to prevent undue stress on your hair.

The Bottom Line

Various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and medications, can cause hair loss. Although there is no complete cure for hair loss, several compounding hair loss treatments available can help slow down the progression of hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

It is vital to consult with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing hair loss. You can also consult our expert hair loss board-certified physicians at Text2MD, who can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend the best treatment options.