What is the difference between hair loss in men and hair loss in women?


Hair loss in men

  • Hair loss in men can be hormonal and/or genetic. The hormone for male pattern hair loss is dihydroxytestosterone (DHT). An excess of this hormone can cause baldness in men. The medication, finasteride, can decrease levels of DHT. allowing hair re-growth.
  • A good blood flow to the scalp is important in hair re-growth. The medication, minoxidil is a vasodilator (increases blood flow) and when applied directly to the scalp, can prevent further hair loss and promote new hair growth in most people.
  • Dr. Bina uses a combination of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for medical management of hair loss in men.

Hair loss in women

  • Unlike men, female pattern hair loss may not be the result of the hormone, DHT. While oral medication is not an option for women, topical minoxidil is often used in a dosage specifically prescribed for women. In addition, it’s important for Dr. Bina to find a possible underlying cause of hair loss in female patients. Treating the underlying cause of female hair loss may be the sole treatment for female pattern hair loss.
  • Typical medical management of hair loss continues for 90-days before re-evaluation and additional discussions are made for surgical treatment.
  • Medical management of male and female hair loss is a treatment approach that may be used on its own or in conjunction with surgical treatment.
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