How to control hair thinning in a 38-year-old female?

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Androgenetic Alopecia is a pattern of loss of hair, which usually occurs due to reasons including genetic susceptibility (especially if maternal family members have a history of the same) and hormonal fluctuations.

Other triggering factors include:

Any lifestyle changes, including changes in dietary pattern, sleep pattern, stress, location changes, infection like chicken pox, dengue, typhoid, Covid and hormonal changes during childbirth, lactation, due to the presence of dandruff, due to wearing helmets, due to medical conditions like thyroid diseases, PCOS, and intake of medications for too long all causes a trigger and contribute to hair loss.

They are seen mostly among men, but women may also be affected.

Different degrees of Androgenetic Alopecia (they are slightly different for men and women):

Concerning women

1. Grade 1: some hair fall noticed.

2. Grade 2: a slight gap was noticed in the center of the hair parting.

3. Grade 3: a wider gap between the parting. Hair thinning noticed from the middle of the scalp on either side.

4. Grade 4: there would be a significant change in hair loss and scalp visibility in the front area.

5. Grade 5: severe scalp visibility with extreme hair thinning or loss.

Medications that are good for the same include:

For grades 1 to 2, Anaboom anti-hair fall serum or Redensyl serum may be used. They are usually used at night in affected areas for at least one year.

For grades two and above, Minoxidil 2 to 5 %, starting with 2 %, is the best. They may be applied once at night or twice a day in only 1 ml quantity and may be kept till the next wash.

Minoxidil works by increasing the blood circulation on the scalp, which provides enough oxygen for hair follicles to grow out, and if Minoxidil is suddenly stopped, it will cause a fall of the grown hair. Therefore, Minoxidil should be gradually tapered down, and the frequency should be reduced over the years without stopping it abruptly.

They are not recommended for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. They are also not recommended in case of a history of allergy to Minoxidil and anyone having severe migraine who is on continuous medications.

Oral medications like :

Vitamin E capsules, iron supplements, vitamin D3 capsules, collagen powder, biotin gummies, protein powder, and multivitamins for hair like tablet Perfectil may be used.

Other procedures include:

1. PRP (platelet-rich plasma ): In this method, around 10 to 12 ml of blood would be collected in a test tube and spun in a machine to extract the platelets, which is the growth factor, which is injected into the scalp using an insulin syringe. This is done once a month for six months. This is done at a doctor's clinic and is a great method in order to increase hair growth.

Side-effects: not advised for individuals with severe migraine; may cause slight pain and headache. On very frequent injections without adequate breaks of at least three weeks between sessions, hair fall and dermatitis or skin inflammation may occur.

2. GFC (Growth factor concentrate): In this method, which is similar to PRP. Around 18 ml of blood would be collected and kept at room temperature in a test tube, which consists of an activator, for 20 to 25 minutes. Once platelet is activated, they are spun in a centrifugal machine and injected in the same manner, which is usually done once a month for three months. This is an excellent and effective method compared to PRP.

3. Dermarollers: This is a method in which a roller consisting of tiny needles is rolled across the scalp once a month, which helps stimulate growth factors and increase hair growth. Along with this procedure, PRP can be poured into the pores that are formed due to the rolling of derma rollers, and Minoxidil can also be used on the affected area.

Side effects: may cause dermatitis on frequent use.

4. Hair transplant: The hair transplant procedure is the last resort in case of adequate hair on the back of your scalp, which can be implanted into the front area, which will then be stimulated using medications and PRP treatments, which will help in hair regrowth.

Side effects: Shock loss if there is existing hair nearby, the possibility of infection on the scalp if there is a history of diabetes and a history of bleeding during the procedure if pre-procedure instructions are not followed.

5. Other treatments like laser combs and laser hair treatments are also available, which help enhance hair growth. Usually, there are no side effects.

For understanding the grade of hair loss, an in-person consultation is applied for examination purposes, along with understanding the appropriate medications required for the same.

Diet and hair care :

The best food for hair growth includes:

1. Collagen-rich food like almonds, seafood, chicken skin, spinach, flax seeds, and so on.

2. Protein-rich food: chicken breast, egg whites, sprouted green beans, soya chunks, quinoa, and so on.

3. Vitamin D3: early morning exposure to the sun for 15 minutes, anytime between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., is advisable.

Hair care :

1. Cleaning of helmets is important to prevent infections and dandruff.

2. Avoiding frequent usage of hair styling products is good.

3. Shampooing of the scalp once in 3 days is enough. Do not use shampoo on hair.

4. Make sure to condition hair after shampooing or use a hair mask for hair.

5. Oiling the scalp once a week using a combination of three parts of coconut oil, two parts of castor oil, and one part of vitamin E capsule oil is advised. Apply, massage, keep on for 1 hour, and wash off with shampoo.

6. Do not comb while hair is wet.

7. Make sure to adopt multi-directional combing of hair.

I hope this helps. Take care

Thank you.