Hair Loss Cures:

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are several types of hair loss, each with its own set of causes. Losing your hair isn’t typically cause for concern, although it can be extremely upsetting. Males may experience a receding hairline or scalp hair loss at any time after puberty.

Hair loss affects about 30% of men by the age of 30, and 50% by the age of 50. For some men, this ageing process can cause severe psychological distress, especially if hair loss is extreme or happens in early adulthood.

What Is Hair Loss?

Alopecia or hair loss can affect the entire body or just your scalp, and it can be temporary or long-term. It could be hereditary, due to hormonal changes, medical conditions, or simply ageing. Anybody can lose hair on their head, but males are more likely to do so.

Hair loss is a normal process. We can lose up to 100 hairs per day without even realising it. Hair loss is not usually normally anything to worry about.

The most common type of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). This is the term used to describe significant hair thinning or hair loss from the scalp. The most common cause of male pattern baldness is a combination of genetics and hormonal factors and this gets more common and significant with age. Some people prefer to let their hair loss untreated and unhidden, whereas others recognise it as a source of distress and seek help or treatment.

There are other medical causes of hair loss including:

• A significant illness e.g autoimmune disease, or a serious infection
• Stress or anxiety
• Cancer treatments
• Extreme weight loss
• Thyroid problems
• Malnutrition
• Iron deficiency

Please note, treatment for male pattern baldness will not be beneficial for the conditions listed above, or any medical cause of hair loss.

If you are concerned about why you are suffering from hair loss, you can speak to one of our 40+ Irish-registered GPs by booking an online video consultation.

How To Stop Hair Loss

This depends on what is causing the hair loss.

If it is due to a medical condition and this condition is treated e.g. thyroid problems, or treatment for another condition is completed e.g. chemotherapy, then hair loss usually ceases and new hair grows back.

In most cases of male hair loss, treatment is not required other than for cosmetic reasons. However, If you do have male pattern baldness and this is causing you significant distress, there is treatment available.

Unfortunately, it is important to note that this treatment is not always 100% effective – this medication does not work for all men. Of those who do benefit, one in every three to six men will gain enough regrowth to make this treatment effective. You will need to continue taking this medicine to maintain your results as the balding process will resume if you stop taking it.

If your hair loss is related to another cause, that is not male pattern baldness, then you should make an appointment for a video consultation to discuss your options with one of our GPs.

Treatments Available For Hair Loss (Male Pattern Baldness)

In Ireland, there are oral tablets available to help prevent hair loss and encourage growth in male pattern baldness, in those that are deemed medically suitable.

There are a number of other treatments available for hair loss such as:

• Steroid injection – injections into balding areas
• Steroid creams – applied to balding areas
• Immunotherapy – chemical applied to balding areas
• Light treatment – ultraviolet light therapy on balding areas
• Tattooing – tattoo used to look like short hair and eyebrows
• Hair transplant – hair cells are moved from healthy areas to thinning patches
• Scalp reduction surgery – sections of scalp with hair are stretched and stitched together
• Artificial hair transplant – surgery to implant artificial hairs

If you would like to discuss your options, you should book an online consultation to speak to one of our GPs.

How Can I Prevent Hair Loss?

The majority of baldness is heredity. Unfortunately, if genetics are the reason behind hair loss, it cannot be avoided.

For preventable balding cases, here are some tips to reduce hair loss:

• Take care of your hair – when brushing and combing your hair, use a detangler and avoid tugging, especially if it is wet
• A wide-toothed comb may help reduce hair loss
• Hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments etc., should be avoided
• Minimise the tension on your hair e.g., using tight bobbins or clips
• Protect your scalp from sunlight and other UV light sources
• Stop smoking – if you are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness, smoking will accelerate this process.

You should speak to your doctor if you are taking any supplements that may be causing your hair loss.

I Am Really Struggling With Hair Loss

Hair loss can be very upsetting and can cause issues with self-esteem as your hair and appearance are an important part of your identity. If your hair loss is causing you significant distress, you should speak with your doctor who may be able to refer you to a counsellor.

Joining a support group may also be beneficial. You can talk to other people who are in a similar situation.

Where Can I Get A Prescription For Male Hair Loss Treatment?

Webdoctor.ie can offer you a prescription for an Oral Male Hair Loss Treatment if you are deemed medically suitable.

If you wish to request treatment, you must first complete a brief and secure suitability questionnaire. After that, one of our Irish-registered GPs will assess your request to confirm that this treatment is medically appropriate and safe for you.

If you are suitable, we will send your prescription via secure Healthmail to an Irish pharmacy of your choice. No GP appointment needed!