Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jane Yoo explains that pattern baldness is mostly genetic and starts in your 20s or 30s, but stress, thyroid problems, and autoimmune diseases also cause hair loss. Minoxidil and finasteride can slow it, while transplants work for advanced cases. Early treatment gives you the best shot at regrowth.
I'm Dr. Jane Yoo, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Hair loss is something that affects many people, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. One of the most common forms is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is usually genetic and can start as early as your 20s or 30s. It often shows up as thinning at the crown or receding hairline in men, And for women, it's usually gradual widening of the part. But hair loss isn't just genetic. It can also be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or underlying health conditions like thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases. One example is alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to round patches of hair loss. If you're dealing with hair loss, the first step is understanding the cause. There are a variety of treatment options available depending on the type and severity of hair loss. For early stages, over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil can help stimulate hair growth, while prescription medications like finasteride are often used for men to slow hair loss and even regrow hair in some cases. Another option is hair transplantation, which involves moving healthy hair follicles to areas of thinning or balding. What's important to remember is that early intervention is key. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it can be in slowing or even reversing hair loss.
