Facts About Hair Loss & Regrowth

Hair loss can be caused by medications, heredity or an underlying medical condition. It's a good idea to see your doctor for a full physical examination if you notice hair loss. The doctor likely will screen for health conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorder and lupus because your hair reflects your overall health. Hair loss may be stopped by addressing health concerns.

Hair Growth Drugs

There are two FDA-approved drugs that slow hair loss or help regrow hair. Minoxidil had the brand name Rogaine, and finasteride is commonly known as Propecia. Propecia is more expensive and effective than Rogaine, according to Harvard School of Public Health. Also, people must keep taking both drugs to maintain their benefits. Anthralin is prescribed to people whose hair loss is due to a skin condition. The FDA has not approved any new drug treatments since 1997, but new drugs that preserve hair follicle health are in the pipeline, according to the school.

Hair Transplants

Hair transplants are the most effective therapy. However, these are expensive. The good news is twofold: Improved surgical techniques are leading to increasingly satisfying results, and it's speculated that new biotechnology discoveries will lead to less invasive treatments, according to the Harvard Health Letter of August 2008.

Treatments

Hair loss treatments abound on the Internet. Many of these are "specially formulated" shampoos and herbal supplements with saw palmetto. Evidence that these work is scant, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Lavender

Lavender is sometimes used for hair loss, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Preliminary results in studies indicate that, in combination with oils from other herbs, lavender oil may help with hair loss resulting from the condition alopecia areata. The cause of this condition is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body makes antibodies to hair. Medicinal treatments for alopecia areata include topical medicines, light treatment and cortisone injections into the scalp.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition can cause hair loss. People who want to boost hair health need to eat protein-rich foods. Lack of protein can cause your hair growth cycle to go into its resting phase. Foods that have vitamins A, B, C and E, the B vitamin biotin and inositol help people grow healthy hair. Minerals like boron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, silica, sulfur and zinc are important to hair health. Essential fatty acids such as evening primrose oil and fish oil help hair grow well also.