Hair loss is a common problem experienced by  both men and women. It can be disturbing and can affect the confidence of people. Hair loss can be treated, and there are many options available for the same. The following are the various symptoms and treatments for hair loss.

Why hair loss?
Before talking about symptoms and treatments for hair loss, the cause must be understood. Hair loss can be hereditary in nature. It may manifest as pattern baldness. Medical conditions like pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid problems can trigger hair loss. The side effects of medications and radiation therapy can also cause hair loss.

What are the symptoms of hair loss?
The symptoms of hair loss depend on the c ause. It may occur suddenly, with hair falling off and can happen gradually over a long time. The common symptoms experienced by a person who has hair loss include:

• A receding hairline
• Gradual thinning of hair on the head
• Bald spots on the head, which may occur in patches or circular areas
• Sudden falling of hair (which can be a result of shock or stress)
• Scaling all over the scalp (could be due to ringworm)
• Thinning at the crown of the head that  may lead to the entire crown area becoming bald
• Total baldness, which may or may not be accompanied by hair loss throughout the body

What are the treatment options?
The first line of treatment for hair loss is medication. The doctor would diagnose the condition to understand the cause behind it. Each cause needs to be handled in a different way. The medication is usually given in the form of ointments or gels to be applied to the area where there is hair loss.

• Minoxidil is the most common OTC medication used. It can slow hair loss and promote the growth of hair. It is usually available in the form of a shampoo or liquid to be applied on wet hair.
• There are other prescription drugs like finasteride and dutasteride, which need to be taken orally. It can have some side effects.
• Some cases may require the use of steroids. They can be effective but can cause serious side effects, which need to be reported to the doctor.

Hair transplant surgery
This surgical procedure is well-suited for those who suffer from pattern baldness that is inherited. In this surgical procedure, hair follicles are transplanted from another part of the head. For example, hair is taken from the back and transplanted to the front where there are bald spots.

Grafting is done to remove hair follicles and transplant it. This may require multiple sessions and can cause bleeding or bruising.

An FDA approved laser device can be used for treatment. This is available as a comb or helmet and uses a laser to stimulate hair growth.

The article on symptoms and treatments for hair loss explained the symptoms that a person experiencing hair loss would face. The different treatment options explained in the article would have reassured a person facing this problem on the possibility of treatment.