Hair Loss: Types, Causes and Treatment Options | Estonia

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Hair Loss Treatment: Causes and Effective Methods

Hair loss is a fairly common issue in both women and men. This condition can negatively affect emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships, so it's important to identify the underlying causes and choose appropriate treatment.

Hair loss can be classified according to the phase of the hair growth cycle in which it occurs and the reason behind it:

anagenic
telogenic
androgenic

Anagenic hair loss (anagen effluvium)

During the anagen (growth) phase, hair usually starts falling out due to a toxic impact, so the main treatment approach is eliminating the harmful factor. In most cases, hair regrows naturally (e.g., after chemotherapy, usually within 3–6 months). To accelerate regrowth after chemotherapy, a prescription medication that can slow hair loss may be used either as a topical solution or in tablet form.

For prevention, scalp cooling during chemotherapy can be considered.

Telogenic hair loss (telogen effluvium)

This is most often a temporary hair loss condition triggered by physical or emotional stress, causing hair to fall out during the resting phase.

Examples of such stressors:

pregnancy and childbirth
severe illness
surgery
strong emotional stress
weight loss
iron deficiency
certain medications
endocrine system disorders

Treatment for telogenic hair loss is similar to that for anagenic hair loss. It’s important to identify and eliminate the underlying cause. After that, hair usually regrows on its own.

General recommendations:

maintain a balanced diet
get tested for thyroid function
if deficiencies are found, take iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplements
be gentle when combing hair, avoid pulling or harsh scalp massage

Androgenic hair loss

Androgenic hair loss is a distinct type of hair thinning, affecting both men and women, and is caused by imbalances in sex hormones (increased stimulation of androgen receptors).

Treatment options may include two medications:

a prescription medication that can slow hair loss – a topical solution applied to the scalp, used to stimulate the transition of hair into the growth (anagen) phase
a prescription medication that can slow hair loss – oral tablets, strictly for men

Treatment is typically prescribed for 4–6 months until the desired effect becomes visible.

Hair transplantation

It is also important to mention the most advanced, but usually last-resort, method of treating hair loss – hair transplantation. This method is not suitable if hair loss is caused by chemotherapy or other toxic agents, or if the patient tends to develop keloid scars. Before the procedure, the doctor evaluates whether the surgery is appropriate in the specific case and discusses possible complications.

If you notice more hair falling out than usual, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. During the consultation, the doctor will determine the type of hair loss, identify possible causes, and prescribe the most effective treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of hair loss?

The three main types are: anagenic hair loss (during the growth phase, often caused by toxic factors like chemotherapy), telogenic hair loss (during the resting phase, triggered by stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies), and androgenic hair loss (related to hormonal sensitivity, affecting both men and women).

Can hair loss be reversed?

In many cases, yes. Anagenic and telogenic hair loss often resolve once the underlying cause is addressed — hair typically regrows naturally after chemotherapy recovery or once a nutritional deficiency is corrected. Androgenic hair loss can be slowed and managed with dermatologist-prescribed treatments. A dermatologist can assess which type you have and what recovery to expect.

What causes sudden excessive hair shedding?

Sudden shedding is usually telogen effluvium — triggered by physical or emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth, severe illness, surgery, significant weight loss, iron deficiency, or certain medications. Identifying and treating the root cause is the first step to recovery.

Does androgenic hair loss only affect men?

No — androgenic hair loss affects both men and women. It is caused by increased sensitivity of hair follicles to sex hormones. In women it often presents as diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than a receding hairline.

When should I see a dermatologist about hair loss?

Consult a dermatologist if shedding increases noticeably and lasts more than a few months, if you notice visible thinning or bald patches, or if hair loss is accompanied by scalp symptoms such as scaling or redness. Early evaluation leads to more effective treatment.

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