What the Heck is a Hair Loss Doctor?
How to Know if You Should Talk to a Doctor About Hair Loss
Disclaimer: Your healthcare provider is the best source of health and medical information. Articles written by UPGUYS are informed by peer-reviewed studies and research, as well as governmental health authorities and agencies — but they cannot replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns you might have.
Upon noticing your hair is starting to thin or recede, your first instinct probably isn’t to go see a doctor. Some men will go through various stages of denial, and may even accept their fate — a fate dictated by androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).
For those who are ready and willing to sport the au naturel bald-look, more power to them. Balding affects every one’s emotional well-being differently, and that should be celebrated. Men who do want to explore their options for slowing and even reversing hair loss, however, should consider making an appointment with a hair loss doctor.
But what is a hair doctor anyway? And how can you tell if you need one?
What is a Hair Doctor?
The term “hair doctor” is a nickname, just like a foot doctor (podiatrist), or heart doctor (cardiologist). In reality, you’ve probably heard of the official name for hair doctors: dermatologists. These fine professionals deal with medicine and surgery for everything pertaining to hair, skin and nails. Some dermatologists will specialize in one of those three body parts — with hair specialists colloquially referred to as “hair doctors”.
Another type of hair specialist is called trichologists — “trichology” is the study of the scalp and hair. The practice has been around for more than a century, and certified trichologists can be found across Canada. Not all trichologists are physicians or medical doctors, however.
There is also no harm in visiting a general practitioner or your family doctor as a first step. They will ask some simple questions and even perform basic tests to help determine if further medical assistance from a specialist is necessary.
What Can a Hair Doctor Do?
A dermatologist will have a deepened knowledge of all the potential causes and treatments of hair loss. There are many reasons why men can start losing their hair, including genetics, age, hormonal imbalance, trauma, chemotherapy, stress and poor health.
A hair doctor will be able to determine what factor(s) could be causing hair loss, either by eye or by running a few lab tests. A blood test can help determine if hormones or vitamin deficiency are at play. Additionally, a DHT serum test, which measures one’s levels of dihydrotestosterone — a major contributor to hair loss in men — can identify genetic markers that predict hair loss.
Dermatologists can also prescribe or recommend treatment options for slowing hair loss. Though two of the most common treatments — minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are available without a prescription, a doctor will be able to educate you on their potential side effects and best practices for use.
How Do I Know if I Need a Hair Loss Doctor?
Your relationship to your own hair is a personal one. Some men are just fine with losing their hair naturally. If you do count yourself as one of the many men who are okay with regular hair loss, consider seeing a doctor if you experience rapid or patchy hair loss, as there may be an underlying medical issue at play.
If you’re in the camp looking to slow down, or even reverse, hair loss, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) recommends seeking help earlier rather than later. That is to say, if you’ve noticed your hair is thinning or receding — more hair in your brush or comb after using it, or more hair falling out when showering — you could be experiencing the early stages of male-pattern baldness. This is the point at which a hair loss doctor and subsequent treatment can be most helpful.
There are several classifications of hair loss, such as the Hamilton Classification or the Norwood Classification. Using these charts as a reference, you can get an idea of how far along your particular type of male-pattern baldness has progressed. It can be difficult to notice hair loss on a day-to-day basis, so reference points like the Hamilton and Norwood classifications can be helpful.
Where Do I Find a Hair Loss Doctor?
Your friendly neighbourhood GP or family doctor can always point you in the right direction of a qualified dermatologist. As mentioned, a GP can also be a good first step in assessing your hair loss and potential treatments.
Virtual options are also becoming more widely available. A video conference with a certified professional can go a long way in diagnosing hair loss and exploring all options.
Click here to schedule a free doctor’s appointment through UPGUYS.
