Hair loss affects approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common cause. By age 50, pattern hair loss impacts about 50% of males and 25% of females, making it a significant concern for patients of all ages. Dr. Kristine Zitelli provides comprehensive hair loss evaluation and treatment for patients throughout Cincinnati and nearby Montgomery, offering evidence-based therapies tailored to each patient’s specific type of alopecia and individual needs.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Understanding Hair Loss: Men vs. Women
Hair loss patterns and causes differ significantly between men and women, requiring gender-specific diagnostic and treatment approaches. While both sexes can experience androgenetic alopecia, the presentation, triggers, and treatment responses vary considerably.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Men typically begin experiencing hair loss in their twenties or thirties with characteristic patterns. The classic presentation involves bitemporal recession creating an “M” shape, along with vertex thinning at the crown. This pattern may progress to complete balding except for hair at the back and sides of the head.
The statistics are striking: 30% of men show hair loss by age 30, increasing to 40% at age 40 and 50% by age 50. Rates can reach up to 80% by age 80. The primary culprit is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acting on genetically susceptible hair follicles, causing progressive miniaturization.
Men with early hair loss also face higher risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and prostate conditions, making comprehensive evaluation important.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Women present with distinctly different patterns, most commonly showing diffuse thinning across the central scalp with widening of the center part. Unlike men, the frontal hairline typically remains intact, and women rarely progress to complete baldness.
Female hair loss most commonly occurs after menopause, though cases can begin as early as the teens. About 38% of women over age 70 experience some degree of hair loss. Hormonal influences include estrogen decline during menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid disorders.
Common Types of Hair Loss
Dr. Zitelli evaluates for multiple potential causes since various conditions can contribute to hair loss and require different treatment approaches.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The most common form affecting both sexes leading to progressive follicular miniaturization
Telogen Effluvium
Diffuse hair shedding occurring 2-4 months after triggering events like stress, illness, or rapid weight loss
Alopecia Areata
Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss that can progress to total scalp involvement and often resolves spontaneously
Medical Causes
Thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies requiring specific underlying condition treatment
Dr. Zitelli’s Diagnostic Approach to Hair Loss
Accurate diagnosis is essential since different types of hair loss require distinct treatment strategies. Dr. Zitelli’s comprehensive evaluation ensures appropriate therapy selection.
“Understanding the specific type and cause of hair loss is crucial for successful treatment. We evaluate hormonal factors, medical history, and family patterns to develop the most effective treatment plan,” explains Dr. Zitelli.
Clinical Assessment
The evaluation begins with a comprehensive medical and family history, followed by examination of hair loss patterns and distribution. Dr. Zitelli assesses hair density and miniaturization while looking for signs of inflammation or scarring. Screening for underlying medical conditions helps identify treatable causes.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Trichoscopy provides dermoscopic examination revealing hair diameter diversity and other diagnostic features specific to different types of alopecia. The pull test assesses active hair shedding to differentiate between pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium. Laboratory studies including thyroid function, iron studies, and hormonal assessments are performed when clinically indicated.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Treatment selection depends on the specific diagnosis, severity, patient age, and individual preferences. Dr. Zitelli offers the full range of medical therapies available to dermatologists.
- Topical Minoxidil: FDA-approved treatment for both men and women available in multiple concentrations with proven efficacy for hair density improvement
- Oral Finasteride: DHT-blocking medication approved specifically for men that slows hair loss in majority of users and increases hair count
- Platelet-Rich Plasma: Natural treatment using patient’s own growth factors injected into scalp for both androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: FDA-cleared home devices using red light therapy to stimulate cellular activity and improve hair density in clinical studies
Topical Treatments
Minoxidil (Rogaine) remains the foundation of topical therapy, FDA-approved for both men and women. For men, the 5% solution twice daily shows significant improvement in hair density and slows progression. Women can use either 2% twice daily or 5% once daily formulations, with the 5% showing superior results.
The medication works by extending the anagen growth phase and increasing follicle size, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. Prescription compounded formulations may include additional beneficial ingredients for enhanced effectiveness.
Oral Medications
Finasteride (Propecia) is FDA-approved specifically for men as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that reduces DHT production by approximately 65%. It slows hair loss in 99% of men and increases hair count in 65% of users. However, it’s not approved for women of childbearing potential due to teratogenic effects.
Oral minoxidil at low doses is gaining popularity for both men and women, offering improved compliance compared to topical application and potentially superior efficacy. This requires blood pressure monitoring and cardiac assessment before initiation.
Advanced Therapies
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) involves injecting concentrated growth factors from the patient’s own blood into the scalp. This natural treatment uses the body’s own healing factors and proves effective for both androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Treatment typically involves monthly sessions for 3-4 treatments, then maintenance every 6 months.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses FDA-cleared devices for home use. The red light therapy stimulates cellular activity and improves hair density, with clinical studies demonstrating increased hair count and thickness in both men and women.
Hormonal Considerations
Women with PCOS may benefit from anti-androgen therapy including spironolactone when appropriate. Treatment of underlying thyroid disorders often improves associated hair loss. Correction of nutritional deficiencies including iron, vitamin D, and other nutrients when identified can support hair health.
Treatment Monitoring and Expectations
Dr. Zitelli provides realistic expectations and appropriate monitoring for all hair loss treatments. Most treatments require 3-6 months before visible improvement, with peak benefits at 12-18 months. Hair loss treatments typically require ongoing use to maintain benefits.
Multiple treatments are often combined for optimal results. Regular follow-up appointments with photographic documentation help track improvement and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Loss Treatment
Most patients notice reduced shedding within 6-8 weeks, with visible hair growth improvements typically appearing after 3-4 months of consistent treatment.
FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have excellent long-term safety profiles when used as directed under medical supervision.
While minoxidil is approved for both sexes, finasteride is only FDA-approved for men. Women have other effective options including topical treatments and anti-androgen therapy.
Hair loss will gradually return to its natural progression over 6-12 months after stopping treatment, but you won’t lose hair faster than you would have without treatment.
Some supplements may support hair health, but prescription treatments have the strongest evidence for effectiveness in pattern hair loss.
Comprehensive Hair Loss Care in Cincinnati
Dr. Zitelli’s approach to hair loss treatment combines thorough diagnostic evaluation with personalized therapy selection based on each patient’s specific needs. Her understanding of the different causes and presentations of hair loss in men and women ensures appropriate treatment recommendations and realistic outcome expectations.
Through careful monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans, Dr. Zitelli helps patients achieve the best possible results while maintaining excellent safety standards.
Restore Your Confidence with a Trusted Alopecia Dermatologist
Take action against hair loss with personalized treatment designed for your specific needs. Contact Queen City Dermatology today to schedule your comprehensive hair loss evaluation with Dr. Zitelli and discover the most effective options for your situation.
