Hair Loss Treatment in Ankara | Dr. Armin Müştak

Hair loss is a common dermatological concern that can affect both men and women at different stages of life. In some cases, it results from a temporary change in the natural hair-growth cycle. In others, it may be linked to genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, immune-related conditions or diseases affecting the scalp.

The pattern, duration and progression of hair loss vary from person to person. Before treatment begins, it is therefore important to identify the type of hair loss and investigate its possible causes. Not every form of hair loss responds to the same medication, supplement or procedure.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss does not have a single cause. Possible contributing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Physical or emotional stress

• High-fever illnesses and severe infections

• Surgery or other physically stressful events

• Pregnancy and the postpartum period

• Rapid weight loss or inadequate nutrition

• Iron deficiency and other nutritional deficiencies

• Thyroid disorders

• Hormonal changes

• Certain medications

• Immune-related conditions

• Inflammatory or infectious diseases of the scalp

• Tight hairstyles that repeatedly pull on the hair

• Excessive heat, chemical treatments and traumatic styling practices

Not every possible cause needs to be investigated in every patient. The necessary examinations and tests should be selected according to the individual’s medical history and the findings of the dermatological examination.

Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss may be diffuse, affecting the scalp more widely, or localised to specific areas. It can also be classified as non-scarring or scarring, depending on whether the hair follicles have sustained permanent damage.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss associated with genetic and hormonal factors.

In men, it typically causes a receding hairline, thinning at the temples and hair loss at the crown. In women, it more commonly appears as widening of the parting and diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp.

This type of hair loss usually progresses gradually. Early assessment can be helpful when planning treatment intended to preserve existing hair and slow further thinning.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a form of diffuse hair shedding that occurs when a higher-than-normal number of hairs enter the resting and shedding phase of the hair-growth cycle.

It may develop after a high-fever illness, severe infection, surgery, childbirth, significant emotional stress, rapid weight loss, certain medications or nutritional deficiencies. Hair shedding often begins several weeks or months after the triggering event.

Acute telogen effluvium is often temporary. However, persistent shedding may require further investigation for underlying causes or co-existing androgenetic alopecia.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an immune-related condition that most commonly causes smooth, round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or beard area.

The eyebrows, eyelashes and other areas of body hair may also be affected. Its extent and course vary between individuals. Alopecia areata is not contagious.

Scarring Alopecia

In scarring alopecia, inflammation damages the hair follicles and may result in permanent hair loss. Symptoms can include redness, scaling, crusting, burning, itching, pain or tenderness of the scalp.

Early diagnosis is particularly important because hair that has already been lost may not regrow. The main aim of treatment is to control the underlying disease, slow or stop its progression and protect the remaining hair follicles.

Hair Loss Associated with Scalp Conditions

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections and other inflammatory scalp conditions may be accompanied by hair loss or changes in hair quality.

In these cases, the assessment should include not only the hair itself but also scalp symptoms such as redness, flaking, crusting, sores, itching, burning or tenderness.

How Is Hair Loss Evaluated?

During a dermatological assessment, the dermatologist considers when the hair loss began, how long it has continued and whether it affects the scalp diffusely or in clearly defined areas.

The assessment may include:

• Hair density and distribution

• Hair-shaft thickness

• Changes in the parting line

• The appearance of the hair follicles

• Signs of scalp inflammation or scarring

• Changes affecting the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or body hair

• Nail changes

• A hair-pull test

• Family history of hair loss

• Current and recently used medications

• Recent illnesses, surgery or periods of significant stress

• Dietary habits and weight changes

• Menstrual irregularities or other hormonal symptoms in women

Trichoscopy, also known as scalp dermoscopy, allows the hair shafts, follicular openings and scalp structures to be examined in greater detail.

When indicated by the patient’s history and examination findings, tests such as a full blood count, iron studies, thyroid function tests or other relevant laboratory investigations may be requested. The same blood tests are not required for every patient.

A scalp biopsy may occasionally be necessary when the diagnosis remains unclear or scarring alopecia is suspected.

How Is Hair Loss Treatment Planned?

Treatment is selected according to the type and underlying cause of the hair loss, the condition of the scalp and the individual patient’s medical needs.