Telogen Effluvium Archives - Miami Hair Institute

Articles Tagged with: Telogen Effluvium

November 5, 2018

How to Prevent Hair Shedding in the Fall

How to Prevent Hair Shedding in the Fall Leaves may not be the only things you see falling in autumn. The shorter and colder days which follow the long summer can have a similar effect on your hair. While the reasons for hair shedding in the fall are not the same as for trees shedding their leaves, seeing an increasing number of hairs in your sink or on your shower floor is usually a perfectly normal result of the change of seasons. That said, there are some steps you can take during autumn that can keep shedding to a minimum as you head into the holiday season.

Why Does Hair Shed in the Fall?

Between summer and autumn, hair follicles might experience stress and naturally enter a resting phase called Telogen. This causes the roots of your hair go dormant and fall out at a higher rate than usual for a period of about four to six weeks. This kind of seasonal hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium, or stress-related hair loss that occurs after events that shock the follicles into an inactive state.

Fortunately, autumn hair loss is usually a temporary phenomenon, with hair growing back naturally after the stress subsides and follicles return to their regular growth cycle.

How to Fight Autumnal Hair Shedding

Though most autumn hair loss resolves itself on its own, it can still be alarming for those already dealing with hair loss issues. Additionally, increased hair shedding may be an indication of an underlying medical issue medical issue or androgenic alopecia rather than simply the change of seasons.

If trees are the only things you want to see shedding this fall, try these simple tips to limit your autumn hair loss:

Massage your scalp. A healthy scalp is the foundation of a healthy head of hair. Cooler temperatures may reduce blood flow to your scalp and contribute to hair loss. Stimulate your sebaceous oil glands and increase blood circulation to your scalp by massaging it every day.
Condition your hair. Dryer weather can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage or split-ends. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can help strengthen your follicles and keep them moisturized heading into the dry winter.
Watch out for stress. The approaching holiday season can increase stress levels which in turn can lead directly to increased shedding. To avoid stress-induced hair loss, or telogen effluvium (TE), find effective ways to combat stress, whether that means exercising regularly, setting aside short periods for meditation, quiet time, or reading, or turning off your gadgets – whatever works for you.

Autumn is A Great Time to Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation

Hair loss can be a problem no matter what season, and sometimes, that hair loss may be caused by factors other than the changing weather. If you are experiencing hair loss that may be more than a seasonal phenomenon and are ready to do something about it, please contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments.

To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

April 24, 2017

3 Steps to Take When You First Notice Hair Loss

When you first notice hair loss, you probably won’t have a receding hairline or thinning crown just yet. While these are characteristic symptoms of male pattern baldness – medically known as androgenic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss – progression doesn’t appear overnight. First, you may notice excessive amounts of hair stuck to your pillowcase or scattered across the floor of your shower. So, what do you do when these indications transpire?

First, stress may only make your situation worse. Chronic anxiety is linked with a hair loss condition called telogen effluvium (TE). Any persistent or ongoing mental anguish – perhaps caused by a change in your appearance – could further aggravate an existing hair loss condition.

When the initial signs of balding are recognized, remain calm and follow these three steps.

1. Contact a Hair Loss Doctor

The sooner you start hair loss treatment after you first notice hair loss, the easier it is to restore follicles with non-invasive solutions such as Minoxidil topical foams and/or low-level laser therapy caps. Male-pattern baldness is often caused by a process called follicle miniaturization, by which an overabundance of a testosterone byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) interferes with healthy follicle function. Over time, DHT causes hair follicles to shrink to the point where they are unable to sustain normal growth. When these follicles stop growing, hair ceases to grow and balding becomes apparent. Visiting a hair loss doctor for a comprehensive hair loss evaluation and diagnosis early on is highly recommended. A formal diagnosis will also rule out any underlying medical conditions or illnesses that could, theoretically, contribute to your hair loss.

2. Understand Your Condition

Hair loss is different for everyone and there’s more than one type of hair loss to consider when you first notice hair loss.

Androgenic alopecia is the most predominant, affecting around 85 percent of men and approximately half of all women by the age of 50.

Although the exact statistics are unknown, the presumed second most prevalent type of hair loss is telogen effluvium (TE), a (typically) temporary hair loss condition caused by emotional trauma or nutritional deficiencies.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that results in sudden, noticeable bald patches across the scalp and, sometimes, the face and/or body. Around 200,000 cases of alopecia areata are diagnosed every year.

Traction alopecia is occasionally caused by purposeful external pulling. Actively pulling out hairs can be a response to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression or other mental health issues. Certain hair accessories or constricting hairstyles can also lead to inadvertent hair loss classified under traction alopecia.

3. Consider Your Options

Between laser therapy caps, stem cell treatments, hair transplant surgery and topical or oral medications, hair loss patients have many treatment methods to evaluate. Fortunately, an expert hair loss specialist offers professional guidance and recommendations for optimal results based on your hair loss type, lifestyle and budget.

Even so, there are a few things to consider before you invest your money into any one treatment after you first notice hair loss, especially if you choose to manage it on your own. Non-invasive therapies like low-level laser therapy (LLLT) work on their own before hair follicles are fully inactive. After miniaturization is complete, hair restoration surgery helps fully transplant and replace nonfunctioning follicles to support healthy regrowth. Before or after surgery, topical treatments can be used to foster a healthier environment on the scalp and encourage optimal hair transplant results. Fortunately, hair transplants have undergone drastic and positive shifts over the last few decades. Expert physicians like Dr. Paul Rose and Dr. Bernard Nusbaum have the experience, research and technology to deliver natural-looking hair transplants with minimal scarring.

In some circumstances, lifestyle changes can help your hair grow back, but only if you suffer from non-genetic hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium or traction alopecia. With the former, hair loss may be triggered by lack of proper nutrition or chronic stress, and the best solution would be to improve your diet or visit a mental health counselor. Traction alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by physical trauma, often related to hair accessories and extensions, and removing these from your routine is likely to improve such conditions dramatically. Even so, damage to the follicles may be permanent, so prevention and awareness are crucial.

To schedule your consultation and hair loss diagnosis, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 305-925-0222 or book an appointment using our online scheduling form.

April 10, 2017

How Biotin Boosts Hair Health

biotin The vitamins, minerals and nutrients you consume each day largely influence your outward appearance. When it comes to hair health, biotin is (arguably) the most widely-known and promoted beauty-enhancing supplement. However, few people understand how exactly biotin interacts with hair follicles for increased shine, volume and strength.

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that facilitates cellular metabolism, or the conversion of macronutrients like proteins and fats into energy needed for your body to run. It also supplies healthy hormone production and blood sugar regulation. Referred also as vitamin H (for “hair and skin”), coenzyme R or vitamin B7, biotin is a dietary staple in all living things, from plants to people. Vitamin b7 doesn’t just affect your hair – it’s also known to improve nail strength and skin conditions, like acne, rashes and chronic dryness.

Foods Rich in Biotin

Vitamin B7 comes in two forms, either plant-based (alone) or meat-based (bound to proteins). Unlike protein-bound biotin, which takes more time to metabolize and convert for use, free biotin is easily absorbed. Although most foods contain trace amounts of b7, some are better sources of the hair-boosting vitamin than others:

Protein-bound biotin foods:

Organ meats, like kidneys and liver
Milk or dairy products
Seafood
Egg yolks

Free biotin foods:

Peanuts, walnuts and pecans
Legumes like green peas and lentils
Sunflower seeds
Cauliflower
Avocados
Rice bran, barley or oatmeal
Bananas
Carrots
Leafy greens
Tomatoes
Mushrooms
Raspberries
Whole grain bread

B7 Recommendations and Deficiency

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the daily recommended minimum intake of biotin for healthy adults is 30 micrograms. But, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a higher daily allowance of 300 micrograms. Many nutritionists recommend staying on the higher end of the spectrum since vitamin b7 is water-soluble and is easily filtered by the kidneys.¹ Breastfeeding women need more b7 to deliver adequate nourishment to children.

While rare, biotin deficiency can be a serious problem during fetal development. Aside from possible birth defects, lack of vitamin b7 can lead to anemia, dry skin, appetite loss, fatigue, muscle aches, mental disorientation, brittle nails and hair loss. Since you’re likely getting some amount of biotin in your everyday diet, hair loss caused by lack of vitamin B7 alone is uncommon. Nutritional deficiencies can cause telogen effluvium (TE) – a temporary form of hair loss that occurs due to malnourishment, stress or trauma. TE usually involves a pattern of nutritional shortages, including iron, vitamin D, vitamin C and omega-3s.

B7 doesn’t just encourage healthy growth but may increase your mane’s overall volume and thickness. Simply taking supplements without a well-rounded diet won’t deliver any dramatic hair miracles, especially if you already suffer from a genetic hair loss condition. Eating foods that contain b7 and other healthy hair vitamins is the key to long, glossy locks in individuals with normal hair growth.

Lack of hair growth isn’t always about your diet, and we invite patients with thinning or shedding to visit our Miami hair loss clinic for a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint possible genetic causes and rule out any potential underlying illnesses. Once we’ve identified the cause of your hair loss, we provide effective treatment plans that best suit specific hair loss conditions, individual routines and a wide range of budgets.

To schedule your hair loss consultation, call the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 305-925-0222 today.

¹ http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/top-foods-high-biotin/

March 27, 2017

Spring Hair Loss Facts and Symptoms

Spring hair loss is concerning among individuals who haven’t been diagnosed with a formal hair loss condition, like hereditary androgenic alopecia or autoimmune-related alopecia areata. Healthy, functioning follicles shed anywhere between 50 to 100 strands per day. Excessive shedding – which initially might lead to a clogged shower drain and later, noticeable thinning on the scalp – is an emotional circumstance that may or may not be linked to a more serious condition.

However, seasonal and spring hair loss is relatively normal. More often, men and women notice increased hair loss in autumn, usually between September and November. The reason more hairs fall out in fall is because follicles frequently enter their resting (telogen) phase mid-summer. The telogen state lasts a few months before hairs eventually release to make way for new hair growth. This timeline is likely an effect of human evolution. Hair growth in the winter helps protect the body against cold weather, which was critical before indoor heating and protective clothing became extensively available. Similarly, hair growth is higher in the summer to protect the scalp from ultraviolet rays and heat.

What is Spring Hair Loss?

A smaller but considerable increase in hair loss also occurs during springtime. Research suggests that both fall and spring hair loss is still within the healthy range of 50 to 100 strands per day. But, you’re more likely to see closer to 100 strands per day fall out in autumn and spring, and closer to 50 strands fall out each day in winter and summer. While seasonal hair loss does exist, patients who notice cyclical shedding are usually within the normal range of healthy hair loss.

Unless you physically count the number of hairs shed per day, it’s not easy to figure out if your hair loss is simply seasonal or the beginning of something more serious. Consider the tell-tale signs of the most common hair loss conditions:

Widespread thinning across the scalp (androgenic alopecia)
Receding hair line (androgenic alopecia)
Horseshoe-shaped pattern at the crown (androgenic alopecia)
Sudden bald patches that appear almost overnight (alopecia areata)
Complete loss of all bodily hair (alopecia totalis/universalis)
Broken, damaged hairs (traction alopecia)
Excessive shedding after weight loss, stress or drug treatment (telogen effluvium)

Visiting a hair loss doctor or specialist can put your concerns at ease and, if necessary, help you form a treatment plan to minimize further loss, reactivate follicles or restore areas of balding. For more information on South Florida hair restoration, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 305-925-0222.

March 20, 2017

Is Stress-Induced Hair Loss on the Rise?

Stress-induced hair loss is not as uncommon as you might think – but the side effects are equally as unsettling as any other condition. Albeit usually brief, telogen effluvium (TE) usually appears a few months following a highly stressful event, like a death in the family or strenuous divorce. Although hereditary hair loss, called androgenic alopecia, is more common, TE is likely the second most common form of hair loss diagnosed by medical professionals, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Unfortunately, minimal research has been dedicated to the pervasiveness, occurrence and understanding of stress-induced hair loss.

TE isn’t like male pattern baldness. If anything, its appearance mirrors female pattern hair loss (FPHL) – a diffuse, overall thinning rather than clearly defined balding around the hairline. Patients with stress-induced hair loss may notice more dramatic loss around the top of the scalp or a widening part. Essentially, TE causes the number of active follicles to drop during the resting (telogen) phase, increasing lost hairs at greater numbers than usual. In serious cases, TE may spread beyond the scalp and diminish volume in the eyebrows or pubic area.

In cases of a brief traumatic event, TE clears up on its own. For example, mothers may experience TE symptoms after childbirth, more formally named postpartum alopecia, where hormone levels shift drastically and trigger follicles to temporarily shut down. Crash dieting, physical trauma, antidepressants and even vaccinations can elicit TE. However, stress-induced hair loss isn’t always short-lived. Persistent TE is usually associated with ongoing emotional disturbances, high anxiety levels, chronic illness or long-term diet deficiency. This type of hair loss lasts more than 6 months.

In a January 2017 poll conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), levels of stress have drastically increased since the annual Stress in America survey commenced in 2007. The percentage of Americans who reported experiencing at least one symptom of stress the month prior to the survey rose from 71 percent in August 2016 to 80 percent this January. Symptoms include headaches (34 percent), feeling overwhelmed (33 percent), nervousness or anxiousness (33 percent) and depression or sadness (32 percent).

With stress among Americans abruptly mounting, stress-induced hair loss may be on the rise, too. Consider the following ways you can manage your stress levels and keep your hair healthy and full:

Get regular exercise by walking to work or hitting the gym
Take a break from your gadgets and other time-consuming technologies
Read a book outside or in a quiet room
Spend time with family or friends, even when you’re “too busy”
Get a massage or spa treatment once a month
Consider a new hobby, like painting or dancing

To formally diagnose TE, visit your physician to rule out any underlying condition or genetics. If your anxiety is unmanageable on your own, consider seeking help from a therapist or mental health counselor. For more information on hair loss diagnosis and treatment in Florida, contact the Hair Transplant Insitute of Miami at 305-925-0222.

March 13, 2017

Does Crash Dieting Lead to Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a lesser known side effect of crash dieting that can affect just about anyone, regardless of age. Inadequate nutrition and hitting the gym too hard can initiate unexpected or unexplained hair loss. Crash dieting can also exacerbate hair loss for patients currently coping with androgenic alopecia – a hereditary hair loss condition commonly known as male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss (FPHL).

In today’s society, quick fixes to lose weight are all too common. With the summer season quickly approaching, consider how undereating and overexercising in an effort to lose weight hinders hair growth:

Follicles Need Nutrition

Unless you suffer from a genetic or hormonal hair loss condition, a balanced diet is the secret to full and shiny locks. Proteins, irons, vitamins and minerals have a direct impact on your hair’s strength, appearance and feel. Just like your fingernails and toenails, hair strands are made up of protein fibers. If you lack the proper protein intake to build new hairs, more follicles enter the resting phase. That’s when hair loss surpasses normal shedding of 50 to 100 per day and becomes noticeable to the naked eye.

In addition to protein, iron and vitamin E drive healthy hair growth. Meats like pork, beef and fish are go-to’s, but vegetarians can opt for white beans, lentils, spinach and soybeans to up their iron consumption. If you think your diet restrictions or allergies may contribute to hair loss, get an iron test to determine where your levels currently fall and consider food alternatives to round out your diet.

Research shows that vitamin D may also play a role in hair growth, but that doesn’t mean you should lay out in the sun for hours and increase your risk of melanoma. Milk, orange juice and some cereals contain enough vitamin D to maintain everyday functions like hair growth.

Restricting calories through crash dieting may help you shed pounds fast, but going too far can negatively alter your hair’s texture and volume. Once you cut calories from your diet, you run the risk of neglecting said macro and micronutrients. The best diet is one discussed and approved by your doctor to ensure you’re burning more calories than you consume without abandoning sensible nourishment. With today’s technology, you can download calorie-tracking apps to keep tabs on calories and fundamental nutrients.

Heavy Exercise, Stress and Fuel

Many people underestimate the strong relationship between physical and emotional well-being. While moderate exercise alleviates stress, excessive physical activity makes it worse. Stress-induced hair loss is also called telogen effluvium (TE) and commonly occurs after serious emotional trauma, such as a death in the family or job loss. Chronic, ongoing stress is another leading origin for TE. With TE, hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase and shed when they are supposed to grow.

Athletes are also at a higher risk for anemia, a condition associated with iron deficiency. Since iron supports hair growth, any undersupply can trigger unexpected or additional loss. Your body uses nutrients when you exercise, which is why athletes require more calories, vitamins and minerals compared to the average person. Most crash diets pair heavy workouts with an inadequate food regimen. This malnourishment cycle motivates hair loss – whether intentional or not.

The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami invites all hair loss patients to find out if they are a candidate for hair loss treatment. In addition to hair replacement surgery, we offer at-home laser caps, stem cell hair growth, topical solutions, prescription medications, mesotherapy and more. Call us directly at 305-925-0222 to learn more about our top-rated physicians and hair loss treatments in Miami.

January 23, 2017

The 4 Most Common Hair Loss Conditions

Ludwig Classification Hair loss conditions do not discriminate. Despite how often we hear about male pattern baldness, women account for 40 percent of cases. Overall, 3 million Americans suffer from androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss, annually.

According to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 95 percent of men’s hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, and 25 percent see symptoms before they reach 21-years-old.¹ Two-thirds of men experience some degree of loss by the age of 35. And by the time they hit 50, 85 percent of men see significant thinning related to androgenetic alopecia.

Meanwhile, half of all women experience thinning or shedding by the time they reach 50-years-old, per the North American Hair Research Society.² While female pattern hair loss (FHPL) can begin any time after puberty, most women either see thinning in their teens and 20s or in their 40s and 50s.

The medical community continues to work toward cutting edge treatments that satisfy each of the leading hair loss conditions, but it’s important to remember how much these disorders vary. Not only are men and women affected differently, but another three major hair loss conditions exist beyond androgenetic alopecia.

Alopecia Areata

Around 200,000 cases of alopecia areata are diagnosed per year. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized as sudden bald patches that appear almost overnight, sometimes resulting in complete bodily hair loss. Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, patients are wise to address any underlying conditions related to their immune systems. Topical treatments can also help alleviate some of the hair loss associated with alopecia.

Telogen Effluvium

Another leading hair loss type is telogen effluvium (TE), or stress-induced hair loss, which affects around 200,000 people in the United States per year alone. After a strenuous life event, hair follicles react to external strain by going into shock. While normal hairs enter their active and resting phase on a continuous cycle, patients with telogen effluvium have follicles pushed into their resting state prematurely. A few weeks or months later, patients may notice their hair falling out in clumps because the follicles aren’t active to reproduce recurrently lost hairs. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is a reversible condition that rarely requires aggressive medical intervention. However, TE can become a chronic ailment if the underlying causes of stress aren’t addressed properly. Chronic telogen effluvium most often affects women between 30- and 60-years old, per the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.³ However, patients rarely see total hair loss during these fluctuating periods of on-and-off symptoms.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia occurs when hairs are externally pulled out of the follicle from tight hairstyles or as an active response to anxiety or depression. Cornrows, tight braids and hair pieces can trigger traction alopecia symptoms, which then subside when hair is loosened and follicles begin to heal. For individuals suffering with mental disorders such as depression, a combination of therapy and counseling can provide a new outlet to minimize purposeful traction alopecia and other self-harm behaviors.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hair loss beyond the normal 50 to 100 strands per day, it’s time to contact a hair restoration specialist. At your consultation, Dr. Paul Rose and Dr. Bernard Nusbaum of the renowned Hair Transplant Institute of Miami will examine you for the common hair loss conditions. From there, we discuss possible underlying causes and recommend treatment, if necessary. As a leading hair loss clinic, we pride ourselves on active listening, open communication and optimal treatment plans. Call us today at 305-925-0222 to schedule your appointment.

¹ http://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/

² http://www.nahrs.org/PatientInformation(FAQs)/FemalePatternHairLoss(FAQ).aspx

³ http://www.aocd.org/?page=TelogenEffluviumHA

December 5, 2016

Coping with Female Hair Loss During the Holidays

Short-term hair loss solutions The holidays are the most joyous time of year – right? Unfortunately for those suffering from female hair loss, December’s festivities are flooded with feelings of discomfort and anxiety. When you’re a woman suffering from female hair loss, your initial reaction is to hide. And during one of the most social seasons of the year, coping with female hair loss is anything but easy.

Roughly 20 million women in the United States suffer some sort of hair loss condition, whether it be androgenic alopecia, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium due to chemotherapy, traction alopecia or alopecia areata. While the statistics are staggering, knowing you aren’t alone in this journey can help ease your woes. In addition to finding outside support via other hair loss patients or a highly-experienced hair loss specialist, consider the following four tips to cope with female hair loss this holiday season:

Don’t Go into Hiding

Female hair loss is not your fault; nor should you be forced to suffer any more than necessary. Isolating yourself to hide the symptoms of hair loss is only going to make you feel worse in the long run. Memories created around the holidays are not something you want to miss out on, if possible. While it’s not easy to hide your self-consciousness in a social situation, letting go and having fun are the best distractions during an emotionally dim period. Spending time around others who love you for you helps boost lost self-confidence. Plus, cancelling left and right is bound to bring on inevitable guilt. Imagine coming up with several bogus excuses each time you feel forced to decline a holiday invitation. The stress of getting caught in a lie or suffering a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out) is far worse than your changed appearance.

Spend Time on Yourself

The stress of getting ready in a rush is far worse for women who have thinning hair or balding to conceal. Adopting a new hair-do is exciting assuming you have the time to practice and style your locks to your liking. Make time for grooming and styling before a big event and remember – practice is key! For women with androgenic alopecia, or diffuse thinning, a deep-swept side part can do wonders to conceal a widening middle part. Visit your hair stylist for a bang trim to capture a chicer look. Framing your face with beachy waves helps hair look fuller, so make sure you have a working curling iron or wand by your side.

For a thicker up-do, consider a high boosted bun with assistance from your wardrobe. First, cut the foot off a high sock (preferably washed or unused) and roll it into a doughnut shape. With your hair in a high pony, place the sock at the end of your strands and slowly roll down so strands completely cover the sock. If you are concerned about thinning around the scalp on display, complete the look with an embellished hair band or festive holiday ribbon.

If you’re hair loss is more obvious to the point of balding or patchy loss, invest in a well-made wig. Wigs are popular among celebrities like Kylie Jenner who don’t suffer from hair loss, so the shopping process is nothing to be ashamed of. Buying a wig online is an option, but the fitting and style is more difficult to determine without trying it on first. If you do decide to shop online for a wig, leave yourself ample time for returns. In addition, hair wraps and hats are both stylish and holiday appropriate. Wear a beautiful, elegant silk scarf in a traditional holiday color or don a cute Santa hat as a nod to the big jolly man himself.

Consider a Long-Term Solution

Some hair loss cases, including telogen effluvium, are temporary due to a traumatic event or sudden lifestyle change. However, many hair loss cases are genetic or prolonged. While tips and tricks for disguising hair loss work in the short-term, you can’t fake it forever. Considering hair loss restoration may be critical. Visit a qualified hair loss physician or specialist who can diagnose your hair loss condition and rule out any other medical concerns. From there, you’ll receive treatment recommendations based on your lifestyle and objectives. Many female hair loss patients opt for a non-invasive treatment therapy, such as a laser cap for hair loss, natural-looking hair loss surgery or a combination of the two. Whichever treatment(s) you decide to undergo, give yourself the gift of self-confidence for the holidays.

Female Hair Loss Treatment in Miami

At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our primary goal is to bring relief and comfort to hair loss patients. We offer consultations to diagnose cases and rule out underlying conditions before prescribing personalized treatment programs, all with compassion and honesty at the forefront of our practice. Miami’s top hair loss physicians, Dr. Bernard Nusbaum and Dr. Paul Rose, each offer decades of experience coupled with extensive research, cutting-edge technologies and highly satisfied patients. The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami is no. 1 in total Artas® Robotic Hair Transplant procedures in both Miami and the Southeast region, and among the top five nationwide. To get started on your hair restoration journey at our leading Miami hair clinic, contact us directly at 305-925-0222.

Happy Holidays!

Adrenal Glands, Stress Hormones, and Hair Loss

November 28, 2016

The Science Behind Stress-Induced Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

Adrenal Glands, Stress Hormones, and Hair Loss The unwelcome feelings of stress and anxiety creep up when you least expect them. While intermittent feelings of worry are relatively normal, damaging stress levels are on the rise. These feelings of despair and anguish sometimes provoke thinning or shedding on the scalp. Stress-induced hair loss, called telogen effluvium (TE), can be short-lived or long lasting. Thinning or shedding inadvertently caused by anxiety and trauma is not only frustrating, but worrisome. In addition, trichotillomania is a less common but very serious hair loss condition perpetuated by stress. Unlike TE, patients suffering from trichotillomania actively pull hairs out habitually when facing stress and anxiety to cope.

A 2014 national poll from NPR in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found more than one in every four Americans suffered great deals of stress the month prior to the survey. Half of those adults, or 115 million people, experienced a major stressful event that year. [1] Per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders – often explained as chronic high stress and worry – are the most common mental disorder in the United States. Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the U.S., or 18 percent of the total national population. [2]

The American Hair Loss Association says TE and stress-induced hair loss is likely the second most common form of hair loss seen by dermatologists. [3] Although little research has been done to help physicians understand why some patients see hair loss because of stress while others do not, three possible cause and effect scenarios exist:

TE Scenario 1: Environmental factors shock the hair follicle into a resting state. Because the follicles are not actively producing more hair to replace ordinary shedding, patients see diffuse patterns of thinning on the scalp. The effects of environmental “shock” show up two to three months after a major life event. Depending on the duration of the event, follicles can return to their normal healthy state without surgical intervention. Patients usually see their condition clear up in less than six months with full regrowth.

TE Scenario 2: Hair follicles enter their resting state as normal but do not regenerate properly, resulting in gradual hair loss. Rather than return to the anagen phase of hair growth, the follicles remain in the telogen state for prolonged periods of time. Thus, fewer anagen, or active, hair follicles are available. Because this scenario is prolonged, patients may not see immediate thinning. This is more common in individuals with chronic anxiety conditions.

TE Scenario 3: A less discussed form of telogen effluvium occurs when hair follicles go through truncated cycles. This results in persistent shedding and thinning hair.

Many short-term hair loss cases are considered normal. For instance, many women experience short-term hair loss after giving birth due to fluctuating hormone levels – a condition called postpartum alopecia. Most women regrow their hair normally a few months later. Certain vaccines, antidepressants, extremely low-calorie diets and physical trauma are also common environemntal triggers of TE. Chronic illness, particularly chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies, are alternative instigators. Research shows a link between tension, hair follicle biochemistry changes and increased resting (telogen) hair follicles.

Treating Stress-Induced Hair Loss and TE

Luckily, treatments for telogen effluvium are available. Assuming your hair loss is stress-induced, regular exercise, therapy and meditation can help. When a specific cause is not determined and stress relief does not reverse telogen effluvium, doctors resort to treatments such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). In cases where stress-induced hair loss transforms into an enduring condition, many patients turn to hair loss surgery.

At the Hair Institute of Miami, we welcome patients suffering from stress-induced hair loss to undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Our treatment plans include low-level laser therapy (LLLT) caps and advanced follicular unit transplant (FUE) procedures. Either alone or in conjunction with one another, LLLT and FUE helps patients suffering from lingering telogen effluvium regain their confidence and sense of well-being. Call us today at 305-925-0222 to schedule your personalized hair loss consultation in Miami.

[1] http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/07/07/323351759/for-many-americans-stress-takes-a-toll-on-health-and-family

[2] https://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics

[3] http://www.americanhairloss.org/types_of_hair_loss/effluviums.asp

November 21, 2016

How Your Diet Encourages Hair Growth

Foods For Healthy Hair Physical characteristics, including hair, is often representative of your internal wellbeing. When you lack the nutrients necessary to keep your body performing properly, certain functions shut down. Patients suffering from temporary hair loss due a stressful event or dietary shift, a condition called telogen effluvium, should reevaluate their nutrition. All hair loss patients looking to stimulate regrowth can lead a healthier lifestyle to boost the effects of alternative restoration methods, such as surgery or low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

If you tend to eat high amounts of empty calories (i.e. junk food) and now notice thinning or shedding, you’re likely missing these key nutrients:

Protein

Proteins and their amino acids are known as the building blocks of the body. Like their effects on muscles, proteins keep hair long, strong and soft. Protein-rich foods include chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products. Legumes and nuts are viable protein alternatives for individuals on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Try to allocate 30 percent of your caloric intake toward proteins for a well-balanced diet.

Omega-3

Unfortunately, the human body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own. We obtain these solely through food, which makes consuming substances rich in fatty acids essential to overall vigor. For hair health, these oils keep the scalp hydrated to stimulate follicle function while enriching strands for a shinier glow. Foods such as salmon, sardines, trout, avocado and pumpkin seeds are great resources for boosting your omega-3 intake.

Iron

Did you know lacking iron is one of the chief causes of dietary-related hair loss? Anemia, defined by insufficient iron levels in the body, is a serious problem that triggers hair loss. Low iron levels limit proper blood flow – something follicles need to receive growth-stimulating nutrients. Iron is found in red meats, fish, broccoli, kale, chicken and leafy greens.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as a catalyst for iron to absorb into the blood stream. Eating these two hair boosting nutrients together fosters hair growth. In addition, the antioxidants found in Vitamin C, along with its collagen-boosting properties, keep skin, hair and nails looking and feeling nourished. Many refreshing fruits, such as oranges, strawberries and blueberries, contain high levels of Vitamin C necessary for hair growth.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E protects your skin and hair from environmental pollutants and sun damage. You can incorporate vitamin E into your diet by eating more almonds, spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds and butternut squash. Alternatively, you can apply vitamin E oil topically.

Biotin

You’re probably familiar with taking biotin supplements for healthy hair and nails. As a B vitamin, biotin helps strengthen locks to avoid breakage and fall. While supplements can easily up your biotin consumption, try incorporating egg yolks, yeast and whole grains for additional nutritive benefits.

Often, a dietary change isn’t enough to regrow lost locks. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering with hair loss. To schedule a consultation, call us directly at 877-443-9070.

12 3