Hair Loss Clinic — Melbourne
If you’re experiencing unwanted hair loss, the GP team at Camberwell Medical Group can provide the treatment and advice you’re looking for. We can treat numerous conditions that may cause your hair to thin or fall out and have extensive experience helping patients of all genders manage their hair loss with confidence.
What Kind of Doctor Can Help You Manage Hair Loss?
When it comes to dealing with unwanted hair loss, a GP who focuses on dermatology will be able to provide the most appropriate services to help you manage your condition. These doctors have extensive knowledge of the hair and scalp and can perform thorough investigative tests to accurately determine the reason behind your hair loss.
These tests may involve assessing your hormone levels, checking for nutritional deficiencies, and assessing your hair follicles through physical examinations, blood tests, and/or scalp biopsies. Based on the diagnosis, these doctors can also provide various treatments and referral services to help you manage your hair loss. This may include certain hair loss medications, laser therapy, or, for more advanced cases, hair transplant surgery.
At Camberwell Medical Group, we have numerous GPs who specialise in diagnosing and treating many different dermatological conditions, including those that trigger hair loss. Our clinic’s doctors can provide specialised services to properly identify the cause of your hair loss and help you access the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be caused by an array of different factors, from genetic factors and hormonal imbalances to poor diet, prolonged feelings of distress, and even tight hairstyles. It can affect all genders and age groups and can be lifelong or short-term. Knowing the cause of your hair loss can help you and your GP determine the best course of action when it comes to reducing, slowing, or repairing it.
Hereditary Factors
The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called androgenic alopecia, also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. It is more common in men and typically occurs gradually, following predictable patterns such as receding hairlines in men and thinning hair along the crown in women
​Medications and Treatments
Hair loss can also be a normal side effect of certain prescription drugs and other treatments. These treatments include but are not limited to radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, specific anticoagulants, and some types of blood pressure medications.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, PCOS, thyroid imbalances, testosterone replacement therapy, and other factors can also contribute to hair loss. This is because hormonal imbalances and fluctuations can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary or long-term hair loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Consuming enough nutrients not only helps to ensure your body receives everything it needs to function properly, but it can also help you maintain strong and healthy hair. Poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, or other essential nutrients, can contribute to hair loss.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause you to experience either long-term or short-term hair loss. These medical conditions can include but are not limited to scalp infections, trichotillomania (a compulsive hair-pulling disorder), and certain autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata, lupus, and hypothyroidism.
Physical and Emotional Stress
Temporary hair loss can also be caused by stressful events such as surgery, major illness, rapid weight loss, or traumatic experiences. These events can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which amplifies shedding and makes your hair enter a resting phase, preventing new growth.
Common Hair Loss Treatments
There are a few different treatment options available that our doctors can provide or help you access so you can better manage your hair loss. Your GP will determine the right treatment option depending on a few different factors, including the type of hair loss you are experiencing, your sex, and your overall health. Common hair loss treatments include:
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Prescription Medication: Minoxidil solutions, finasteride tablets, and anti-androgen pills
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Cosmetic Treatments: Laser therapy, cosmetic tattooing, wigs, and hair transplants
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Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, reducing stress, and changing your diet
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Hair Care and Styling: Wearing relaxed hairstyles and avoiding heated styling tools and harsh hair products
While these treatments can help, it’s important to remember it can take a while before you notice a difference, and no treatment is 100% effective at fully restoring lost hair. Results can also vary from person to person, and some options may not be suitable for your particular condition or healthcare requirements. When you visit our hair loss clinic, we will be sure to discuss your needs and go over the potential side effects of each possible treatment before prescribing you anything.
Book an Appointment Today
At Camberwell Medical Group, we understand the effects that hair loss can have on a person’s self-image and overall well-being, and we’re here to provide the information and support you need to manage your condition. Book an appointment with our team today and allow our team to help you take the first step towards reducing your hair loss and restoring your confidence.
