Among the six treatments for hair loss recommended in the Today.com story are compounded minoxidil (rogaine alternatives), nutritionals like Viviscal Pro, laser therapy with LaserCap, PRP Platelet Rich Plasma. Other therapies used by full time hair restoration physicians include no-scalpel, no-stitch Hair Transplantation with NeoGraft or using the the ARTAS robotic system.

For women, the most common triggers are hormonal (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome) or hereditary, but autoimmune conditions and nutritional deficiencies can also be to blame. And unlike men, we tend to lose hair gradually and all over the head, so it can take longer to detect. "Many of my patients notice a change in the shape of their face as the temples recede, a widening of their part line or that their ponytail is smaller in diameter," says hair restoration specialist Dr. Alan Bauman, who heads the Bauman Medical Group in Boca Raton, Florida.

Luckily, there's a lot that can be done, from lasers to lotions and everything in between. And you'll be rewarded for treating it early. "I liken it to sun damage — it's never too late to address the problem, but it will get worse with time if you don't slow the progression," says Bauman. Here, the best, doctor-approved treatments from easy-peasy to full-on offense.

Check out at-home lasers.

Discreet enough to fit under a cute cloche, the Laser Cap is a powerful (but pricey) way to increase hair mass. "We've had excellent results using laser therapy in-office for several years, but now most patients are treating themselves out of the office," says Bauman. "The device emits low-level laser light treatment proven to enhance growth while you go about your day. It's painless, chemical-free, has no side effects and you see results in 90 days." (And it's a great excuse to expand your hat collection.)

Investigate PRP.

Ready for the big guns? "Platelet-rich plasma is the newest frontier," says Bauman. "It allows us to exploit your body's own pharmacy of growth factors. It isn't an overnight cure, but we can clinically measure improvements in several weeks, and they're noticeable to the naked eye after six months." Here's how it works: A small sample of the patient's blood is processed to separate out the platelets and stem-cell-rich plasma. In some cases, additional "bioscaffolding" — sometimes placental tissue from screened donors — is blended in to improve the effects. Then, the custom cocktail is shallowly injected under the scalp under local anesthesia. Sounds intense, but "it's comfortable, takes less than an hour and there is no recovery phase," promises Bauman.

 

The key is accurate diagnosis, effective prescription treatments and proper routine follow-up HairCheck measurements. For more info about board certified hair restoration physician, Dr. Alan Bauman, visit http://www.baumanmedical.com

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