Concern
Hair Loss Treatment in Campbell
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss) is the most common type, affecting an estimated 80 million people in the United States. In this condition, inherited genes cause hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. Men typically experience a receding hairline and bald spots, while women usually notice overall thinning or a widening part. Hair loss can begin as early as the teens but more commonly starts later in life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow hair loss and, in some cases, stimulate regrowth.
At a Glance
- Androgenetic alopecia affects an estimated 80 million people in the United States[1]
- Early treatment can help prevent hair follicles from shrinking, making restoration more effective[6]
- Minoxidil has been shown to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen existing hair[1]
- Female pattern baldness is often reversible with treatment including medications and laser therapy[2]
Signs & symptoms
- Gradual thinning on top of head
- Receding hairline (common in men)
- Widening part (common in women)
- Circular or patchy bald spots
- Increased hair shedding
- Smaller, finer hair strands over time
- Bald spot at crown of head (men)
- Overall decreased hair density
What causes Hair Loss
- Hereditary factors (androgenetic alopecia)
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid)
- Medical conditions (alopecia areata, infections, hypothyroidism)
- Medications and treatments
- Stress (telogen effluvium)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hairstyling damage (traction alopecia)
- Aging
Risk factors
- Family history of baldness
- Age
- Significant weight loss
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes, lupus)
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
How it's assessed
- Physical examination of scalp and hair
- Pull test to assess hair shedding
- Medical and family history review
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
- Scalp biopsy (if diagnosis unclear)
- Dermoscopy examination
- Hormone level testing
How is Hair Loss treated
One approach can address hair loss:
Recovery & outlook
- Early treatment yields better results
- Medications can slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth
- Continuous treatment needed to maintain results
- Hair transplants can provide lasting improvement
- Once follicles shrink significantly, restoration may be limited
- Female pattern hair loss is often reversible with treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
- The most common cause is hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), where inherited genes cause follicles to shrink over time. Other causes include hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, stress, and nutritional deficiencies. The specific cause determines the best treatment approach.
- Men typically experience a receding hairline and bald spot at the crown. Women usually notice overall thinning or a widening part, rarely developing complete baldness. Female pattern hair loss often begins after menopause. Both conditions result from genetic factors affecting hair follicles.
- See a dermatologist at the first signs of increased shedding or thinning. Early treatment yields the best results because it's easier to maintain existing hair than regrow lost hair. Also seek evaluation for sudden, patchy, or rapid hair loss, which may indicate underlying conditions.
- Treatments include topical minoxidil (over-the-counter), oral finasteride (prescription), mesotherapy (scalp injections) with minoxidil or dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplant surgery. Women may also use spironolactone. Treatment must usually be continued to maintain results.
- It depends on the cause and timing. Early hereditary hair loss may respond to medications that slow loss and stimulate regrowth. However, once follicles have significantly shrunk, restoration becomes more limited. This is why early treatment is recommended.
- Hereditary hair loss cannot be fully prevented, but early treatment can slow its progression. General hair health tips include eating a balanced diet, managing stress, avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on hair, and treating underlying medical conditions promptly.
Your Physicians

Dr. K. Zeidler
MD, FACS

Dr. D. Elyassnia
MD, FACS

Dr. J. Weston
MD, FACS

Dr. B. Tran
MD

Dr. S. Liu
MD, MHS

Dr. M. Koo
MD, FACS

Dr. R. Lehman
MD, FACS

Dr. J. Gillon
MD, FACS

Dr. A. Hausauer
MD, FAAD
9 board-certified physicians across 4 locations
Sources & references
This article draws on 6 sources, including leading medical institutions.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, FACS · Last reviewed: 2026-06-09