AMA #63: A guide for hair loss: causes, treatments, transplants, and sex-specific considerations
Peter Attia
Sep 9, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Acknowledge prevalence of female pattern hair loss
Female pattern hair loss is surprisingly common, affecting between 20% to 50% of women over their entire lifespan.
Focus on follicle sensitivity to combat hair loss
Genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is far more important in causing hair loss than the absolute level of DHT in your blood.
Rethink DHT levels as predictors of baldness
Your blood DHT level is not a reliable marker for androgenic alopecia, as there is no known minimum threshold that prevents hair loss.
Explore modern treatments for effective hair loss solutions
A wide range of treatments are available, including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone, ketoconazole shampoo, low-level laser therapy, and PRP injections.
Address hair loss to enhance emotional healthspan
Hair loss can be considered a healthspan issue because the distress it causes may impair emotional health and quality of life.
Avoid testosterone therapy to prevent accelerated hair loss
Taking supplemental testosterone increases DHT levels, which can accelerate the process of hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.
Rule out deficiencies and medications to prevent hair loss
Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and B12, along with rare side effects from statins or antidepressants, can cause hair loss and should be ruled out.
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