Pattern Baldness and PRP Treatment

Pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia can affect around 40% of women by age 50. This is caused by a reduction in hair volume, combined with hair shedding. However, similar conditions can be caused by stress or hormonal issues, so it is important to discuss this with your doctor prior to initiating treatment. Overall, FPHL is very different than male pattern baldness, which is usually noticeable via a receding hairline or bald patch atop the head – but females do not generally follow a particular pattern and the shedding is more evenly distributed. For some, it may be their part getting wider, for others it may be the hair near their temples that are seen first – but generally the thinning is more widespread than for males.

What causes Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Genes could be inherited from either parent, but unlike male pattern baldness, androgens do not have a clear role for females.

In Female Pattern Hair Loss , hair no longer grows – it lies dormant in the hair follicle for a few months, However, in this case, instead of a new hair growing into its place, the hair is shed permanently and does not regrow.

This process of female pattern hair loss can occur at any point, but generally occurs after a woman is in her 40’s or 50’s. In addition to cosmetic issues, it can cause psychological issues too – and interfere with daily activity via feelings of depression or unattractiveness.

There are many other factors which cause hair loss, such as stress and nutrition. For instance low iron levels (anemia) can cause hair to thin, while vitamins can boost hair growth. Temporary hair thinning can also occur in females due to childbirth, illness, menopause, or sudden changes in diet, so it is important to know if PRP is the right solution for you.

What Treatments are Available?
While there is no cure for female pattern hair loss, various treatments are available such as Rogaine. PRP is a relatively new treatment for this condition.

This method uses your blood and its platelets to help stimulate regrowth of your hair. Platelet-rich plasma injections are becoming increasingly popular as a way to encourage hair regrowth. PRP is a concentrated fluid extracted from your own blood, loaded with growth factors and essential proteins. Some doctors are still skeptical about the effects of PRP for hair loss, but others are convinced that it can help with hair growth.

What happens during PRP for hair loss?
One of our fabulous nurses will draw blood from your arm and spin it in a centrifuge to separate it into its three layers: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma is singled out for use in your treatment.

Then nurse will inject the PRP carefully into your skin so the fluid is applied exactly at the level of the hair follicles. 

When will I see results from PRP for hair loss?
Usually it takes three to six months after treatment before results are seen. One receives treatments once monthly for 3 months and then ongoing maintenance treatments once every 6 months. . However, keep in mind that many factors can affect when results appear and how pronounced they are. These factors include your sex, age, and hormonal balance. Results in women are usually much better than with men as genetics seems to play a much greater role with respect to male pattern baldness.

How long will my results last?
Just like the common hair-loss medicines Propecia and Rogaine, PRP requires ongoing treatment. PRP for hair loss requires ongoing maintenance for lasting results.

What are the risks or potential side effects of PRP for hair loss?
The PRP treatment itself typically has few or no side effects. However, some RealSelf members report reactions to the numbing agent or pain during the treatment. A few said the PRP treatment caused long-lasting swelling or made their hair loss worse.