Hair Thinning: The Science of Why It Happens and How to Fight Back
Hair Thinning: The Science of Why It Happens and How to Fight Back
If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush or your parting seems a little wider than it used to be, you aren’t alone. Whether we call it "thinning" or "shedding," the medical term is often Androgenetic Alopecia—more commonly known as male and female pattern hair loss. However, for many patients today, rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications is adding a new layer to the conversation.
At The York Skin Clinic, we know that hair loss is rarely just about aesthetics. It carries a heavy psychological weight, impacting self-esteem and body image. Understanding the why is the first step toward effective treatment.
The Anatomy of Thinning: Patterns & Triggers
While hair loss is often inherited from either parent, it tends to show up differently depending on the trigger:
Male & Female Pattern Loss: This is a gradual process where follicles shrink—a process called miniaturization—producing hairs that are lighter, shorter, and thinner until they stop growing entirely. In men, this often starts at the hairline or crown; in women, it usually presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp.
The GLP-1 Factor (Telogen Effluvium): If you are on a weight loss journey using GLP-1 medications, you might experience sudden, rapid shedding. This isn't usually "pattern baldness," but rather a biological "shock" to the system caused by rapid weight loss and nutritional shifts, which pushes more hair follicles into the shedding phase at once.
Why PRP is a Game-Changer for Hair Health
While there is no known "cure" for genetic hair loss, modern medical aesthetics has given us powerful tools to slow the process and encourage regrowth.
One of the most evidence-backed treatments we offer is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).
How it works: We take a small sample of your own blood and concentrate the plasma, which is packed with natural growth factors. When we inject this back into the affected areas of the scalp, it "wakes up" the follicles.
The Evidence: PRP isn't just a trend; it's biology. By delivering high concentrations of growth factors directly to the hair bulb, we can extend the growth phase of the hair cycle and increase hair thickness. Because it uses your own blood, it is a 100% natural, "biocompatible" treatment with virtually no risk of allergic reaction. It is particularly effective for "restarting" the growth cycle after weight-loss-related shedding.
Is it time for a Hair Health Consultation ?
Hair loss can be slow—progressing over years or even decades—but the earlier you address it, the better the results. In some cases, thinning in women can also be linked to hormonal conditions like PCOS, which may involve acne or irregular periods.
As a medically led clinic, we don't just look at the hair; we look at the person. We help you navigate the options—from topical therapies to advanced PRP—to find a plan that actually works for your biology.
Take Control of Your Hair Health Whether you’re noticing genetic thinning or shedding following weight loss, don't wait for it to become permanent. Book a Hair Health Consultation with one of our Dermatology Nurses today to discuss your clinical options and see if PRP is the right fit for you.