An in-depth guide from the team at Paradise Medical Center Dermatology Clinic in Miami, FL.
Call (786) 738-9515Hair loss affects roughly 50% of men by age 50 and 40% of women by age 70 — but treatment options have advanced dramatically. Patients today have multiple effective options including PRP injections, prescription medications, and combination protocols that can substantially restore hair density.
Here's what's actually causing your hair loss and which treatments produce real results.
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness): Genetic sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) causes follicles to miniaturize. Typical pattern: receding hairline + crown thinning, sparing the back/sides.
Telogen effluvium: Temporary shedding from stress, illness, weight loss, medications.
Alopecia areata: Autoimmune patchy hair loss.
Scalp conditions: Severe seborrheic dermatitis or scarring conditions can cause loss.
Female pattern hair loss: Diffuse thinning across the crown, preserving the hairline. Different pattern than men.
Telogen effluvium: Very common after pregnancy, COVID, surgery, crash dieting, severe stress.
Hormonal: PCOS, thyroid disorders, menopause, low ferritin.
Traction alopecia: From tight hairstyles, extensions, weaves over time.
Nutritional deficiencies: Iron, vitamin D, zinc, biotin (rarely).
Effective treatment depends on accurate diagnosis. We typically check ferritin, full thyroid panel, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and (in women with hormonal symptoms) testosterone, DHEA-S, and free testosterone. This is done through our lab services.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is one of the most exciting advances in non-surgical hair restoration. Concentrated growth factors from your own blood are injected into the scalp where they:
Stimulate dormant follicles to re-enter growth phase
Increase hair shaft thickness
Prolong the active growth (anagen) phase
Improve blood supply to follicles
Most patients see noticeable improvement after 3 monthly sessions, with maintenance every 4–6 months. Read more on our PRP hair loss treatment service.
Minoxidil (topical or oral): Prolongs growth phase, increases blood flow to follicles. Both forms effective; oral version (low-dose) increasingly used for women.
Finasteride (men): Blocks DHT, the hormone driving male pattern hair loss. Highly effective for crown and mid-scalp.
Spironolactone (women): Anti-androgen helpful for women with hormonal patterns.
Dutasteride (off-label): Stronger DHT blocker, used in men with significant loss.
PRP works best when combined with prescription topicals or oral medications. A typical comprehensive plan: PRP every 4–6 weeks initially, daily topical minoxidil, and (for appropriate patients) oral medication.
This combination approach significantly outperforms any single treatment alone. The AAD overview of hair loss treatment emphasizes the value of combination therapy.
Hair regrowth is slow — about 0.5 inches per month at most. Significant improvement typically takes 4–6 months of consistent treatment. Stopping treatment generally results in gradual return to the prior thinning pattern. This is a long-term commitment.
Patients with completely smooth scarred scalp typically don't respond — treatment works on miniaturized but living follicles, not absent ones.
Ready to learn more? Visit our dedicated service page or call (786) 738-9515 to schedule a consultation.
3 monthly sessions initially, then maintenance every 4–6 months.
Most patients see thickening and partial regrowth. Complete restoration depends on cause and how early treatment begins.
For most men, yes. Discuss potential side effects with your provider. Not used in women of reproductive age.
Yes — both topical and low-dose oral forms are effective for women.
Initial reduction in shedding within 2–3 months; visible regrowth around 4–6 months.
Speak with our medical team about a personalized plan.
Call (786) 738-9515