Men’s Hair Loss in Point Cook
Thinning at the temples, a receding hairline or a widening patch at the crown is very common: male pattern baldness affects almost half of men over 40. A hair loss doctor in Point Cook can confirm what type of loss you have, check for other causes and talk through the treatments, including whether PRP is worth considering.
Male pattern baldness and other causes
Male pattern baldness is inherited. Hair follicles on the top of the head become sensitive to male hormones, their growth phase shortens, and each new hair comes through finer. It can begin any time after puberty and usually progresses slowly. About 1 in 5 men notice it in their 20s and 1 in 3 in their 30s, so early thinning is not unusual.
Other types of alopecia have different causes, including:
- alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes round bald patches
- shedding a few months after illness, surgery, major stress or sudden weight loss
- low iron or zinc, or thyroid problems
- some medicines, scalp infections and tight hairstyles
When hair loss needs a closer look
Book sooner rather than later if:
- hair is coming out suddenly, in clumps or in patches
- you are losing eyebrow, beard or body hair
- the scalp is red, scaly, sore or scarred
- you feel unwell as well
- the loss started after a new medicine
Seeing a hair loss doctor in Point Cook
Your GP will ask when the loss began, how quickly it has changed, any family history, your general health and the medicines and supplements you use. They will then examine your scalp. If another cause is possible, blood tests for iron or thyroid function can be collected at our onsite pathology centre. Photos taken over the past year or two are useful to bring.
Treatment options to discuss
- minoxidil, applied to the scalp or prescribed as a tablet
- prescription tablets that lower the hormone driving pattern hair loss
- hair transplant surgery, through a specialist
- PRP, discussed below
Medicines take around four months to show a change, and stopping them usually brings the hair loss back. Some carry side effects worth discussing first: finasteride, for example, can affect mood or sexual function in some men. Be wary of advertised miracle cures: they are often ineffective and expensive.
Is PRP an option?
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a sample of your own blood and applied to thinning areas of the scalp. A consultation always comes first, and there is no obligation to go ahead. PRP is not suitable for everyone, outcomes vary and cannot be predicted, and it is generally not covered by Medicare. Costs are explained before anything is arranged. See PRP hair restoration for details.
Common questions
Can male pattern baldness be prevented?
In most cases it is hereditary and cannot be prevented, but treatment may slow it down.
Can stress make hair fall out?
Yes. A major shock, illness or stressful period can trigger heavy shedding a few months later. It is usually temporary, although regrowth takes time.
Is a hair loss appointment bulk billed?
A standard GP consultation is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. You can book online or call (03) 7300 7780.
Should I see a GP before buying hair loss products?
It is worth doing. A GP can confirm the type of hair loss first, so you are less likely to spend money on something that will not help.
Can women see a GP about thinning hair?
Yes. Female pattern hair loss has its own causes and treatments, and PRP for female hair loss explains one option.
It is getting me down. Is that normal?
Yes, very. Hair loss can affect confidence and mood, and it is worth mentioning. Our men’s health page covers wider support.
Good to know
Before your appointment
If you are a new patient, please arrive at least five minutes before your consultation and bring:
- Photo ID
- A valid Medicare card
Fees and billing
We offer bulk billing to all patients with a valid Medicare card for standard consultations. All procedures are subject to fees.