Hair Loss Treatment Online in New Jersey: Causes, Treatments & When to Get Help

Medically reviewed by Dr. Haroon Arshad, MD

Noticing more hair in your brush, shower, or on your pillow can be unsettling. Hair loss is extremely common, and there are many possible causes. Genetics, hormones, stress, medications, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions can all affect the way your hair grows. The important thing is that hair loss does not always have to be something you simply accept. For appropriate patients, a telehealth visit can be a convenient first step toward understanding what may be causing hair loss and whether treatment is appropriate.

Why Am I Losing My Hair?

It is normal to shed some hair every day. But if you are noticing increased shedding, thinning areas, a widening part, a receding hairline, or changes in your overall hair density, there may be an underlying reason.

Common causes of hair loss can include:

1. Male or female pattern hair loss
2. Genetics and family history
3. Hormonal changes
4. Pregnancy or the postpartum period
5. Menopause
6. Significant stress or illness
7. Rapid weight loss
8. Certain medications
9. Thyroid disorders
10. Iron or other nutritional deficiencies
11. Autoimmune conditions
12. Hairstyles or treatments that repeatedly pull or damage the hair

Determining the likely cause matters because different types of hair loss may require different approaches to treatment.

What Is Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Androgenetic alopecia, often called male or female pattern hair loss, is one of the most common causes of progressive hair thinning. In men, it commonly causes a receding hairline or thinning around the crown. In women, it may appear as gradual thinning or widening of the part while the frontal hairline remains relatively preserved. Genetics and sensitivity of the hair follicles to hormones called androgens can play an important role. Because pattern hair loss tends to progress over time, getting evaluated earlier may provide more opportunities to preserve existing hair.

Can Hair Loss Be Treated Online?

For some patients, yes. A telehealth provider can review your symptoms, medical history, medications, family history, pattern of hair loss, and other factors that may help determine possible causes. Depending on your situation, your provider may discuss treatment options or recommend additional evaluation. Some types of hair loss require laboratory testing, a scalp examination, evaluation by a dermatologist, or another form of in-person care. Telehealth can be a convenient place to start, but it is not appropriate for every type of hair loss.

What Treatments Are Available for Hair Loss?

Treatment depends on the suspected cause of hair loss, your medical history, and other individual factors.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is one of the most commonly used treatments for certain types of hair loss. Topical minoxidil is available without a prescription. In some circumstances, clinicians may also consider oral minoxidil, which is a prescription medication and is used off-label for hair loss.mOral minoxidil is not appropriate for everyone and requires medical consideration because it can affect blood pressure and cause other side effects.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription medication that may be used to treat male pattern hair loss in appropriate patients.

It works by reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a hormone involved in androgenetic hair loss.

Finasteride can cause side effects and is not appropriate for every patient. Pregnancy-related precautions are particularly important with finasteride.

Other Treatment Options

Depending on the cause and individual patient, a healthcare professional may discuss additional approaches or recommend further evaluation.

Treatment should be based on the type of hair loss rather than simply choosing a medication because it is popular online.

Can Weight Loss Cause Hair Loss?

It can. Significant or rapid weight loss can sometimes trigger increased shedding known as telogen effluvium. Illness, surgery, major stress, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies can also trigger this type of shedding. Because GLP-1 medications can lead to substantial weight loss in some patients, people taking these medications may notice increased shedding, particularly when weight loss is rapid. This does not necessarily mean the medication itself is directly damaging the hair follicles.

If you are experiencing significant hair loss while losing weight, it is worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Do I Need Bloodwork for Hair Loss?

Sometimes. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider may recommend laboratory testing to look for possible contributing factors such as thyroid abnormalities, anemia, iron deficiency, or other nutritional or hormonal concerns. Your provider can help determine whether additional testing is appropriate.

When Should Hair Loss Be Evaluated In Person?

Some types of hair loss deserve closer examination.

You should consider an in-person medical or dermatologic evaluation if you experience:

1. Sudden or severe hair loss
2. Circular or patchy areas of complete hair loss
3. Scalp pain, redness, scaling, sores, or significant itching
4. Scarring of the scalp
5. Hair loss involving the eyebrows or eyelashes
6. Other new or unexplained symptoms
7. Hair loss that continues despite treatment

These findings may indicate a condition that requires physical examination or additional testing.

Hair Loss Treatment From Home

You do not necessarily have to wait months for an appointment just to start asking questions about your hair.

For eligible adults in New Jersey, Qare provides access to licensed healthcare providers through telehealth.

Start with an online intake and discuss your hair loss, medical history, medications, and treatment goals with a provider.

When prescription treatment is medically appropriate, your provider can discuss available options with you. If your hair loss needs laboratory testing, an in-person examination, or specialist care, your provider can recommend appropriate next steps.

Your hair is changing. You deserve to know why.

Qare

Modern Virtual Healthcare.

Now serving New Jersey.

Visit getqare.com to get started.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Haroon Arshad, MD

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription treatment is provided only when determined to be medically appropriate by a licensed healthcare professional.