About

Hair loss isn't just cosmetic. It's medical.

Pennoyer Dermatology treats the root causes of hair loss using advanced dermatologic therapies — stabilizing loss and promoting future growth for both men and women.

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Pennoyer MD offers a variety of solutions which both stabilize hair loss and promote future growth for men and for women.

About 50 million American men and 30 million women have male- or female-pattern baldness. While it can occur at any time, it is much more common after the age of 50. With new procedures, you can reverse hair loss with no downtime or side effects.

Poor scalp health can also contribute to damaged and thinning hair and can inhibit the growth of healthy hair. Pennoyer MD offers treatments for a healthy scalp, which is the foundation for healthy hair.

Common conditions we treat

Hair loss takes many forms. Expand any condition below to learn more about its causes and how it can be treated.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of thinning hair in women, typically developing gradually over time. Unlike male pattern baldness, women usually experience diffuse thinning across the crown and top of the scalp rather than complete bald spots. Genetics, aging, hormonal shifts, and changes in hair growth cycles can all contribute to the condition. Many women first notice a widening part, reduced ponytail volume, or increased scalp visibility under bright light. Although it is not medically dangerous, it can significantly affect confidence, self-image, and emotional wellbeing. Early intervention often provides the best chance of slowing progression and preserving density. Treatments may include topical medications, oral therapies, low-level laser therapy, PRP treatments, or lifestyle support aimed at improving scalp and follicle health. A professional evaluation can help identify contributing factors and determine the most effective approach for long-term hair restoration and maintenance.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. It is primarily driven by genetics and sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles over time. The condition often begins with a receding hairline, thinning at the temples, or hair loss at the crown, eventually progressing in a predictable pattern. While some men experience mild thinning, others may develop extensive baldness over the years. Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the late teens or twenties and tends to progress with age. Although it is a natural condition, it can impact self-esteem and confidence. Treatment options may include topical medications, oral prescriptions, PRP therapy, laser treatments, scalp micropigmentation, or hair transplantation procedures. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans can help slow hair loss and support healthier, fuller-looking hair.

Hormonal Hair Loss

Hormonal hair loss occurs when changes in the body's hormone levels disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Fluctuations involving estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, or cortisol can all contribute to increased shedding or thinning hair. This type of hair loss is common during menopause, thyroid disorders, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), and other endocrine imbalances. Some individuals notice diffuse thinning across the scalp, while others experience widening parts or excessive shedding during washing and brushing. Hormonal hair loss may develop gradually or appear suddenly depending on the underlying cause. Because hormones play a major role in regulating hair follicle activity, identifying and treating the root imbalance is often essential for long-term improvement. Treatment may include hormone management, nutritional support, stress reduction, topical therapies, oral medications, or regenerative procedures such as PRP. A comprehensive medical evaluation can help determine the underlying triggers and guide a customized treatment strategy.

Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss

Post-pregnancy hair loss, also called postpartum shedding, is a common and temporary condition many women experience after childbirth. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels help keep hair in the growth phase longer than usual, often making hair appear thicker and fuller. After delivery, hormone levels shift rapidly, causing a large number of hairs to enter the shedding phase at the same time. This can lead to noticeable hair loss around the hairline, temples, and throughout the scalp, typically beginning two to four months postpartum. While the amount of shedding can feel alarming, it is usually a normal part of the body's recovery process. Most women see improvement within six to twelve months as hormone levels stabilize and normal growth cycles return. Gentle hair care, nutraceuticals, proper nutrition, stress management, and targeted scalp treatments may help support regrowth and improve overall hair health during the postpartum recovery period.

Stress-Related Hair Loss

Stress-related hair loss occurs when physical or emotional stress disrupts the body's normal hair growth cycle. Significant life events, illness, surgery, emotional trauma, chronic anxiety, rapid weight loss, or prolonged exhaustion can trigger excessive shedding known as telogen effluvium. In this condition, a larger number of hair follicles shift prematurely into the resting phase, leading to noticeable thinning several weeks or months after the stressful event. Many individuals experience increased hair accumulation in the shower, on pillows, or during brushing. Although stress-related hair loss is often temporary, ongoing stress can prolong shedding and interfere with healthy regrowth. Addressing the root source of stress is an important part of recovery. Treatment may include nutritional support, stress management techniques, improved sleep habits, scalp therapies, and medical evaluation to rule out additional contributing factors. With proper care and recovery, many people regain normal hair density over time.

Genetic Hair Loss

Genetic hair loss is an inherited condition that affects both men and women and is one of the leading causes of progressive hair thinning worldwide. The condition occurs when genetically sensitive hair follicles gradually shrink over time, producing finer, weaker hairs with each growth cycle. While genetic hair loss often follows recognizable patterns, the severity and age of onset can vary greatly from person to person. Family history is a strong contributing factor, but hormonal influences, aging, stress, and lifestyle factors may also affect progression. Some individuals notice thinning at the crown or temples, while others experience diffuse reduction in overall hair density. Because genetic hair loss tends to progress gradually, early treatment can play an important role in preserving existing hair and supporting regrowth. Common treatment options include topical medications, oral therapies, PRP injections, laser treatments, hair restoration procedures, and personalized scalp care plans designed to strengthen follicles and improve hair density.

GLP-1 Drug-Related Hair Loss

Hair loss associated with GLP-1 medications has become an increasing concern among individuals using these drugs for weight loss or diabetes management. Medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide can contribute to hair shedding indirectly, often as a result of rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, reduced protein intake, or physical stress placed on the body during significant metabolic changes. This type of hair loss is commonly temporary and may resemble telogen effluvium, where more hair follicles shift into the shedding phase at the same time. Patients may notice increased shedding several months after beginning treatment or after rapid changes in body weight. In many cases, hair growth improves once the body stabilizes and nutritional balance is restored. Supporting healthy regrowth may involve optimizing protein intake, correcting vitamin deficiencies, managing stress, and maintaining overall scalp health. A medical evaluation can help determine whether additional factors are contributing to the shedding process.

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