How is The London PRP Clinic different from other PRP clinics in London?

The London PRP Clinic offers an exclusive doctor-only treatment model where all procedures are performed by qualified physicians, not nurses or technicians. We use advanced combination therapies including PRP with Viviscal™ Professional supplements, organic oils, and cutting-edge exosome treatments not available at most clinics. Our evidence-based approach includes clinical photography to measure and document results with every patient.

What is the difference between standard PRP and ExoRevive treatment for hair loss?

While our advanced PRP treatment uses your own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate hair growth, ExoRevive treatment uses exosomes—tiny cell messengers containing over 1,000 growth factors and signaling proteins that communicate with hair follicles. Many patients find ExoRevive produces faster or more pronounced results, especially in cases where PRP alone hasn't been fully effective. We often recommend combining both for optimal results.

How many PRP treatments will I need for hair restoration?

Most patients require 3-4 initial PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. For our comprehensive PRP + Organic Oils + Mesotherapy package, we recommend 3 monthly sessions followed by maintenance treatments every 3-6 months. Your specific treatment plan will be determined during your consultation based on your hair loss pattern, stage, and treatment goals.

How do you ensure the quality of PRP used in your treatments?

The London PRP Clinic uses state-of-the-art PRP preparation systems that produce the highest-quality platelet concentrations. Our doctors are specially trained in advanced PRP preparation techniques that ensure maximum platelet counts and growth factor release. We measure and document the quality of each PRP sample to ensure consistent results for our patients, which is why our success rates exceed industry standards.

Are your treatments covered by medical insurance?

Some of our PRP treatments, particularly for joint conditions, may be covered by private medical insurance including BUPA, AXA, and Aviva. Hair restoration treatments are typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. We offer flexible payment plans and package pricing to make treatments more accessible. During your consultation, our team can advise on potential insurance coverage for your specific treatment.

Is there any downtime after PRP or exosome treatments?

Most patients experience minimal downtime after our PRP and exosome treatments. For scalp treatments, we recommend avoiding washing your hair for 24 hours after treatment and avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Some patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection sites for 1-2 days. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, making it truly a 'lunchtime procedure.'

Medication-Induced Hair Loss -The Overlooked Side Effect

11 Jul

Written By Mariam Elalfy

And How PRP Therapy Is Changing Lives in London

At The London PRP Clinic, Dr Catherine Mills often hears the same story from frustrated patients. One stands out: a 34-year-old woman, sitting across from her, visibly upset. Her once-thick hair was now thinning rapidly, and nothing she tried was working: supplements, topical treatments, or even consultations about hair transplants.

Then, almost as an afterthought, she mentioned starting antidepressants about six months earlier.

"That was the moment everything made sense," Dr Mills recalls. "We had been treating the wrong type of hair loss entirely."

This experience is not unique. Across London and around the world, thousands of people are silently experiencing a widely under-recognised side effect of common medications: hair loss. Despite appearing in the small print on packaging inserts, this issue is rarely discussed by prescribing physicians. Most traditional hair loss treatments fail to work because they do not address the unique mechanisms of medication-induced shedding.

Thanks to advances in regenerative medicine, particularly Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, patients now have a scientifically-backed, non-surgical solution that allows them to continue their medications whilst protecting and restoring their hair.

Understanding the Hidden Epidemic

Hair loss from medication is far more common than most people, and even many doctors, realise. Recent research published in JAMA Dermatology found that nearly half of women taking certain antidepressants experienced noticeable hair thinning. Birth control pills, blood pressure drugs, and even new-generation weight loss medications carry similar risks.

A pioneering study by Dr Antonella Tosti at the University of Miami identified over 300 medications that can trigger hair shedding or loss. Some of the most common culprits found in UK medicine cabinets include:

Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have been linked to telogen effluvium in up to 22 per cent of users.

Birth Control Pills: Both high-androgen formulations and "anti-androgenic" options can affect natural hormonal balance, leading to thinning across the scalp.

Blood Pressure Medications: Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, commonly prescribed for hypertension, show hair loss rates of 15 to 30 per cent in long-term users.

Autoimmune Treatments: Drugs used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease often list hair loss as a rare side effect, though patient experiences suggest the rate may be significantly higher.

What makes this form of hair loss especially complex is that it is not caused by genetics or ageing, and it often goes unrecognised because the timeline between starting the medication and noticing the effects can be delayed by several months.

Why Traditional Hair Loss Treatments Often Fail

Medication-induced hair loss is difficult to treat because it does not behave like typical hair thinning patterns caused by genetics or stress.

According to a major review in the British Journal of Dermatology, medications can disrupt hair growth through multiple biological pathways:

Telogen Effluvium: The most common response, where medications push hair follicles into a premature resting phase, leading to increased shedding. This process continues as long as the medication remains in the system.

Anagen Effluvium: Some medications, particularly those that affect rapidly dividing cells, can interrupt the active growth phase of the hair cycle, resulting in sudden and dramatic hair loss.

Hormonal Interference: Drugs that influence hormone levels can mimic or worsen patterns seen in genetic hair loss.

Nutritional Depletion: Certain medications interfere with the absorption of nutrients essential for hair growth, such as B vitamins, zinc, and iron.

Because of this complexity, traditional treatments like minoxidil or biotin supplements are usually inadequate. Minoxidil cannot overcome the ongoing disruption of the follicle caused by medication, and nutritional supplements may fail to address hormonal or cellular effects. Even surgical options like hair transplants may not succeed if the underlying issue is not first resolved.

A New Solution: PRP Therapy at The London PRP Clinic

In recent years, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a game-changing approach for treating hair loss, particularly when medications are the root cause.

A pivotal study published in Dermatologic Surgery focused specifically on PRP's effectiveness for medication-induced hair loss. The results were remarkable: 78 per cent of participants showed significant improvement, even whilst continuing to take the medications causing the issue.

PRP works by drawing a small sample of the patient's own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and injecting the solution directly into the scalp. These growth factors help nourish and protect the hair follicle, promote microcirculation, and reduce inflammation, effectively helping the hair resist the disruptive effects of medications.

Dr Maria Gonzalez and her team in Barcelona developed medication-specific PRP protocols, published in the International Journal of Trichology, which showed:

82 per cent improvement in antidepressant-related hair loss
74 per cent improvement for patients on hormone-based contraceptives
71 per cent improvement in those experiencing loss due to blood pressure medications

Stories of Recovery from London Patients

Jennifer, a 29-year-old teacher from Islington, was prescribed sertraline after a challenging year. Within months, she noticed her once-thick ponytail had thinned dramatically.

"My doctor said it was probably just stress," she recalls, "but I could feel something wasn't right."

After discovering the link between her medication and hair loss, Jennifer sought help at The London PRP Clinic. "I was terrified I would have to stop the medication that was helping my mental health just to keep my hair," she says. "But the team reassured me there was another way."

Following three PRP treatments, her hair density improved by over 40 per cent based on trichoscopy measurements. "I'm still taking my medication, but now I feel like myself again. Losing my hair made my anxiety worse. Getting it back helped me regain control."

Preventing Hair Loss Before It Starts

At The London PRP Clinic, we not only treat hair loss but also work to prevent it. For patients about to begin high-risk medications, we offer preventive PRP treatments, designed to fortify follicles in advance.

These protocols typically include:

Baseline trichoscopy and photography to track changes
Nutritional optimisation to address deficiencies before they worsen
Early PRP therapy to strengthen follicle resilience before medication begins
Scalp care and stress management support during the transition

Clinical studies show these strategies can reduce the incidence of hair loss by up to 65 per cent in patients starting medications known to cause shedding.

The Science of PRP Protection

PRP offers more than just regrowth. It creates a protective environment for the follicle by:

Enhancing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair root
Activating stem cells within the follicle to sustain growth
Reducing inflammation often triggered by systemic medications
Strengthening the anchoring structure of the hair to prevent shedding

These combined effects make PRP an ideal therapy for patients who need to stay on their medications but want to avoid or reverse the effects on their hair.

How to Recognise Medication-Induced Hair Loss

Not all hair loss is caused by medication. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it is worth having a consultation:

Hair loss began two to four months after starting or increasing a medication
Hair is shedding diffusely, rather than in a specific pattern
Hair texture has changed: it may be finer, weaker, or more brittle
Scalp feels tender, itchy, or unusually sensitive
Hair loss seems to worsen with higher dosages

At The London PRP Clinic, we use digital trichoscopy to analyse follicle patterns and telogen-anagen ratios, helping to confirm whether medication is playing a role.

A Comprehensive, Personalised Approach

Our patients receive a full-spectrum treatment plan, which may include:

Nutritional blood testing to identify drug-induced deficiencies
Customised PRP protocols tailored to specific medication classes
Pharmaceutical-grade supplements to support hair health
Targeted scalp therapies to improve the environment for regrowth
Ongoing monitoring through imaging and expert review

We also work collaboratively with GPs, dermatologists, and psychiatrists to ensure our patients receive care that supports both their overall health and aesthetic confidence.

Taking Control of Your Hair Health

Hair loss caused by medication is real and treatable. At The London PRP Clinic, we specialise in helping patients keep their hair without compromising their medical treatment.

If you suspect your medication may be contributing to hair loss, or if you are about to start a prescription with known hair-related side effects, we encourage you to contact our team. We offer confidential consultations, including WhatsApp support, to help you explore your options and take back control of your hair health.

For many patients, just knowing there is a solution changes everything.

As one client, Amy, shared after recovering from birth control-related hair loss: "I spent two years thinking I was just going bald at 32. Learning it was my pill and that I could reverse it without stopping contraception completely changed my life."

You do not have to make an impossible choice between your wellbeing and your appearance. You can have both, and it starts with a conversation.

If you suspect your medication may be affecting your hair, or want to protect against potential loss, message our team via WhatsApp for a confidential consultation. We specialise in medication-induced hair loss and can review your specific situation.

Mariam Elalfy