Androgenic Alopecia in Men and Women – Treatments Available at 1 Health Christchurch

Bernard Teo • 17 August 2025

What is Androgenic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss)?

Balding man with thinning dark hair on the top of his head.

Androgenic alopecia—also known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern hair loss in women—is the most common cause of hair thinning worldwide. It’s a progressive condition influenced by genetics and hormones.

In men: usually presents as a receding hairline and thinning crown.
In women: more often shows as general thinning across the scalp without complete baldness.

If left untreated, hair loss tends to worsen over time. The good news is that effective medical treatments are available.

Causes of Thinning Hair

The main factor in androgenic alopecia is sensitivity to androgens (male hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, or DHT). But hair thinning can also be made worse by:

Thyroid issues
Iron or vitamin deficiencies
Hormonal changes (e.g. PCOS, menopause)
Stress or underlying medical conditions

This is why a comprehensive health assessment is recommended, not just a focus on the scalp.

Effective Hair Loss Treatments at 1 Health Christchurch

At 1 Health, our doctors provide evidence-based treatments for hair loss that are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.

💊 Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness

Works by reducing DHT levels, slowing or reversing hair loss in men.
Not recommended for women of childbearing age.

💧 Minoxidil for Men and Women

A topical treatment that stimulates hair follicles and improves blood flow to the scalp.
Safe for both men and women with consistent use.

🌿 Hormonal Treatments for Women (e.g. Spironolactone)

Especially helpful for women with hormonal hair loss due to PCOS or menopause.
Reduces the impact of androgens, preventing further thinning.

Why Book a Full Health Check-Up at 1 Health?

Hair loss is sometimes just the tip of the iceberg. At 1 Health in Christchurch, we encourage patients to book our comprehensive head-to-toe health check package, which allows us to:

Rule out underlying causes of hair loss (thyroid, iron, hormonal imbalance).
Tailor treatment to your overall health, not just your hair.
Support your long-term wellbeing.

Take the Next Step – Regain Confidence and Health

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, balding, or scalp changes, don’t wait until it gets worse. Our friendly team at 1 Health Christchurch is here to support you with proven treatments and a full health approach.

👉 Book your comprehensive health check today and take control of your hair and your health..

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Woman in bed, grimacing, holding cheeks, possibly in pain.

Why you grind your teeth at night and how to stop it

30 September 2025

Have you been waking with a sore jaw? Experiencing unexplained headaches, or teeth that look more worn than you remember? If so, you might be experiencing night-time teeth grinding. Known medically as bruxism, this condition is surprisingly common. For some people it’s occasional, while for others it becomes a nightly habit with serious consequences. At 1 Health Christchurch, we see patients every week who had no idea they were grinding until the signs became impossible to ignore. With the right dental care, bruxism can be managed effectively, and often with a simple, comfortable dental solution. What is bruxism? Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth , most often occurring during sleep. Because it happens subconsciously, many people don’t realise they grind until they notice the after-effects: tooth wear, jaw tension, or being told by a partner that their grinding is keeping them awake. There are two forms of bruxism. Awake bruxism is usually linked to stress or deep concentration, while sleep bruxism is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. Both cause the same long-term damage to teeth and jaw joints. How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth at night? Bruxism shows itself in a variety of ways. Some are obvious dental issues; others are more general health complaints you may not immediately connect to your teeth. If the following symptoms of bruxism are relatable, it’s worth arranging a consultation at our dental clinic in Christchurch to investigate further.

A doctor with curly hair in a yellow dress consults with a patient at a desk; stethoscope, sharps container present.

Worried about your skin? When to book a skin cancer check in Christchurch

30 September 2025

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, estimated to account for about 80% of all new cancers diagnosed in the country each year. Yet despite this, many people delay or skip regular skin cancer checks, sometimes until it’s too late. The reality is that most skin cancers can be successfully treated if caught early. Understanding when and how to book a skin cancer check in Christchurch is crucial for early detection. Despite our high risk of skin cancer, many people delay or avoid booking a skin cancer check. Some of the most common reasons include: I don’t have time. Life is busy, and health checks can fall to the bottom of the to-do list. I don’t want to waste the doctor’s time. Many people worry they’ll book an appointment only to be told it’s ‘just a mole.’ But 1 Health GPs in Christchurch would much rather confirm it’s harmless than risk missing something serious. I don’t know what to look for. Self-checking can feel confusing if you’re unsure what’s normal. That’s exactly why professional checks exist, your doctor knows the warning signs. It’s probably nothing. This is one of the most dangerous assumptions. Skin cancers often start small and seemingly harmless, but they can change quickly. No referral is necessary to see the team at 1 Health, we’ve consciously designed our skin check service to be convenient and accessible , with weekend appointments available and flexible payment options such as Afterpay. A thorough skin check with a dermatoscope takes just 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day, even during a lunch break. It’s a small investment of time that could save your life.