The main cause of hair loss in men and women is a hormonal imbalance or hormonal problems. The increasing levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone-based male hormone, testosterone is the principal culprit. This makes the hair follicles to turn hypersensitive. When there is an excess of DHT produced by the body, the hair follicles respond to DHT, making your hair shorter and thinner than normal. When the hair becomes thin, begin to fall.
One of the more troubling aspects of hair loss treatment is the tendency of many people to seek solutions without first determining what has caused their loss in the first place.
At best, sufferers may waste money to ' cures ' wonder if inappropriate or even legitimate treatments that unfortunately are not suitable for their particular needs. In the worst cases, some people may risk their health by self prescribe medicines potent medicines. I don't have a problem with those who suffer from hair loss saving money by buying cheap generic drugs on the internet, but I feel strongly that they should at least seek confirmation from their doctor that a given drug matches their individual needs.
Before examining the most common causes of premature hair loss we need to understand that some shedding of hair is perfectly normal. Hair grows from follicles that are tiny organs in the skin designed to grow a single hair that follows this repetitive cycle:
1. long Growth period (anagen phase)-this phase lasts usually from two to seven years with an average growth rate of six inches (15 cm) each year.
2. Short transition period (catagen phase)-this transitional period lasts for about two to four weeks. During this phase the hair detaches and moves upward within the follicle.
3. rest period (telogen phase)-this phase lasts about three months allowing the hair to come off before falling.
At this point the new hair begins to grow thus repeating the normal hair growth cycle. Unfortunately, a number of factors can interfere with the natural hair growth process that leads to forms of hair thinning or premature baldness.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, probably accounting for 95% of pattern hair loss for both men and women. It is usually associated with aging and develops in stages predictable periods of time variables. Each follicle follows a genetically programmed growth cycle with some follicles coded to remain active for a shorter time than the other. This involves the development of hereditary baldness patterns that are so familiar to everyone.
For this type of hair loss to occur, the following factors must be present:
1. a genetic predisposition for hair loss to occur (as explained above).
2. the presence of male hormones.
3. aging-in other words, enough time for the first two factors of influence.
All men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These have a useful role to play in both sexes but obviously occur in different concentrations. Are the highest levels of androgens found in males that explains why this form of hair loss affects men more than women.
In short, these hormones affect the hair growth cycle as follows.
1. High levels of 5-alpha-reductase occur in some cells of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands.
2. 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT.
3. DHT causes the hair to miniaturize terminals.
4. This leaves short, soft, soft vellus hairs that provide inadequate coverage scalp.
5. The growth phases gradually shorter until these hairs are lost forever.
Alopecia areata is thought to be a disease of the immune system that causes follicles to produce hair in patches on the head. In severe cases you can move on to the stage where you lose all the hair on his head (alopecia totalis) or even a complete absence of results body hair (alopecia).
In most cases the hair alone again, but until then, the condition can be very painful for those suffering from particularly its cause can be difficult to determine. If you feel you may be suffering from this form of hair loss, seek the advice of your doctor who will perform a physical examination and blood tests to determine the cause.
Telogen effluvium is characterized by a general thinning or hair loss over a period of months and is most commonly found in people who have recently undergone trauma. Common causes include childbirth, major surgery, severe illness, psychological stress and chemotherapy. The good news is that excessive growth behavior associated with telogen effluvium is temporary and reversible.
There are numerous other less common causes of hair loss that should be discounted before a treatment cycle is chosen. Traction alopecia is hair loss from constant pulling, usually as a result of styling hair. Broken can cause hair thinning, often caused by excessive styling or exposure to chemicals and the Sun. Finally, serious illnesses or nutritional deficiencies can cause side effects that may include degrees of hair loss.
I hope this brief article has gotten across the message that diagnosing the real causes of hair loss is not always a simple process. Once you and your doctor have identified a cause, then you can work to restore your hair to its former glory. And the good news is that most forms of hair loss can be treated successfully. The next article in this series will look at some of the best hair loss treatments currently available.
