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WHAT REALLY CAUSES HAIR LOSS?
Dating
as far back as history will take us, baldness has
been a part of the aging process that many men fear the
most. Before Rogaine, hair transplants and hair
additions, men coped in various ways from magic
ointments to the styling of their hair. Julius Caesar
grew his hair long in the back and combed it all
forward. Napoleon did the same thing. Somehow we often
disregard history and the fact that this has been an age
old condition. We can't imagine or accept the fact that
there is not a cure.
Understanding the cause of male pattern hair loss may
better indicate exactly why it presently has no cure.
ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA - the modem medical term
for either male or female pattern hair loss - can be
broken down in two parts.
First,
Androgenetic, consisting of ANDROGEN
(Any of the various hormones that control the appearance
and development of masculine characteristics such as
testosterone). And GENETIC--the
inheritance of genes from either the mother or the
father's side of the family. Add AGE,
which when coupled with genetics, represents a time
clock that will signal the hair follicle to produce an
enzyme named 5 alpha reductase. When the testosterone
present in the follicle combines with the enzyme 5 alpha
reductase, it produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Hair follicle receptors are sensitive to DHT and thereby
start the process of male or female pattern hair loss.
Second,
ALOPECIA meaning hair loss, of which
there are many types.
Put simply,
scientists are working against aging, hormones and
genetics. This is no easy task. Add the fact that male
or female pattern hair loss is not life threatening, and
it is easy to see why many physicians do not view hair
loss as a priority in scientific research.
What is
working for you in terms of research is that large
pharmaceutical firms now know that a cure for hair loss
could mean a fortune in revenue for their companies and
stockholders. This is fuel enough and the race HAS
begun.
Although we
may not see a cure in our lifetime, it is possible.
Science is closer to understanding hair loss due to many
recent advancements. To say the cure is around the
corner would only be speculation but hope certainly is
alive.
UNTIL THEN...
Since there are other causes of hair loss, it
is advisable to consult with a dermatologist who is
competent and experienced with diagnosing hair loss.
Confirming the type of hair loss you have will make it
possible for you to know which treatment options may be
best for you.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
-
Alopecia areata: Generally
thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Causes
"patchy" hair loss, often in small circular areas in
different areas of the scalp.
-
Alopecia totalis: Total hair
loss of the scalp, (an advanced form of alopecia
areata).
-
Alopecia universalis: Hair
loss of the entire body, (also an advanced form of
alopecia areata).
-
Traction alopecia: Hair loss
caused by physical stress and tension on the hair
such as prolonged use of hair weaving, corn rows
etc. Done too tightly on weak hair these can cause
permanent hair loss.
-
Telogen effiuvium: (usually
temporary hair loss) Caused by Physical stress,
emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities, medications
and hormonal causes normally associated with
females.
-
Anagen effiuvium: Generally
due to internally administered medications, such as
chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair
follicle.
All of
these represent only a few of the different types of
hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia represents close to 95%
of all hair loss however.
Treatment Options Available for
Male Pattern Hair Loss
-
Learning to live with hair loss. Often the
assistance of a professional counselor can be
helpful in coping with hair loss.
-
Hair styling and cosmetic techniques such as
permanent waves and hair colors. The proper haircut
alone can make a vast difference in diffusing hair
loss.
-
Rogaine, the only FDA approved topical treatment for
male or female pattern hair loss. Although Rogaine
is not effective in stimulating new hair growth in
many males, it appears to be more effective in
retarding hair loss in a substantial amount of both
male and females. (Available in the U.S. only
through prescription).
-
Hair Replacement Systems have made many advances in
both appearance and more secure attachment methods.
-
Hair Replacement Surgery has also made many advances
towards more natural appearing results.
-
A combination of Hair Replacement Systems with Hair
Replacement Surgery.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
(Androgenetic Alopecia)
The most
common type of hair loss seen in women is
androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern
alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning
predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It
affects approximately one-third of all susceptible
women, but is most commonly seen after menopause,
although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair
fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day.
Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss
occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily
hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can
come from either parents side of the family.
There are
two different types of hair loss, medically known as
anagen effluvium and Telogen
effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to
internally administered medications, such as
chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair
follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased
number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.
The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:
-
Physical stress: surgery, illness,
anemia, rapid weight change.
-
Emotional stress: mental illness,
death of a family member.
-
Thyroid abnormalities.
-
Medications: High doses of Vitamin
A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
-
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth
control pills, menopause.
When the
above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or
altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.
Diet
Considerations
Hair loss
may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs
which are designed or administered under the direction
of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary
supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular.
Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a
necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss
associated with dieting. From a dermatologists's
standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair
loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss.
Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in
vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.
Physical and Emotional Stress
Surgeries,
severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair
loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair
during periods of stress since it is not necessary for
survival and instead devotes its energies toward
repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is
a three month delay between the actual event and the
onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another
three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair
regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and
regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when
induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some
health conditions which may go undetected that can
contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low
blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these
conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive
blood test.
Hormonal Considerations
Hormonal
changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many
women do not realize that hair loss can occur after
pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control
pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss
may be delayed by three months following the hormonal
change and another three months will be required for new
growth to be fully achieved.
Myths Related to Hair Loss
-
Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
-
Hats
and wigs cause hair loss.
-
100
strokes of the hair brush daily will create
healthier hair.
-
Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and
other cosmetic treatments.
Women are expected to develop significant hair loss
if they are healthy.
-
Shaving
one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
-
Standing on one's head will cause increased
circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth!
-
Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
-
There
are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to
grow thicker and faster.
-
Stress
causes permanent hair loss.
-
Hair
loss does not occur in the late teens or early
twenties.
-
Hair
loss affects only intellectuals.
-
There
is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.
These are
only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and
other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The
American Hair Loss Council suggests that you first have
your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist
who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you
know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding
of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.
Treatment Options Available for
Female Pattern Hair Loss
-
Perms,
color and other cosmetic options to give a fuller
appearance to hair.
-
Medical
therapy - Rogaine (topical minoxidil). Rogaine is
the only FDA approved medication currently available
for female pattern hair loss.
-
Hair
Transplant Surgery - Modern surgical techniques have
made transplantation for females a viable treatment
option providing they are qualified candidates and
have realistic expectations.
-
Hair
Replacement Hair Systems -- Modern forms of hair
additions have also made recent improvements in
simulating a natural appearance. A consultation with
a skilled specialist to discuss your options is
advised.
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