Hair Loss and Its Causes

The most common cause of hair loss is Male or Female Pattern Baldness (MPB or FPB), which is an irreversible hereditary condition. Trauma or stress can cause rapid, yet temporary hair loss. Hair loss is also a reaction to certain drugs such as Levitra, Viagra or some antibiotics. Individuals who have had surgery or lack certain vital vitamins in their diet may suffer significant hair loss. This condition may also be a symptom of skin infections, anaemia or other hormonal fluctuations.
 
Treatments for Hair Loss

Some of the treatments for hair loss include laser hair therapy or herbal oil remedies. In cases where hair loss is permanent, cosmetic treatments such as hair weaving or hair bonding may be used. When aggravated by a hormone deficiency or imbalance, supplementing the body’s need for these hormones can cause hair re-growth. Hair loss as a result of vitamin deficiencies may also be treated with changes in diet. 

Hair loss has affected many more people in this decade than during the previous ten years due to increased stress, pollution and other lifestyle changes. A good diagnosis to identify the causes of hair loss can help treat the problem early, ensuring a better chance of success.

There are a number of causes for this particular problem and in addition to factors, including age and hair-related medical conditions, it can also occur during treatment such as chemotherapy or as the result of stress and anaemia. Those with conditions such as vitiligo, thyroid disease or diabetes are also more likely to develop hair-related conditions, such as alopecia.

Symptoms of conditions such as alopecia areata and male and female-pattern baldness include gradual hair loss. Pattern baldness is more common in men and usually begins with a receding hairline. The condition is hereditary and in some cases can lead to a complete loss of hair. Signs of alopecia include loss of patches of hair and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. Alopecia can also affect the fingernails.

In some cases, hair will grow back without any treatment being necessary. This is usually the case with patients who have completed treatments such as chemotherapy. If you experience problems such as male and female-pattern baldness, then a doctor may be able to provide you with treatment such as propecia, which is usually prescribed for males and minoxidril, which is used for women. For alopecia, no complete cure is available, though in some cases, the hair may grow back. Some sufferers of alopecia choose to wear a wig to disguise the loss of hair.

The first signs of male pattern baldness is characterised by a receding hairline and noticeably thinner hair.  A bald patch gradually becomes apparent in the middle of the scalp, which becomes larger until eventually there is very little hair left.

Nearly all men will have developed some degree of male pattern baldness by the time they reach the age of 60.  However, the age at which male pattern baldness begins varies between individuals.  By the age of 30, 30 percent of men will have developed male pattern baldness and by the age of 50, 50 percent of men will be noticeably bald.

Two treatments are available to help male pattern baldness: Finasteride, which is sold under the brand name of Propecia, and Minoxidil, which is sole under the trade name of Regaine.

Propecia prevents the hormone testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, it works by leaving hair follicles unaffected and they are able to enlarge as normal.

Two in three men find Propecia for hair loss to be effective at increasing hair growth.  One in three men do not experience an increase in hair growth as a result of Propecia use, but find that the drug prevents further hair loss.

Male pattern baldness is caused by hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT causes the hair follicles to miniaturise which shortens the lifespan of the affected hair follicles.  Over time affected hair follicles will cease production of cosmetically acceptable hair.

The onset of male pattern baldness is characterised by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown.  This pattern gradually progresses into more evident baldness across the top of the scalp. 

Male pattern baldness can be treated, but the success of treatment is dependent upon early intervention.  A man must commence on a course of treatment as soon as he notices the onset of male pattern baldness. 

Two treatments proved a success in treating male pattern baldness are Finasteride, also known as the brand name of Proscar and Propecia, and Minoxidil, which goes by the brand name of Rogaine.

Propecia is a synthetic antiandrogen used to prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT.  Propecia is a licensed drug used to treat male pattern baldness.  Any man in possession of a prescription can buy Propecia today to ensure that they do not miss out on treating their hair loss. 

Propecia can lower the scalp levels of DHT by approximately 60 percent when taken daily, preventing the progression of male pattern baldness in approximately 86 percent of men using it.  In 65 percent of men, the drug may cause a substantial increase in hair growth.

On average, the human head has around 100,000 hairs at any one time.  Each of these hairs grows for two to four years and has a rest period lasting another two to four years before falling out.  Each day an average of 85 hairs fall out and are replaced by new growth.  When this process is disturbed, baldness can follow.

The two main types of alopecia are alopecia areata, where hair falls out in patches, and diffuse alopecia, male pattern baldness, that also occurs in women as female pattern baldness.

Alopecia areata involves patches of baldness that come and go, and is commonest in young people.  A problem with the immune system is thought to be the cause.  There is no approved treatment for this condition.

Male and female pattern baldness is associated with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is formed from male hormone testosterone.  DHT affects hair by shortening the growth phase and causes thinning of the hair.  Propecia (finasteride) works by blocking an enzyme called 5a-reductase that would normally change testosterone into DHT.

When taken daily, genuine Propecia has been shown to stop hair loss within a year in 99 per cent of men tested.  Unfortunately, the medication will not work for women and may be dangerous in pregnant women.

Propecia is not recommended for people older than 50 and will not work when a state of complete baldness has been reached.  It is best used as early as possible before widespread baldness has occurred.

This type of hair loss is associated with male hormones and is also called androgenic alopecia.  Testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and it is this substance that disrupts the usual hair growth cycle.  The rate of hair loss varies and some men become completely bald within five years whereas for others the progress is slower and takes up to 25 years.

Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription drug, not available on the NHS, which has been shown to be extremely effective at stopping hair loss.  It contains a DHT inhibitor and was originally developed, and used successfully, as a treatment for the condition Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

A series of clinical trials have shown that Propecia stopped hair loss in 90 per cent of men tested and, over a five-year period, 66 per cent of the men who took the daily 1mg dose regrew hair that had been lost.  The medication was effective in both the crown area and at the hairline.  Men in the trial control group, who did not take Propecia, all lost hair over the five years that the trial ran.

Men considering using Propecia for hair loss should bear in mind that once the medication is stopped, the effects wear off and hair loss starts once again.

If a physician recommends Propecia for hair loss, men should first notify their physician of any medications they are taking and health conditions they currently have.  Propecia is for use by men only, and cannot be used for treatment of hair loss in women or children.  Women who are pregnant should not touch a Propecia pill that has been crushed or damaged, as the ingredients can cause birth defects. 

As with all medications, there is a slight risk that Propecia for hair loss may cause side effects, including allergic reactions, an inability to achieve an erection, decreased sexual desire and testicular pain.

Propecia is available through prescription by a medical professional.  To buy Propecia today, men can order Propecia through online pharmacies.  It may be necessary to continue taking Propecia for hair loss for three months before results are noticeable.  After 12 months of use, men will be able to see if Propecia is working successfully or not.  If Propecia for hair loss is not effective, other treatment options may be explored.   

In cases of pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles may become weak and thin, which results in hairs falling out.  Another form of alopecia, known as alopecia areata, is an autoimmune illness that causes hair to fall out and grow back.  Individuals who have a family history of alopecia are at a greater risk of losing their hair.

Hormonal factors that may cause hair loss include: testosterone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction or menopause.  Women who have recently had a baby or have stopped taking birth control pills may experience an imbalance of hormone levels, which can cause hair loss.  Propecia for hair loss is not recommended for use in women or children.

Certain medications and medical treatments, such as antidepressants or chemotherapy, may also contribute to hair loss.  Other causes of this condition include poor diet and nutrition, which may cause low levels of protein and iron in the body.  Infections, scar tissue and diabetes are also contributing causes of hair loss.

Treatment options available include chemical products to re-grow hair, surgical procedures to transplant hair to the scalp and medications.  Individuals should consult with their medical professional to determine the best course of treatment for them.  If Propecia is advised as a treatment option, men can buy Propecia today through online pharmacies.

Men often suffer from male pattern baldness.  Symptoms of this condition are a receding hairline and hair thinning at the crown.  Male pattern baldness may be caused by genetics, testosterone imbalance or age.  Propecia for hair loss is one medication available that is recommended for use in men who suffer from male pattern baldness.

Hair loss in women usually occurs as one of two kinds, which are known as anagen effluvium or telogen effluvium.  In anagen effluvium the woman may lose hair due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy.  When telogen effluvium is the cause of the hair loss, it may be due to physical or emotional stress, thyroid conditions or hormones.  Hormonal imbalances may occur when a woman discontinues use of birth control pills or after childbirth.  Poor diet and vitamin deficiencies may also cause hair loss.

Children who experience hair loss usually have some type of alopecia.  When alopecia occurs a child may experience patches of hair loss due to disease, or loss of hair due to chemical treatments and damage to the hair follicles.  Diseases may be caused by a fungal infection or auto-immune condition.