Hair loss, commonly referred to as alopecia, is a major problem affecting many people all over the world. Physiologically, men are more at risk of developing hair loss than women do but many women also suffer from the same. Hair loss does not cause health problems but is a serious emotional as well as cosmetic burden especially for women who value their hair so much.
Types of Hair Loss
There are several types of hair loss depending on the pattern as well as the degree of involvement of the body. Discussing all the types is beyond the scope of this article. Here we will discuss only the most common types of hair loss.
Androgenic alopecia is perhaps the most common type of hair loss in both men and women although the former is more at risk. For men, the condition is also referred to as male-pattern baldness. It is characterized by receding of hair from the temples or continuous thinning of the hair on the crown of the head. The most severe form of male-pattern baldness is alopecia universalis in which there is complete loss if hair in both scalp and the body.
Alopecia areata is another common type of hair loss. It results from destruction of the hair follicles by aberrant immune system. What causes this loss of tolerance to hair follicles is not known. It is thought that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system is directed specifically at the hair follicles on the scalp and the rest of the body.
Causes of Hair Loss
Nevertheless, just what causes hair loss? So many myths have been advanced to explain the causes of hair loss and these may affect negatively any attempts to treat it. Some people have blamed it on wearing tight hats, frequent trimming or shaving, blow-drying, hair styling products and dyes, towel drying and other myths.
The actual causes of hair loss may include genetics as well as environmental factors in both men and women.
Male gender, age and genetics: The male-pattern baldness results from high concentrations of the male hormone testosterone and its active metabolites. Age is another factor because the rate of synthesis of the hair reduces. Some people are also genetically predisposed.
Hormonal imbalances: Disorders causing hormonal imbalances such as hyperactive or hypoactive thyroid, hyperactive adrenal (causing increase levels of androgens) can cause hair loss.
Infection and disease: Certain skin infections such as those caused my fungi can cause hair loss. In addition, some diseases not involving the skin can also cause hair loss. Examples of such diseases include diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Medication: The side effects of certain drugs such as contraceptives, blood pressure control medications, heart disease drugs and antidepressants can cause hair loss.
Pregnancy: Some pregnant women experience temporary hair loss. The cause of this is hormonal changes, which reverts to normal soon after delivery.
Treatment of Hair Loss
One of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding hair loss is that it is non-treatable and that once the process has started, it cannot be halted. Hair loss can be halted and re-growth stimulated by a number of products and medical procedures. Here are some of the ways hair loss can be treated.
Keeping skin, hair and scalp clean to discourage the growth of fungi and bacteria that may cause hair loss.
Medications such as minoxidil (Rogaine), antiandrogens, finasteride (Propecia) and herbal preparations (saw palmetto) have shown to be effective in the treatment of hair loss.
Treatment of the underlying disease responsible for the hair loss may treat the disease.
Hair transplant may also help in some situations but like any other surgery it has side effects and quite expensive.
Before choosing the any kind of treatment for your hair loss, you need to consider some issues. You must consider seeing a specialist. You must also ensure that the drugs are approved by FDA. Finally, these treatment options may take quite long and so you must be patient.
