Hair Loss

Hair loss is a condition that occurs for many reasons and that affects both man and women. When we speak of hair loss in men, we are often referring to Male Pattern Baldness, which is a normal, though undesirable condition where a genetic predisposition plays a role. Women also suffer from pattern hair loss, which affects 50% of women, in varying degrees, by age 50. Women, like men, may experience thinning and weakening of scalp hair as they age. Other causes of hair loss can include Alopecia Areata, and medications. Read the hair transplant glossary of terms.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male Pattern Baldness is a genetic condition that is very common in men. It affects 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 50. It is thought to be a genetic condition. Men with hair loss have scalp follicles that are genetically adversely affected by a normal androgen called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT eventually kills the hair, except for hairs at the back of the head, which are DHT resistant. This DHT resistance at the back of the head forms the basis of all hair transplantation. Male Pattern Baldness is sometimes called Androgenic Alopecia or Androgenetic Alopecia. There is no known cure for Male Pattern Baldness, and the only effective medications available today are anti-androgen drugs, such as Finasteride or Minoxidil. Although many herbal companies make claims about their products, there is no data to back up these claims. Currently, hair transplant surgery is the only permanent solution. Some day, perhaps 20 years down the road, hair cloning may be a reality, but many tests and trials must be conducted and approval sought before cloning becomes available to the general population.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss affects 50% of women by age 50. Hair loss in women tends to be a diffuse thinning along the center line of the scalp widening in the worst cases of the condition. The hair line in women is usually unaffected. The Ludwig Scale shows the pattern clearly. Women, like men, can be treated with Minoxidil. The drug Finasteride is not approved for use with women. Hair loss in women can be caused by a variety of factors tied to hormones, including: thyroid problems, pregnancy, and menopause.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia is condition in which hair is lost from the scalp, and sometimes the body. The condition often forms spots of baldness on the scalp. It is thought that Alopecia is hereditary and may be triggered by auto-immune dysfunction or stress. In about 50% of cases, hair will regrow within one year without any treatment. This hair loss condition affections .01-.02% of the population and affects both men and women.Read more information at at National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Drug Induced Hair Loss

There are many drugs that can cause temporary hair loss, including:

  • Acne medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Birth Control Pills
  • Cholesterol Medications
  • Immuno Suppresants
  • Cancer Treatment Drugs
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Hormone Replacement Drugs
  • Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatories
  • Steroids
  • Thyroid Medications
  • Weight Loss Medications

For a thorough description, read the article Drug Induced Hair Loss at WebMD.