MALE PATTERN BALDNESS GENETICS

A Look At The Most Effective Hair Loss Cures

2006-08-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

by Cordell Varney

With hair loss becoming more and more of a problem for many men and even some women, it seems the number of hair loss cures on the market has never been greater than it is today. There are so many different purported cures for this common condition that it can be difficult to separate the ones that really work from the ones that do not.

One of the best ways to sort out the best hair loss cures is to keep on top of the latest research. Luckily the internet provides health care consumers with a wealth of information on all kinds of health conditions, including of course hair loss. Reading the latest research into the causes and cures of hair loss and male pattern baldness is one of the best ways to find the best and most effective cures for hair loss, thinning hair and baldness.

Many of us of course are looking for a permanent cure to baldness, and one such permanent cure can be a surgical hair transplant. Surgical hair transplantation involves the transplanting of hair, either from a part of the head that contains plenty of head, or even from a hair donor, and it can be very effective. However, hair transplant surgery can also have some serious side effects, including swelling and scabbing, and many men feel that the results can look somewhat artificial.

There are of course a number of non-surgical approaches to the problem of hair loss, including hair weaves. Weaving natural or artificial hair into existing hair can be a good way to provide a natural looking head of hair, but it does require some upkeep and frequent adjustments to keep your own hair and the hair weave looking natural.

Of course there are plenty of other hair loss cures on the market as well, including a number of excellent topical hair loss treatments and many over the counter and prescription oral medications. Some of the biggest and best known names in the hair loss treatment market include Propecia and Rogaine, and it is important to research these treatments to determine which ones work the best for you. As with any course of treatment, it is important to speak to your doctor to make sure the treatment is appropriate, and to keep your health care professional advised of all products you are taking to help your hair loss condition, including herbal remedies and over the counter medications as well as prescription hair loss remedies.

Dealing with hair loss is rarely an easy decision, but it is important to give it the care it deserves. Treating a hair loss problem at the first sign of trouble can greatly maximize your choices for a true cure, but waiting until the problem has progressed further may leave you with far fewer options to get rid of that hair loss problem.

About the Author
Cordell Varney has been a hair stylist for more than 20 years; consequently, she has heard and researched many hair loss treatments suggested by her clients. She has recently taken up interest in writing about hair loss on her website at http://www.fpdlab.com If you are suffering from this condition, you can benefit from Cordell's site by finding out more on hair loss remedies.

Hair Loss Stem Cell Therapy: A New Technique

2006-04-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

by Ash R

Since 1990s stem cells are used in many treatments. Nowadays for hair regeneration, hair loss stem cell therapy is proving to be a good technique.

First of all we need to know what stem cell is. Stem cells are the first building blocks of our body. We all started as a stem cell and then subsequently divided into millions of cells as we grew over time. Then a reverse process of decreasing stem cells starts, as we get older. The process gets faster if we suffer from diseases like heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes etc.

In stem cell therapy, stem cells are used as a replacement of damaged or dead cells in the body. On the scalp dead cells don't grow hair and the area becomes bare, which we call bald. Now if we replace the dead cells on the scalp with new ones through stem cell therapy then the bald spot can be transformed into an area full of hair. This is the basic premise of stem cell therapy for treating baldness. After using this therapy to treat baldness, particularly male pattern baldness, some have experienced good results and some have not had good results. The research is still on and hopefully the success rate will improve in the coming years.

In the scientific lab, stem cells are produced and then these cells are injected in the bald areas of the scalp. If the first attempt to generate hair does not work then the doctors try again but the result is not guaranteed as the process is at an initial stage. If you want to try stem cell therapy for hair loss you can contact a dermatologist for the purpose.

About the Author
To learn more visit http://beauty.resourz.com You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Male Pattern Baldness Genetics

2006-01-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

by Raj Pandey

On a daily basis, millions of people around the world depend on medications that may have adverse effects on the body, including their hair. While women and men with pattern baldness may not be able to reverse the effects of their hair loss, others may be dealing with a temporary situation.

Temporary hair loss can occur in: women who suddenly stop taking birth control pills; pregnant women at the end of their pregnancies; chemotherapy patients; and patients on certain medications.

Pregnancy and the Cause of Temporary Hair Loss:

At the end of a woman's pregnancy estrogen levels can drop drastically. As a result, the body may shed an excessive amount of hair. Fortunately, this hair loss is almost always temporary. Your hair should start re-growing within a matter of a few weeks.

Chemotherapy

It's very well known that chemotherapy can cause hair loss in patients. Most people are willing to tolerate baldness in the case of life-threatening disease, such as cancer.

Patients taking medications should consult their doctors on possible side effects that the drug may cause. If you're currently taking a medication and experiencing hair loss, you should consult with your physician immediately. Your hair loss can very likely be related to your medication if you are taking one of the following drugs:

Cholesterol-lowering Medication: clofibrate (Atromis-S) and gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Parkinson Medications: levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa)

Ulcer Medications: cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)

Anticoagulents: Coumarin and Heparin

Treatment for Gout: Allopurinol (Loporin, Zyloprim)

Antiarthritics: penicillamine, auranofin (Ridaura), indomethacin (i\Indocin), naproxen (Naprosyn), sulindac (ClinorilÒ), and methotrexate (FolexÒ)

Medications derived from vitamin-A: isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate (Tegison)

Anticonvulsants for Epilepsy: trimethadione (Tridione)

Antidepressants: tricyclics, amphetamines

Beta blocker drugs for high blood pressure: atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal) and timolol (Blocadren)

Antithyroid agents: carbimazole, Iodine, thiocyanate, thiouracil

In addition to this list of drugs, many blood thinners and male hormones can cause hair loss as well. If the medication you are taking is linked to temporary hair loss, a different medication may be prescribed. Remember, temporary hair loss means reversible. Your hair will almost always grow back.

About the Author
About The Author Raj Pandey is the creator of a hair loss product programat www.inhairit.com, and has written hundreds of articles and tips about dealing with hair loss . For more hair care tips and articles, visit www.inhairit.com

Male Pattern Baldness Cure

2005-09-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

By Calviz Versone

Technically known as alopecia, baldness means thinning
or loss of hair as a result of illness, functional disorder, or
hereditary disposition.

There could be many types of baldness, major among
these are patches of baldness getting usually grow back,
rapid shedding after childbirth, fever, or sudden weight
loss and thinning from tight braids or ponytails. baldness
can be found in males and females both, but men are
more susceptible to this phenomenon. This has been
attributed to male sex hormone called testosterone.
Some of the other culprits causing baldness are scalp
infection, oiliness or dirtiness of the scalp and hair, and
excessive lacquering of hair.

Alopecia areata is yet another cause of hair loss or
baldness, this dermatological disease is caused by
person's own immunity attacking the hair follicles.

Hair loss is not a quick fire phenomenon. Hair loss or
baldness takes a long time, unless otherwise because of
chemotherapy. Not every male will experience baldness,
but for sure, he will have thin hair over a period of time.
Although lot of research has taken place in this area,
nothing exact has been found to arrest hair loss or stop
balding process. It is estimated that around 100 hairs are
lost in a 24-hour cycle. This doesn't mean baldness.

For years wiser people have been discussing effect of
diet on baldness. Wholesome silica, calcium & iron rich
diet can reduce hair loss or arrest baldness. Studies in
the past have shown that silica therapy slowed baldness.
Shampoo containing organic silica was found to help
prevent baldness, stimulate hair growth and assure
beautiful shine, luster and strength. Outer coverings of
potatoes, green & red peppers and cucumbers contain
silica. Bean sprouts are also high in silica. Eat whole
foods including sprouts.

Good intake of vegetables can improve your vitamin C
score leading to higher iron absorption. Vitamin E is
important for healthy hair growth. Eat avocados, nuts,
seeds, and olive oil on a regular basis. If thyroid
dysfunction is the cause of baldness vitamin A and iodine
food can help prevent baldness. Eat vegetables such as
carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils
such as flax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take
turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts
and millet if there is a deficiency of iodine. Dried fruits,
green & leafy vegetables, cherry juice are good sources.
Diet should avoid these - cold foods & drinks, sugary
foods, fatty foods, animal protein, fruit, especially citrus,
tomatoes, tofu, millet, salt and dairy products.

Gastrointestinal tract can be the culprit for female
baldness. It could be a sign of insufficient stomach acids;
It could also mean a deficiency of protein, zinc and other
nutrients. Taking two acidophilus tablets after or between
meals (four to six tablets per day) for two months will
help. Females are greatly affected due to anemic
conditions, leading to accelerated baldness.

Calviz Versone is the owner of
BB Baldness
which is a premier resource for baldness information.
for more information, go to http://www.bbbaldness.com

Cure For Male Pattern Baldness

2005-08-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

Hair Loss Prevention- Why Do Castrated Men Never Go Bald?

By Whozylee Aris

Note-This content only presents overviews of hair loss
prevention research for educational purposes and does not
replace medical advice from a professional physician.

The best start to preventing hair loss is understanding the
basics of hair: what it is, how it grows, what system
malfunctions can cause it to stop growing.

Most common hair loss comes under what has been commonly
known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). Although referred to
as MPB, females suffer a similar syndrome, so it is more
properly called androgenetic alopecia. Although hair loss
is not life or health threatening, it can cause serious
problems with a personâ€™s psyche and self-confidence. There
has been no absolute cure found for hair loss, and many
factors of hair loss are hereditary, however there are
several preventative measures one can take to maintain
healthy hair and scalp.

Although both men and women can suffer significant hair
loss, over 50% of men will suffer with Male Pattern
Baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia, at
some point in their lives. The reason behind hair loss is a
genetically inherited sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) and 5-alpha-reductase. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase
converts testosterone, a male hormone, to DHT, the
substance identified as the end-cause for hair loss.

Hair loss has been noticed and studied throughout the ages,
and some interesting discoveries were made in ancient
times. For one it was noticed that eunuchs: those males
without genitals-never went bald. Men who were castrated as
a result of accidents in battle also never went bald. This
was the first indication that testosterone had something to
do with hair loss. It has also been found that the more
recessive the hair gene, the more propensity toward
baldness one has.

Some common myths have arisen concerning hair loss. Because
of medical advancements many of these myths are being
addressed and corrected. For starters, although
androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is genetic and
therefore can be hereditary, it is not passed down through
only your motherâ€™s side of the family. Either side of the
family can pass down the genetic disposition toward
baldness. Also, contrary to old family tales, wearing hats
does not cause baldness either.

Beyond the genetic propensity of certain people toward hair
loss, there seems to be various dietary triggers that
activate the process, a notion that is promising since this
can be controlled.

The effects of high-fat diets and the increase of DHT
(Dihydrotestosterone), a chemical produced by the body
found to cause hair loss, is not conclusive at this time.
However, there does seem to be a connection; as societies
that consumed relatively low-fat diets such as pre-World
War II Japan experienced almost no pattern baldness,
whereas in post-World War II Japan there is an increase in
pattern baldness as their society consumes a higher fat
diet. In fact, Asian and African men in their native
countries traditionally suffer very little Male Pattern
Baldness (MPB). Although when the same peoples come to
North America, they begin to develop MPB.

Because people of all races and ethnicities tend to develop
MPB or androgenetic alopecia, yet do not exhibit these
tendencies before moving to America, changes in diet may be
a leading contributing factor. Diets high in fat do
increase testosterone, which is the main component in DHT.
More research needs to be done on this topic to reach
conclusive evidence, although it certainly could not hurt
to lower oneâ€™s fat intake.

There are a number of foods and substances to avoid and
limit the intake of. Substances such as alcohol, caffeine,
sugar and nicotine can deplete the body of nutrients and
raise adrenal levels, which will cause a chain reaction of
producing more androgen and causing hair loss. High levels
of saturated fat and cholesterol rich foods are also linked
to increased DHT levels and their consumption should be
limited. Additionally, common table salt has been linked to
hair loss. And the average diet provides the recommended
amount of sodium intake; therefore, salt should never be
added to food. However, when using salt for seasoning
during cooking, be sure to use salt with Iodine being that
it is a nutrient that is vital to hair growth as well,
unless you are a regular consumer of seafood, which
contains high levels of Iodine.

Although hair loss can be caused by many other variables,
lack of proper nutrition will assuredly cause hair loss in
many people. Fortunately, adopting a proper diet that
includes the proper nutrients can reverse hair loss caused
by malnutrition. One thing for certain, regardless of
whether your hair loss was caused by malnutrition or not,
adopting a healthier diet will help the function of other
areas of the body.

There are some methods that have been used that prevent
hair loss on some people, in addition to the dietary
improvements, there are some naturopathic remedy
suggestions. Massage and aromatherapy have been used with
some success. In minor cases of temporary hair loss, hair
growth can be stimulated by massage, since blood and oxygen
flow to the scalp must be healthy in order for hair to
grow. A blend of six drops each of lavender and bay
essential oils in a base of four ounces of either almond,
soybean or sesame oil massaged into the scalp and allowed
to sit for 20 minutes has been used by aroma therapists to
stimulate the scalp. Once the mixture is in the scalp for
20 minutes, wash your hair and scalp with your normal
shampoo mixed with three drops of bay essential oil.
Massaging the scalp in general for a couple of minutes a
day can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and in
mild cases stimulate some hair growth. Of course, one must
be careful to be gentle when massaging and not tug at the
hair or use the fingernails when massaging the scalp. If
one is concerned about fingernails getting in the way due
to extra long fingernails, there are several options. One
is a flat-handed massage, which while not as effective as
the finger massage can provide some circulatory benefits
and results.

There are several electric massagers on the market that
have an attachment for scalp massaging as well. An oriental
method called Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) has been used
to increase circulation to the scalp and face also. The
fingers should be placed at the center of the skull base
and then begin to tap approximately 30 times. Work your way
outward toward the ears continuing to tap gently. After
reaching the ears go back to the center of the skull a
little higher up and work your way around to the ear
region. Keep going up about eight levels, each time
repeating the process.

There is a definite connection between the prostate and
hair loss for men, and therefore a connection between
breakthroughs in BPH treatments developed and their
effectiveness in restoring hair growth. There have been
some herbalists that have experimented with the herb Saw
Palmetto in order to block the production of DHT in
treating BPH. Although most studies of Saw Palmetto have
been for the treatment of prostatic disease, more recent
studies have been conducted on its effectiveness in
treating loss. The herb has been found to work in fighting
benign prostatic disease by lowering levels of DHT, which
is a known cause of androgenetic alopecia. Studies have
shown Saw Palmetto extract is an effective anti-androgen
and therefore there is promise for its effectiveness as an
effective treatment for hair loss prevention.

Rosemary and sage are two herbs that have shown benefit
traditionally when used externally. It is suggested that to
promote a clean scalp, stimulation of the hair root, and
thickening hair one should boil together in water rosemary,
sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock. Then strain the loose
herbs from the liquid and use the liquid to wash the hair
daily. Also recommended is steeping one ounce of ground
rosemary, two ounces of ground sage, and a half ounce of
ground nettles in one pint of ethyl alcohol for a week,
straining the solution and adding one ounce of castor oil
and one ounce of water to the liquid. This is said to make
a great hair lotion to apply at night before bed or just
before shampooing.

Hair is a living protein, and as with any living part of
our bodies we must be sure to maintain proper health to
optimize our chances of maintaining a healthy head of hair.
Proper nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy hair,
since the hair is a living and growing part of the bodyâ€™s
system. Viewing it in this manner can help us to treat our
bodies different and raise expectations through proper
care. A healthy balanced diet, occasionally with the help
of vitamin and mineral supplements and exercise are all key
components to a healthy regimen of maintaining healthy
hair.

There is an obvious link to hair loss and prostatic health
and this only increases the pace of hair loss discoveries.
Most treatments for prostatic diseases such as benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also have the pleasant side
affect of growing hair on the heads of those taking it.
With the pace of research and discoveries today, there is a
great deal of optimism in the field of hair loss prevention
and treatment. Hair is an important part of our dress and
appearance, therefore a large part of our self-esteem. It
is likely that there are answers for your situation
presently or coming in the near future.

Remember, the restoration of hair growth is not an
overnight process. The process takes time regardless of the
method chosen. Be patient and follow as much of the advice
given by professionals as possible. Keep in mind that the
body is a system, and it is the abuse of this system by
food intake and environmental causes that lead to most
common hair loss.

Already suffering from hair loss? Get a free Hair Loss
Analysis at
http://www.your-health-guide.com/freehairanalysis.php to
determine if you qualify for our Hair Restoration Package.

Male Pattern Baldness Remedy

2005-08-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

Coping With Male Pattern Baldness

By Richard Mitchell

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by far the most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. For it to develop, three important components must come into play:

1. A genetic predisposition for balding to occur.

2. The presence of male hormones.

3. Aging - enough time for the first two factors to occur.

Despite the common perception, familial baldness patterns are not completely reliable as predictors of future hair loss. The fact that your parent or grandparent exhibited a given pattern does not guarantee your hair loss development will be the same. However, if your father was completely bald and you begin to lose hair excessively at an early age, it's safe to assume you will develop extensive balding.

All normal men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These hormones have a useful role to play in both sexes but it is the fact that androgens occur in much higher concentrations in men that explains why this type of hair loss is more common in males.

The effect of these hormones on hair follicles is as follows:

1. High levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase occur in cells of the hair follicle.

2. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT.

3. DHT causes the robust terminal hairs to miniaturize.

4. This leaves soft, fine hairs that provide poor scalp coverage.

5. The growth phase becomes shorter until these soft hairs are lost for good.

Excessive hair loss can occur at any age and may even stop only to start again. As time progresses the process of hair loss accelerates leading to its logical conclusion.

Understanding this process helps to explain how the currently available treatments for male pattern baldness work. Propecia is one of only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments and it works by interfering with the process outlined above. In brief, Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT in the system thus slowing down and eventually stopping the adverse effects of DHT on the hair follicle.

Most of the non-drug, commercially prepared products operate on a similar basis by utilizing natural ingredients that attempt to interfere with the production of DHT. Presently the most popular natural ingredient is saw palmetto although some products combine this with other herbs such as pygeum, stinging nettle and green tea.

To find out more about these and other treatments for male pattern baldness, go to the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Androgenetic Alopecia to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Male Pattern Baldness Gene

2005-08-20T03:24:00.000-05:00

Hair Loss Types and Treatments

By Ofer Tirosh

Doctors distinguish between different types of hair loss. The male pattern hair loss is totally different from Alopecia Areata.

Male pattern hair loss (also known as common baldness, male pattern baldness or permanent pattern baldness) is the most common one for males. In fact, It is inherited. It usually involves baldness on the top of the head and a receding hair line.

On the other hand, Alopecia Areata involves patchy hair loss over the body and the head. It can involve one or more patches and even full body baldness in rare cases. Its causes are still unknown and in most cases hair regrows within first 5 years after the first patch appeared.

There are some treatments for Alopecia Areata but the proper treatment could be decided only after visiting the doctor and undergoing some blood tests.

Some of the treatments used to cure Alopecia Areata are Rogaine (minoxidil), Aloe vera gel, some herb and other natural treatments.

The treatments for male pattern hair loss are much more reliable. There is a variety of natural treatments and chemical treatments which suppose to treat hair loss.

The most recommended treatments are Propecia and Revivogen.

Propecia works on the main cause of hair loss by significantly reducing the amount of DHT. DHT is a a chemical that shrinks the hair follicle until no hair grows. Propecia actually inhibits the formation of DHT in your scalp. Lowering DHT inhibits the further shrinking of affected hair follicles.

Propecia re grows visible hair and reduces further hair loss.
In the longest hair loss clinical study where the results were measured by actual hair counts, in average more than 2 out of 3 men on Propecia re grew hair. whereas all man in the study who talk other pills lost hair.

Revivogen Scalp Therapy works by decreasing the levels of DHT in the scalp. This allows the hair follicles to rejuvenate and produce thicker and stronger hair, creating a fuller and healthier head of hair.

The combination of both remedies is the most recommended way of treating hair loss.

911 Corp. executed an independent research to find the best hair loss treatments. The results were clear. All about the results and hair loss information on stop hair loss treatments.

The bald truth about hair loss

2005-08-08T06:15:00.000-05:00

by Dr Larry Gershowitz

Although we live in a technologically advanced era, with information available to us at the touch of a computer screen, when it comes to hair loss, we are still bombarded with false and outdated facts.

Because more than 75% of males and approximately 8% of females suffer from baldness, there is a massive market of people eager to accept bogus treatments in order to restore their crowning glory.

It is a worldwide accepted scientific fact that we do not lose hair because of a lack of blood flow to the scalp. If this common myth were true, then every bald person would have gangrenous skin and their scalp would rot.

It is also logical that if there where not sufficient blood flow to the scalp, a bald person would not bleed if they cut their head.

Genetic hair loss is an inherited condition which is not life threatening, but has powerful psychological implications for the sufferer. It is caused by a sensitivity of the hair follicle (root) to the male hormone (testosterone).

It is a progressive disease which results in a progressive thinning of the hair, which eventually becomes miniaturized and disappears.

Once the hair has fallen out and bald skin appears no prayers, potions, lotions nor laser therapy could ever restore the lost hair.
Despite the fact that there are thousands of quick-fix remedies and potions, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved two products to prevent further hair loss, namely Propecia (Finasteride) and Regaine (Minoxidil). Although both have a role to play in the treatment of hair loss, they have their limitations.

There are no magic or miraculous cures for baldness.

Despite the massive advertising campaigns of ruthless businesspeople preying on the vulnerabilities of bald people to make a quick buck.

The most expensive treatment is the treatment that doesn’t work. Even if it cost R1; it is still a waste of money. Hair transplantation is the only permanent solution to this age-long problem. Hair is replaced in a natural and undetectable fashion. Using the latest international techniques, hair is relocated from an area where it is not pre-pro-grammed to fall out (donor area on the sides of the head). The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is less painful than a visit to the dentist.
It is totally undetectable and no one will be aware that it has been done.

The transplanted follicles only start growing three to four months following the procedure. Because these follicles are not predisposed to fall out, they will continue to grow forever. The transplanted hair will never fall out.
Our doctors at the clinic have performed more than 3000 procedures and offer all their patients a 100% guarantee.

Today baldness is an option – it is no longer compulsory.

Contact us for a free medical assessment to find out what your options are.

Dr Larry Gershowitz

For more information visit
www.mediscapes.com
or email us at info@mediscapes.com

Male Pattern Baldness Genetics

2005-04-23T07:29:00.000-05:00

How To Choose Which Hair Loss Remedy Is Right For You

by John Howard

Hair loss is not always treatable. Before going any farther, understand that there is no magical cure for hair loss. Here are some ways that it can be stopped or slowed, but nothing is a guarantee.

Your primary need is to see a doctor to talk about your hair loss. Through a medical exam and speaking with you regarding your hair loss, your eating habits, and your wellbeing, a doctor can determine if your hair loss is treatable, and more importantly, what causes it.

If your hair loss is due to medication, your medication can often be changed to something that will not cause hair loss.

If your hair loss is due to illnesses, the doctor may advise you that once treatments for the disease are over, hair loss will also stop. Hair normally returns to its normal self.

If your hair loss seems to be due to a bad diet or improper care of the hair, you may need to simply change these situations.

Illness can cause hair loss including those treated with chemotherapy, infections, thyroid disease, or major surgery. Once the illness or treatment is gone, hair loss will return to normal.

Male pattern baldness is usually a cause for hair loss in men. While there are some ways to slow or possibly prevent it, it is hereditary and often can not be stopped. Rogaine is a medicine that is applied to the scalp of men and women who are experiencing hair loss. Another medication is called Propecia which is only used in men. It may take these medications up to 6 months to show signs of progress. And, then, it is still no guarantee.

Again, the most important factor when you are facing hair loss is to speak to your doctor. Before trying products on your own, you need to know just what is causing your hair loss. If it is a symptom of a disease or illness or a reaction to a medication, perhaps you can find an alternative. Trying medications for male or female pattern baldness may work, but consulting a doctor prior to use is important as well.

About the Author

John Howard runs an information website on Hair Loss. You can find up to date information on hair loss, its causes, and treatments at his website. © 2005 John Howard All Rights Reserved. This article may be published in web based or email form as long as this credit box is attached and the URL is active.

Male Pattern Baldness Cure

2005-04-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

Hair Loss - The Top 7 Causes and What You Can Do About It

by John Howard

Hair loss is always something people do not want to deal with. Perhaps seeing extra hair in the shower or on the brush is what alerted them to their hair loss. Or, maybe a friend or family member has made a comment as to how thin the individual's hair has become. Regardless of how it came to be noticed, hair loss means something. Here are a few things to look into regarding why hair loss happens and if there is something that can be done about it.

1. Medicines are often a large cause of hair loss. Such medicines as blood thinners, birth control pills, and antidepressants can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs, gout drugs, and even high doses of vitamin A can cause it. To stop the hair loss, the drugs must be stopped. Usually normal hair growth will return at this point.

2. Hormones are a large cause of hair loss as well. Often this will be due to the over-activity or the under-activity of the thyroid gland. This creates an imbalance of such hormones as androgens and estrogens and leads to hair loss. Treatments for thyroid disease often fix this problem and hair loss stops.

3. Pregnancy. Often times, the levels of hormones in the pregnant women's body are so high that they do not allow the normal growth cycle of hair to continue. This means that during pregnancy, women lose less hair. About 3 months after pregnancy, though, many women experience high levels of hair loss that is just the hair that never fell out during pregnancy. Hair loss will soon stop and regular hair cycles will begin again.

4. Illness and Surgery. Often times, 3 or 4 months after a major illness or surgery, people will experience hair loss. This is due to the stress that the body was under. It is usually temporary.

5. Infection. Fungal infections of the scalp are also a cause of hair loss. Treatment here is antifungal medications. This is often found in children.

6. Underlying Disease. Diseases like lupus and diabetes often have early symptoms of hair loss. For this reason alone, individuals at a risk of these diseases should contact a doctor right away if they are losing hair.

7. Improper care can also lead to hair loss. People whose hair is pulled back tightly such as in pig tails and cornrows often experience hair loss. The hair will grow back if the pulling is released before scarring can occur. If scarring has occured, it may be permanent.

Lastly, male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Unfortunately, it is hereditary. Men normally experience hair loss at the top of the head and develop a receding hair line.

About the Author

John Howard runs an information website at Smart Hair Loss Choices. You can find up to date information on hair loss, its causes, and treatments at his website. © 2005 John Howard All Rights Reserved. This article may be published in web based or email form as long as this credit box is attached and the URL is active.