Androgenic Alopecia is the name for male and female pattern baldness. The proof of this can be seen in people everywhere. Those with alopecia range from young adults who prefer to shave their heads to middle age men who are wearing hats to hide their receding hairlines. And the much older man sitting happily, drinking coffee or reading newspapers, unmindful of his hairless state.
This is the most common cause of thinning and affects both men and women. Men generally have hair loss concentrated in a specific pattern from the front through to the crown. Women tend to have thinning throughout their head without being in any specific pattern. This type of hair loss is caused by the androgen DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone. Since everyone has DHT that is produced by their bodies and only some people suffer from hair loss there has to be another factor involved. This other factor is having follicles that have a greater number of Androgen receptors for the DHT to attach to. This is the component that is inherited through the genes. To date the most effective preventative treatments are anti androgens, drugs that prevent the creation of DHT. In the future gene therapy will one day be able to alter the genes to prevent the follicles from being affected by DHT.
Put simply androgenetic alopecia and combination of hormones (testosterone, androsteinedione, dihydrotestosterone) and genetics. The causative mechanism is a somewhat complicated and unpredictable in which those genetically susceptible to the condition experience an excess buildup of DHT in the follicle causing hairs to become finer and shorter. It also interrupts the very important hair replacement cycle causing the number of hairs lost to accelerate. Additionally, many follicles are rendered incapable of producing or maintaining healthy hair growth.
Finding a doctor to treat alopecia is the number one thing to do. Usually gynecologists and family doctors can do little for this disease. Go to a dermatologist as they are the best doctor equipped to take care of this disease. Go to the American Academy of Dermatology website to find a doctor well versed in alopecia where you live. It is unfortunate that many health insurance do not allow payment for alopecia. The doctor will ask you when the problem started and how it started. They will ask what other conditions you have such as thyroid disease or diabetes and they will ask all medications you take. They will want to know when you were last pregnant, went through a hysterectomy, or the year you experienced menopause.
Anti-cancer drugs work by detecting cancer cells and killing them. The mechanism by which the drug detects these cancer cells in the body is by looking for the rapidly multiplying cells. Rapid proliferation and division of cells is a distinguishing characteristic of cancer cells from normal cells. However, there are other normal cells in the body that have rapid multiplication and growth. This includes the hair follicles, the cells responsible for hair growth. Anti-cancer cells like Tamoxifen cannot distinguish this cell from the cancer cells so they also attack the hair cells. This is the mechanism why Tamoxifen cause hair loss.
Obviously if you're having a problem with hair thinning, get to your hairstylist first. There are some routine and normal reasons for thinning and hair loss in both men and women. Your hairstylist can identify those stemming from improper use of styling tools or too much styling product build-up on the scalp and can teach you how to avoid and solve the problem. If you notice marked signs of hair loss, a general rule of thumb would be to head straight to your physician and a dermatologist to rule out any scalp and serious systemic health issues advises the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. If you get no satisfaction, your doctor may refer you further to an endocrinologist or other specialist. But only your doctor can help diagnose whether your condition is serious and treatable.
Expected in men it is tough on women to go through it. And many quick fixes not only do not work but they give a false sense of hope to you and make you even more frustrated. You can find ways to deal with your hair loss. No matter what do not lose hope or your dignity. You are a beautiful woman no matter how much hair is on your head.
Since female hair loss does not follow the same obvious patterns as male hair loss, it is often necessary to visit a hair restoration specialist in order to determine the reason for the loss. Although female pattern baldness is one of the most common causes, there are many other conditions that can result in hair loss for women. These include stress, thyroid problems, and trichotillomania (the compulsion to pull out one's own hair). Female pattern baldness is not a serious medical condition. However, any specialist should be sensitive to the fact that it can be embarrassing and emotional.
Regaine uses an ingredient known as minoxidil, as a liquid medication to be applied on the scalp. Topical minoxidil works as an over the counter drug, it can be used without a prescription. Minoxidil widens the minuscule blood vessels in the scalp, and increases the blood circulation to the hair follicles, which results in strong and thick hair. The solution must be applied to the affected regions of the scalp daily. The scalp should be dry before applying the solution. It takes daily applications for at least 16 weeks for hair re-growth to become visible.
A fundamental principal in natural hair loss treatment is that the same foods that are good for your health, are good for your hair. Although hair loss can be caused by many other variables, lack of proper nutrition will cause hair loss in most people. Foods that are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and have reduced fat content can help in maintaining healthier hair and preventing hair loss. For example, essential fatty acids, found in spinach, walnuts, soy, tuna, sardines, sunflower seeds and canola oil, are important dietary essentials useful in keeping hair healthy. The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in maintaining healthy hair. Insufficient levels of these essential fatty acids could lead to quicker hair loss.
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