Men & Women's Hair Loss
Causes:
The average human head has 100,000 hairs. Hair is made in hair follicles (the root of the hair). Each hair grows for about 3 years then it drops out and a new one grows - we lose 40-120 hairs a day.
Male-pattern and female-pattern baldness is caused by over-sensitive hair follicles. This is linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is produced by the male hormone testosterone. If there is too much DHT, the follicles shrink, so the hair becomes thinner and grows for less time than normal. The balding process is gradual because different follicles are affected at different times.
Alopecia areata is linked to a problem with the immune system. The hair follicles are not permanently damaged and in many of these cases the hair grows back in a few months. In 1 in 5 cases it runs in the family.
Some conditions such as anaemia (disorder of the blood), illness, stress (including bereavement), fungal infections and thyroid problems can make you lose some of your hair, as well as drug treatment for cancer. Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth may also experience some hair loss. Hair loss is not caused by a lack of any vitamins in the diet.
Diagnosis:
Male-pattern baldness is usually easy to identify because of the pattern it follows. It usually begins with a receding hairline in the late twenties or thirties, but can start earlier. At first, you may notice that your hair is starting to get thinner.
Female-pattern baldness usually becomes noticeable after the menopause; the hair on top tends to thin first.
If your hair loss does not follow the typical pattern as above you should see your GP to find out what is causing it. It could be linked to an illness such as anaemia or a fungal scalp infection. Your GP may refer you for more tests or suggest that you see a dermatologist, in many cases your GP may recommend Minoxidil.
With alopecia areata, there are no obvious symptoms other than patches of baldness, so your partner or hairdresser may notice it before you do.
Treatments: Currently, the only medicine available to treat female-pattern baldness is minoxidil. Topical Minoxidil is clinically proven to help stop further hair loss in a staggering 4 out of 5 men and women.
Regrowth of new hair, improved volume & thickness have been seen in more than half of all users in clinical studies worldwide.
The cheapest and most effective treatment for male-pattern baldness is Minoxidil. Minoxidil is available as a lotion that you rub on your scalp every day. It also comes in a foam. It is available from pharmacies without prescription. Minoxidil normally needs at least 4 weeks of use before any effect is seen, and the balding process will normally resume if treatment is stopped. Any new hair that does re-grow falls out two months after treatment is stopped. Side effects are uncommon.
Other treatments for hair loss include wigs, hair transplants (taking hair from the sides and back of the head) and plastic surgery (such as scalp reduction where the bald area is removed and the bit with hair on is stretched forward).
There is no really effective treatment for alopecia areata. Some treatments can encourage hair to grow, such as steroid injections or creams, or Minoxidil lotion see your GP for more information.