Hair Loss In Man- What You Need To Know

We normally shed about 100 hairs per day in a very natural process. At any given time about 10% of the hairs on our heads are in a dormant phase. This means they are not growing. The dormant phase lasts about 3 months, after which the hair falls out. A healthy new hair that pushes its way up the follicle to the surface of the scalp quickly replaces the fallen hair. Hair loss in man can be caused by anything that interrupts this process. Here are some causes of hair loss in man.

A common cause of hair loss in man is some type of underlying medical condition that has hair loss as a symptom, such as thyroid imbalance, lupus or diabetes. If you suspect you have a systemic illness or condition, you should see your doctor right away. Be aware of any other symptoms you might have such as constant thirst, excessive appetite or nervousness. Only a doctor can test and treat conditions related to these symptoms. With successful treatment, your hair is likely to regrow.

In some cases, hair loss in man can be caused by an autoimmune reaction that makes the body attack hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Although imperfectly understood, this condition, known as alopecia areata, causes round patches of hair to be lost. Most people who suffer from alopecia areata are capable of regrowing their hair after proper medical treatment. Typical treatments include topical corticosteroids, ultraviolet light therapy, direct treatment of the follicle with a growth stimulant such as minoxidil, and immunosuppressant drugs.

Physical stress (such as a serious disease) or mental stress (such as depression or anxiety) causes the condition known as telogen effluvium. This condition is difficult to diagnose because very often the hair loss occurs months after the actual stress-causing event. This is due to the life cycle of the hair mentioned earlier. When you undergo physical or mental stress, a high percentage of hair is forced into the dormant phase and will fall out months later, at a time far removed from the stressful event. This type of hair loss in a man is very treatable, once the cause of the stress is determined and dealt with. Often, the hair will spontaneously regrow.

Prescription drugs and vitamin deficiencies can also cause hair loss in man. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, can be responsible for hair loss. Drugs such as those for high blood pressure, anticoagulants and beta-blockers are known to effect the hair. Antidepressants such as ProzacÒ are also culprits. Treatment for stomach ulcers (ZantacÒ), some cancer and thyroid treatments may cause the hair to fall out. Anti-arthritic drugs and gout medications like LoporinÒ and ZyloprimÒ should also be considered as causes.

By far the most common cause hair loss in man is due to the hormone DHT. DHT or dihydrotestosterone attacks susceptible hair follicles, causing subsequent hair to grow in finer and finer. Eventually the hair becomes transparent, falls out and the follicle enters a non-productive state. Fortunately there are many treatments for this condition, including the prescription drug finasteride and the non-prescription drug minoxidil. Finasteride inhibits the formation of DHT and minoxidil can stimulate follicles to produce hair, even in the presence of DHT.

Effective treatments exist for hair loss in man. Consult your doctor and do some research -- you're sure to find a treatment that's right for you.