Hair Loss Reasons: Not A Single Cause Or Cure

Hair loss reasons are as varied as the people who suffer from hair loss. While there are a variety of causes, there are also a variety of solutions. This article will discuss common hair loss reasons and suggest some possible corrective measures.

If you're losing your hair, it's important to identify the specific cause, so the correct remedy can be applied. Your hair could be falling out for a variety of reasons, including heredity, disease or disorders, stress, medications, excess vitamins, or cosmetic processing. In women, pregnancy or menopause may cause hair loss.

Heredity factors: Better known as male pattern baldness, this type of hair loss is due to male hormones (androgens). If you have inherited the gene for hair loss, a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the culprit. Dihydrotestosterone causes the hair follicle to produce shorter and thinner hair, eventually leading to complete absence of hair.

Diseases and disorders: Hair lost reasons may include diseases and/or disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), lupus and diabetes. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat these diseases and disorders related to hair loss reasons.

Stress: The stress response occurs when an individual encounters difficult-to-manage strains or challenges. Stress, one of many hair loss reasons, can also cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. Breathing and blood flow are also affected. To reduce stress, exercise regularly, limit caffeine and alcohol, get enough sleep and practice relaxation techniques like listening to music.

Medications and excess vitamins: Taking blood thinners, antidepressants, beta blockers, ulcer and arthritis medicines and excess vitamin A or E are also possible hair loss reasons.

Cosmetic processing: More hair loss reasons include bleaching, permanents, coloring, blow-drying and curling irons.

Hair loss solutions: First, see your doctor to rule out a systemic or physical cause. Then, thoroughly investigate the options you have to remedy your hair loss reasons. It may be as simple as cutting back on the vitamins and cosmetic processing. Stress is harder to beat, but it can be done. Once your hair loss reasons are determined, there are actions you can take, such as those listed below.

DHT blockers: If one of your hair loss reasons is hereditary, consider a DHT blocker like Procerin, Advecia or Avacor. Certain combinations of herbs and minerals can bind with an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase to block the formation of DHT. The correct formula can halt the effects of DHT, and can even assist in the re-growth of hair. If you prefer a natural, herbal DHT blocker, consider saw palmetto.

Prescription Drugs: In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first pill to treat male pattern hair loss. PropeciaŽ (finasteride 1 mg.) is a tablet taken once a day, available by doctor's prescription only.

Hair transplantation: This is a medical procedure that combats the many hair loss reasons by taking healthy hair from the back of the head and implanting it surgically to areas without hair. Transplants include the follicle, so you're certain of a healthy hair. Your surgeon will rebuild your hairline, in front, for example, with vital, living hair. Transplanted hairs will grow together to form a hairline that is completely natural.

Minoxidil: In 1988, the FDA approved the first medication for application to the scalp that has been proven to grow human hair: Minoxidil solution. Minoxidil has been clinically proven to slow down or help halt hair loss in some cases, and to help regrow hair in other cases. Minoxidil is sold under the brand name Rogaine and is available without a doctor's prescription.

Regardless of hair loss reasons, you have many options for their solution. Consider your alternatives carefully after determining, as best you can, with the assistance of your physician if necessary, the cause or causes.