Thinning Hair: More Common Than You Think!

Could it be that you're losing your hair? It's hard to believe -- that only happens to men, or does it? Although hair loss and thinning hair is not generally associated with women, it's a significant, serious, and widespread female health problem, one that causes embarrassment, frustration, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, even marriage problems.

Scientists did not fully understand the exact cause of genetic hair loss until the early 1990s when scientists discovered that in some hair follicles, an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase combined with testosterone produced dihydrotesterone (DHT). This DHT is harmful to hair follices and "attacks" it, slowly breaking it down, reducing the diameter and length until the follicle falls out, never to be replaced by new hair.

Frontal Hair Growth

Frontal hair loss is first identified by men as a receding of the hair line in the front (above the forehead) or the temple regions (the flat space on either side). When examining your own temple regions, look for hair that appears smaller in density, "weaker," almost like "fuzz." This is hair that is being attacked by DHT, the main cause of genetic hair loss in men. Until recently, it was thought that minoxidil and finasteride (Rogaine and Propecia respectively) were not effective in treating frontal hair loss. This is no longer true as recent studies have shown.

Physical And Emotional Stress Leading to Hair Loss

Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. See http://HairCare.hairlossfact.info.

Hair Regrowth Cycle

This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

Hair Loss Due to Illness

For hair loss caused by illness (such as fever), radiation therapy, or medication use, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is finished. A wig, hat, or other covering may be desired until the hair grows back.

Hair Loss Genes

For hair loss due to heredity, age, and hormones, the topical medication Rogaine (minoxidil) can be helpful for both male and female pattern baldness. Expect to wait 6 months before you see results. The oral medication Propecia (finasteride) is effective in some men. This medicine can decrease sex drive. When either medication is stopped, the former baldness pattern returns.

Anna J.Mayers is an expert author who regularly contributes to http://HairCare.hairlossfact.info. For complete information on hair loss solutions, hair loss prevention, male pattern baldness and hair transplants, visit http://www.hairlossfact.info.