Men, women, and children of all ages can be prone to hair loss. It is not an uncommon condition, and in some cases the hair will grow back. But alopecia, the scientific term for hair loss, is definitely more prominent in men in their middle to later years. This is typically caused by hereditary factors and hormonal imbalance. Other variables that cause hair loss are:
Fungal infections
Stress
Medications
Cancer Treatment
Diet
Severe Illness
Major Surgery
Damaging Hair Products
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It occurs when an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase acts upon the male hormone testosterone to create an overabundance of the male hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, creating hair that is thinner and finer. Eventually, the hair follicle is unable to grow any hair. The extent of hair loss is primarily dependent on genetics as well as the hair follicles' susceptibility to the damaging effects of DHT.
Hair loss in men, or more commonly called male pattern baldness, can be full or partial. By "full" we mean total loss of hair, and partial refers to the characteristic receding hair line and thinning crown. This can progress further, leading to the crescent shaped ring of hair which wraps around the bottom of the head. Hair loss in women is called female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is characterized by a general thinning of hair throughout the scalp rather than certain areas.
In the past, treatments were not available for those suffering from hair loss. Now, thanks to modern science, there are ways to actually reverse the curse of thinning hair. Propecia is a one-a-day pill for men that is available only by prescription. Rogaine is a topical solution for men and women that is also applied daily. Both of these medications are approved by the FDA and have been scientifically proven to regrow hair. Note, however, that discontinued use will cause you to lose the hair you have grown. For those wanting more permanent results, hair restoration surgery can be a great, yet costly option.
