Hair loss (Androgenetic alopecia) refers to the reason of hair loss that is influenced by the androgen hormone, the genetic tendency for balding and aging. Because hair loss is caused by these hormones, treatment is available to immediately and dramatically prevent the loss of hair.
Androgenic Hormones
In general, normal men including women make male hormones. Testosterone, underestimation, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the most common that they produce. Androgens are manufactured by the men's adrenals and testicles, and in women, by their adrenal glands and ovaries. In both sexes, these hormones are important but take place in different concentrations and amounts.
When hair follicles are exposed to DHT, a genetically prone individual, over time, leads to androgenetic alopecia, or female and male pattern baldness.
In particular cells of the hair follicle, as with in the sebaceous glands, there are enzymes called 5-alpha-reductase that are in high levels, converting testosterone which is then carried to these areas by the blood, and into DHT.
Hair loss myths:
Myth #1: Hair loss of an individual is inherited from the mother side.
Not true. Genetics is one factor of hair loss, it can be inherited from either the father's or the mother's side.
Myth #2. Frequent cutting of hair will make it grow thicker.
Not true. Although when the hair is cut, it would appear thicker at first, after three days or so, your hair would drop off and new hair would grow, having the same diameter as the pre cut hair.
Myth #3. Wearing a Hat Can Cause Hair Loss.
Not true. The hat can help by blocking off the sun's harmful rays. Although wearing a hat for a very long period of time may cause sebum accumulation due to temperature changes and can react with cholesterol creating a hardened sebum plug that will cut off oxygen circulation causing the hair to fall out.
Myth #4. DHT is the reason for hair loss.
Not true. Although an over production of DHT is a significant reason for hair loss, it is not the only cause.
Myth #5. Frequent shampooing and blow drying lead to hair loss.
Not true. Heat can damage the hair, reason for brittle hair; it does not harm the roots of the hair.
Even worse, some perscription drugs are known to cause hair loss. Avoid if at all possible the following drugs:
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs:
- clofibrate (Atromis-S)
- gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- Antidepressants:
- tricyclics, amphetamines
- High blood pressure:
- atenolol (Tenormin)
- metoprolol (Lopressor)
- nadolol (Corgard)
- propranolol (Inderal)
- timolol (Blocadren)
- Antithyroid:
- carbimazole
- Iodine
- thiocyanate
- thiouracil
- Ulcer drugs:
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- ranitidine (Zantac)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- Anticoagulents:
- Coumarin
- Heparin
Actions you can take to prevent hair loss:
- Stop coloring or perming your hair very often for it can damage it
- Limit exposure of your hair to chlorine
- Avoid exaggerated brushing or combing wet hair
- Use a conditioner every after shampoo to make grooming manageable and easier
- Regulate heat exposure. Blow-drying, hot-curling and exposure to straightening irons may damage your hair over time
- Avoid medications that can lead hair loss such as Vitamin A, testosterone products, beta blockers, certain antidepressants and certain cholesterol-lowering agents
- Too much alcohol should be avoided. Be careful in choosing your hair care products as some contain alcohol and can contribute to hair dryness, brittle and hair that is prone to breakage.
- Tight ponytails and braids can lead to hair damage
- Maintain a healthy diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water
- Birth control pills can contribute to hair loss
- Consult your doctor if should you notice abnormal hair loss, as certain medical conditions such as lupus or having polycystic ovaries, or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss
Vitamins you can take to prevent hair loss:
- Thiamin ( B1)
Containing the mineral sulfur, this is the essential element of the hair that gives gloss and shine.
- Riboflavin (B2)
This vitamin is vital for body cell breathing, ensuring efficient oxygen utilization for cell repair and production.
- Niacin (B3)
Helps to widen capillaries and vessels thereby increasing the blood circulation to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth. It also may reduce the cholesterol build up which is essential since cholesterol on the scalp will convert to the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.
- Pahtothenic Acid (B5)
This vitamin helps in restoring hair color and brightness. It works with the amino acid Tyrosine Folic Acid, PABA and Copper in the deterrence white and gray hair.
- Biotin (B7)
Biotin is a widely used ingredient in hair products due to its hair promoting properties. Biotin increases hair cortex elasticity , prevents breakage, and thickens hair cuticle.
- Cobalamin (B12)
Regenerates red blood cells for healthy hair.
- Pyridoxine (B6).
Responsible for protein intake balance, it helps in transporting amino acids to the proper tissues. This is also essential in the conversion of one amino acid to another like the conversion of Methionine to Cysteine. With Inositol, they regulate oil flow to the scalp and the skin.
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