Hair loss - Causes and Treatment options

Hair loss is a common problem faced by many people all around the world. Losing hair can cause frustration and even embarrassment in some cases. Hair loss can be caused by number of reasons, some can be avoided others cannot be. Depending on the type of hair loss, treatments are available. There are various treatment options available, surgical as well as non – surgical.

Causes of hair loss

There are number of causes of hair loss. Surgeries or some illness can cause hair loss, it is due to reaction and hair will return to normal over a period of time. Medications can also cause hair loss. Especially medicines used to treat cancer, anti – depressant, excess of vitamin A can cause hair loss. Hair usually returns to normal once the medications are stopped. The most common cause of hair loss in men is male pattern baldness. It is caused due the conversion of hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by enzyme 5 – alpha reductase. DHT cause male hair loss by shortening the growth, by miniaturization of follicles, producing progressively shorter, finer hairs. Slowly these hairs disappear totally. The condition usually starts in men aged 20 to 30. Other causes include fungal scalp infection, iron deficiency and stress. These are usually reversible.

Treatments

Just as there are problems, there are solutions to those as well. Depending on your cause of hair loss, treatments are available. There are several remedies available in market today and there is difference in each of them. Each remedy has different ingredients, prices and show different results.

Medications:

The two medicinal treatments approved by FDA for hair loss treatment are Propecia and Rogaine. Rogaine (Minoxidil) is suitable for men and women both, while Propecia is prescribed only for men. Propecia acts by inhibiting conversion of male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia is prescription only medicine that is taken only once a day. Hair growth generally starts within first six month of the treatments. In three months of the treatment, hair loss gradually slows down. It blocks the conversion of 5 – alpha reductase, enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Rogaine works by increasing the growth of hair follicles.

Hair replacement surgery

Choosing to have hair transplant operation surgical operation is a big decision. Hair transplant if done right can look quite natural. But the skill and techniques of the surgeons vary widely, so does the results. It is important to choose the right clinic and procedure to assure that you will get good results.

There are also various products available in market for temporary hair loss problem. Various hair oils, shampoos, conditioners, packs are available. Temporary sprays and thickening shampoos are some of the other treatment options available in market.

Taking care of hair in these days is a challenge with such unhealthy environment, harmful chemicals affecting our hairs on an everyday basis. Hair is one of the most important features of person’s personality; adequate care needs to be taken to maintain it.