Men and women have different reasons for losing hair. Modern medicine has developed all kinds of treatments and in the field of beauty, there are very extreme methods, such as hair transplantation. This is becoming more and more popular. But is it really necessary?
Let’s consider male pattern baldness first.
Stopping hair loss – baldness in men
Probably 90% of hair loss in men is due to baldness. This condition is also called male pattern baldness. Hair thinning is caused by genes inherited from the father or mother. The older men get, the more likely they are to lose their hair.
However, hair loss can begin as early as the teens or twenties. I started losing my hair when I was 21 and I think it was due to a gene I inherited from my father, who had thinning hair.
Baldness in men usually manifests itself as thinning hair on the top of the head and a receding hairline. It is estimated that 50% of men will have thinning hair by the age of 50 and over 65% of men will be bald by the age of 60. This may be due to age or genetic factors.
Losing hair – Why does hair fall out?
The answer lies in a chemical called dehydrotestosterone, commonly known as DHT. This is a type of male hormone that builds up around the hair follicles. This hormone eventually kills the hair follicle and the hair that grows in it. As we age, DHT levels increase and our hair grows faster and faster.
Other causes of hair loss are medications, serious illnesses, diseases, and other hormones. Some medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, can cause hair loss, as can gout medications.
When in doubt, always check the list of possible side effects on the label or ask your doctor for advice. In addition, an overdose of vitamin A can also cause hair thinning.
Both male and female hormones can be out of balance and cause thinning hair. Hormonal problems related to hyperthyroidism can also cause hair loss. Hair thinning in men can also be caused by undiagnosed diseases. Lupus, diabetes, or fungal infections of the scalp can cause premature hair loss.
Diagnosing the problem
Male pattern baldness can have medical and genetic causes, so it is very important to diagnose these causes before starting treatment. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting treatment. The good news is that if the cause of hair loss in men and women is not genetic or age-related, it can probably be treated.
Hair loss in women
As with male pattern baldness, it can also be hereditary in women. However, there are a number of reasons why women may also suffer from hair loss. Women who have recently given birth may also suffer from hair loss. This hair loss is usually temporary and should stop within six months of giving birth.
This hair loss is usually caused by an increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy and a decrease after pregnancy, which shifts the phase of strong hair growth during pregnancy to a phase of strong hair loss after pregnancy.
Sometimes strict diets can also lead to hair loss. Rapid weight loss over a short period of time can cause women to lose some of their hair. Hair loss can also be caused by stress and the use of chemicals. Frequent hair coloring is another cause, but too many perms can also cause hair loss.
Stopping hair loss – what treatments are available?
There are many products available for hair growth. There are over-the-counter and prescription products for both women and men. Hair loss is a multi-billion dollar industry, so it is important to seek advice.
There are various surgical procedures to remove hair from thick to thinning areas of the scalp. In addition, caution should be exercised before taking such extreme measures.
About Author
Sara is a freelance writer, linguist, and communications expert based in Southern Europe. At age 10, she read a book called “1001 Questions about the Human Body” and has since dedicated her life to breaking down the complexities and myths around the human body like Hair loss treatment and the culture surrounding it, especially in relation to mental and physical health. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
