Treatment For Hair Loss
The treatment for hair loss will differ if you are male or female. The reason for this is that the causes are quite often different and are sadly gender specific. Whether we like it or not our sex will determine to a large extent the causes and even the type of hair loss remedy that will be effective.
Let us look briefly into the causes of hair loss from a biological point of view for men and women separately.
There are two types of baldness Pattern and non Pattern.
Pattern baldness amongst women is usually genetic and is referred to as Androgenetic alopecia. The balding can start at the age of 30 or even in the early 20′s as well but is more common from 40 onwards. Women should also be aware that the alopecia may not be hereditary and could be caused by pregnancy or illness that could be associated with temporary hair thinning. If in doubt always seek professional medical advice.
For women there are five main causes of non pattern baldness with some of these are also common to men
Trichotillomania - Compulsive hair pulling which can be linked to a compulsive obsessive disorder.
Alopecia areata - An autoimmune disorder.
Triangular alopecia - The loss of hair on the temporal areas.
Scarring alopecia – The scalp becomes scarred and often caused by inflammation of the hair follicles.
Telogen effluvium - A large percentage of the scalp hairs enter a shedding phase that is greater than the hairs ability to re-compensate.
It’s so important to try and understand what may be causing your hair loss so as this will influence the hair loss treatments you choose. In the vast majority of cases, female hair loss can be successfully treated.
Pattern Baldness in Men – Male Hair Loss
For men the main cause of hair loss is androgenetic. The Andro refers to the androgens (testosterone – dihydrotestosterone) necessary to produce Male Pattern Hair Loss and genetic refers to the inherited gene responsible for Male Pattern Baldness with at least 35 million men in the United States alone susceptible to this in varying degrees.
In research it has been observed that androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the major cause of male pattern baldness. There doesn’t seem to be a universal scale of the concentration of these androgens to cause baldness- the levels differ wildly. In fact some men have extremely high levels without being bald compared to men who have very little and have much more baldness. The determining factor seems to be not only the level but the genetic disposition of the man. It is usually higher than a 50% probability for a man to be bald if his father is balding and up to 75% if both the father and a grandfather were bald. If androgens are present in natural amounts and the gene for hair loss is present, then more than likely male pattern hair loss will occur.
How does DHT cause the balding?
Within follicles there are Receptors on cells that connect androgens and these receptors attract DHT followed by testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. After fastening to the receptor, DHT goes into the cell and intermingles with the nucleus of the cell destroying the production of protein by the DNA in the nucleus of the cell and in due course growth of the hair follicle comes to a close. This is the cause – so by interrupting this ‘cycle’ there is a much greater chance to get an effective treatment for hair loss.
Now that we have a general cause we can target some solutions for hair loss other than the five other causes we outlined for women which may not me ‘medically solvable’ and in particular the Trichotillomania may need counseling. The Scarring alopecia and Telogen effluvium may be more symptomatic of menopause and HRT may be the answer.
So let’s look at remedies for androgentic alopecia that affects over 80% of balding and that will interrupt the damage that the DHT does without damaging the general hormone balance of the body.
Herbs
Many herbs are known for their benefits in treating more specific causes of hair loss. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, and Dong Quai contain phytoestrogens that help block the formation of DHT. Herbs because of the naturalness of the remedy are often the first choice as many people believe that natural is best and quite often they are right – but not always. There is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people.
Rosemary and Sage
Rosemary and sage are two herbs that have shown benefit habitually when used externally. Boil together in water rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock. Then strain the loose herbs from the liquid and use the liquid to wash the hair daily.
Green Tea
Contains catechins that inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme which is the same avenue of treatment pursued by most current drug therapies. This is believed to be very effective and worth a try.
Ginkyo biloba
This accepted herb is thought to enhance blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists consider that the improved flow of blood to the brain area releases more nutrients to the hair follicle thus encouraging hair re-growth.
Vitamins in preventing hair loss
Vitamin A Is important for healthy hair, and for a healthy scalp. A vitamin A deficiency will cause poor scalp health and therefore possible scarring. You can tell if you are suffering from lack of Vitamin A if you have an extremely dry scalp. You can get this vitamin in foods such as seaweed (kelp) and milk.
B-Vitamins B-vitamins are also essential to sustain your natural hair, and are a good foundation of vitamins for re-growing hair naturally. These vitamins are contained within cerials brown rice and low fat meats.
Vitamin C and Folic Acid Vitamin C and folic acid are also very significant parts of your diet. You can unearth vitamin C in fruit especially oranges, lemons and broccoli and you can get your folic acid in green vegetables, nuts and chicken. Vitamin C and folic acid work to boost your immune system, and can help you stay healthy.
There are many ‘other’ herbs, vitamins and even drugs that provide an effective treatment for hair loss and to be honest a lot of people don’t have the time and the inclination to radically change their diet. That is why there are many ‘products’ which combine the herbs, vitamins and drugs that will help regrow your hair.