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By 50 years of age, 1% of the population in both men and women have an area on the head where hair has stopped growing. One of the major causes of male pattern Baldness is the over-production of
male hormones. The problem is that new hair does not grow fast enough to replace the normal daily loss. New growth sometimes stops altogether on certain areas of the scalp. Baldness may also be due to a
disease known as alopecia areata and sudden hair loss may occur during pregnancy, after childbirth, or as a result of thyroid disorders or certain medical drugs.
MEN
Heredity is a major factor in
male pattern Baldness. If either parent has thinning hair, your chance of losing hair is increased.
Stress may be a contributing factor in hair loss because it causes an adrenal reaction in men similar
to the raising of the hackles in dogs. Tension cuts down the blood supply to the hair follicles and ongoing stress may reduce blood flow to the scalp.
The presence of the male hormone testosterone
decreases the growth of hair on top of the head.
The first area of the head to be affected is usually the top (at the back), followed by the temple areas on the sides of the head. If the condition is
noticed in the mid-teens, the Baldness may become more extensive in later life.
Temporary hair loss can also be caused by eczema or psoriasis of the scalp.
WOMEN
Women are not affected as much
as men and in most cases the hair becomes thin on the head. It is rare for a female to suffer complete Baldness. The causes for this problem in women may be more obvious (e.g., a long term illness, stress,
or simply using a poor quality shampoo on the scalp). Some hair dyes are very harsh on the hair and contribute to hair loss. Other cases may be traced to pregnancy and anaemia. Any Baldness in women is
usually only for a short duration.
Prescribed medications may cause Baldness in some patients. These include allopurinol, beta-blockers, captopril, carbamazepine, chlorambucil, colchicine,
cyclophosphamide, heparin, indomethacin, iodides, methotrexate, methyldopa, phenytoin and warfarin. Withdrawal from the drugs, if possible, is sometimes the answer. Do not stop the use of prescription drugs
without the advice of your Doctor.
NO ABSOLUTE CURE has been found for long-term Baldness in men. |
