Pattern Hair Loss - What types
of Hair Loss are there?
Understanding the cause of male pattern hair loss
may better indicate exactly why it is so difficult to
Alopecia -- the modern medical term for either
male or female pattern hair loss -- can be broken down in two parts.
First, Androgenetic, consisting of ANDROGEN (Any of the various
hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine
characteristics such as testosterone). And GENETIC -- the inheritance
of genes from either the mother or the father's side of the family.
Add AGE, which when coupled with genetics, represents a time clock
that will signal the hair follicle to produce an enzyme named 5 alpha
the testosterone present in the follicle combines
with the enzyme 5 (DHT). Hair follicle receptors are sensitive to DHT
and thereby start the process of male or female patter hair loss.
Second, Alopecia meaning hair loss of which there are many
So as soon as science can conquer aging, hormones
and genetics we'll have a simple and effective cure for
Until Then maybe we should look at all of the
types of hair loss (there are many). It is probably a good idea to
consult with a dermatologist who is competent and experienced with
diagnosing hair loss. Confirming the type of hair loss you have will
make it possible for you to know which treatment options may be best
Other Types of Hair Loss
Areata -- Generally thought to be an
autoimmune disorder. Cause "patchy" hair loss, often in small
circular areas in different areas of the scalp.
Totalis -- Total hair loss of the scalp, (an
advanced form of alopecia areata).
Universalis -- hair loss of the entire body,
(also an advanced form of alopecia areata)
Back to our friend
or Male or Female Pattern Hair Loss
Alopecia -- Hair loss caused by physical
stress and tension on the hair such as prolonged use of hair weaving,
corn rows etc. Done too tightly on weak hair these can cause
permanent hair loss.
Effluvium -- usually temporary hair loss.
Causes: Physical stress -- emotional stress -- thyroid abnormalities-
medications and hormonal causes normally associated with
Effluvium -- Generally due to internally
administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison
the growing hair follicle. All of these represent only a few of the
different types of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia represents close
to 95% of all hair loss however.
A drop in estrogen levels can cause baldness in a female. Estrogen levels typically drop at the end of pregnancy or two to three months after a woman stops taking birth control. Many of these conditions correct themselves and hair will soon regrow.
Too much Vitamin A or E, or an iron deficiency, can lead to hair loss. Abusing beauty methods, like perming, straightening, and dying, can damage hair and cause hair to break as it grows.
Treatment Options Available For Male Pattern
Learning to live with hair
loss. Often the assistance of a professional
counselor can be helpful in coping with hair loss. Hair styling and
cosmetic techniques such as permanent waves and hair colors. The
proper haircut alone can make a vast difference in diffusing hair
Propecia, the only FDA approved topical
treatments for male or female pattern hair loss. Rogaine appears to
be effective in retarding hair loss in a substantial amount of both
male and females. It also appears to encourage some hair growth in
some people. Propecia is taken in pill form and is currently only
available through prescription. It seems to be more effective on
frontal baldness than Rogaine. Although no clinics have been
conducted on both drugs in combination, people all over the internet
have been reporting excellent results when they use both Rogaine and
Additions have made many advances in both
appearance and more secure attachment methods.
Hair Replacement Surgery
has also made many advances towards more
natural appearing results. A combination of Hair Additions with Hair