THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF HAIR LOSS IN MEN AND WOMEN

Hair loss is an unwanted but an inevitable condition. This is most absolute for men who have a long family history of hair loss. Though this is a predominantly male condition, more and more women are now experiencing hair thinning as well.

The most common cause of hair loss that affects both men and women is androgenetic alopecia. This is a generic trait and is passed on from generation to generation. The usual age when a patient notices an increase in hair fall is about 30 years onwards, but there are hair loss cases that occur early.

In men, the typical pattern starts with a receding hair line that slowly moves upwards. On later stages, balding occurs particularly on the top area, leaving small portions of healthy hear growth along the sides and back of the head. In some cases, total hair loss can occur.

In women, total baldness is rare and only generalized hair thinning is observed. Though total hair loss is not common, the hair thinning itself is a major concern for women. Thin hair makes women look older or in some kind of condition. That’s why women are more concern about hair loss than men.

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia is aimed at stopping dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a male hormone that is linked to hair loss. Unfortunately, women too produce this type of hormone.

DHT comes from testosterone. When testosterone reacts with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase DHT is produced. DHT is an important hormone especially for males. It is more potent than testosterone since it has na higher affinity with androgen receptors.

There are a lot of hair loss treatment products available that directly stop DHT or 5 alpha reductase, but warned that some products can cause dreadful side effects especially for men. It is advisable to use natural herbal products because they have no side effects and they are safe even after years of use.