You do not usually end life with the same bunch of hair that
you grew up with when you were born. Unlike the eyes or nose,
your hair keeps regenerating, shedding and growing.
As you turn older, you start experiencing hair loss. This
natural process of ageing starts when you turn 50. However, for
some people the process starts much earlier. This article
examines the various causes of hair loss in men and women.
#1 Stress and Lifestyle
The fast and hurried lifestyles of today make many compromises
on your diet. Emotional upheavals can cause health
complications that have an adverse impact on the quality of
your hair. Lack of cleanliness of the scalp and excessive
dandruff problems can also cause hair loss.
#2 Hormonal imbalances
Hair growth and health depends on hormones such as thyroid and
pituitary glands. Any disorders in these glands can cause hair
loss. The excessive presence of a component of the male hormone
- DHT can also cause hair loss. This is a genetic
predisposition.
#3 Genetic factors
Inherited causes of hair loss effect the unlucky that have a
family history of premature balding. In men, it is called Male
Pattern Baldness, in which the hair starts receding first at
the temples in a classic 'M' shape. In women, it is called
Female Pattern Baldness. This is less common. It starts at age
30 and is characterized by overall thinning of hair.
#4 Side effects
Certain drugs taken for other purposes can cause hair loss as a
side effect. The following is a possible list of medicines and
drugs that could cause hair loss.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Ulcer drugs
Anticoagulants
Agents for gout
Drugs derived from Vitamin A
Anticonvulsants taken for epilepsy
Antidepressants
Blood thinners
Anabolic steroids
Chemotherapy Drugs
However, not all prescription drugs under these categories have
hair loss as a side effect. This has to be checked with the
doctor.
#5 Other factors
Research is being continuously conducted on the causes and
solutions for hair loss. Recently, Japanese scientists
concluded from studies that excessive sebum could clog the hair
roots and cause hair loss. An excessive intake of some nutrients
such as Vitamins A and E can actually promote hair loss.
There is no dearth of solutions, prescriptions and treatments
available for hair loss. Every once in a while, a new 'wonder'
drug such as Rogaine will enter the market. Not every solution
will cure hair loss. The correct diagnosis has to be made
before deciding on a course of action for hair loss.