Real Causes of Hair Loss
Todd Mumford
Men and women around the world have suffered from hair loss for as long
as we can remember. Statistics show that more than 65 million men in
the United States suffer from androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as
patterned hair loss.
When blood levels of androgen decrease during puberty, patterned hair
loss may begin its pattern. Commonly, the first sign of hair loss is a
receding hair line, particularly in the temporal area. Hair loss is
hereditary and usually begins to become apparent in men in their late
20's. In some men, it may not fully develop until their 40's or
sometimes 50's. Still other men seem to avoid losing hair at all.
A main catalyst of hair loss is DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. DHT is a
by-product of testosterone which develops sex characteristics in men
while still in the embryonic period, and then later developing
secondary sex characteristics during puberty. DHT characteristically
attaches itself to the androgen receptors, fighting hair follicles and
stunting its growth.
Follicles affected by DHT shrink in size, usually to the size of
follicles in an infant. DHT causes follicles to become thinner and
shorter and eventually causes them to stop growing. Follicles will
decay and the anagen, or growth phase becomes considerably shorter. The
hair growth process usually takes as long as two to four years to
complete itself. Once the anagen phase slows down, the hair loss
process sets in and accelerates. Hair that continues to grow is usually
noticeably finer and thinner.
This type of hair is referred to as baby hairs, or miniaturized hairs.
The most common areas to be affected by pattern hair loss is the front
or crown of the head. This pattern usually results in the U-shape
common among balding men. It is interesting to note that the effects of
thinning hair in men usually happen quicker than in women. This is
because the levels of testosterone in men is much higher than women, so
the hair shaft simply does not deteriorate as fast.
For many men, hair loss is inevitable. It is a hereditary condition
that increases with age. These genes may be passed from either the
maternal or paternal side.
Other causes of hair loss include:
Stress - When you feel stressed out, your hair enters what is called a
resting, or protective stage. Eliminating stress in your life will
cause less hair to enter this state.
Dietary Imbalance - If you have poor eating habits, or a lack of
protein in your diet, you can begin to see thinning hair. This is
because protein is a major component of hair growth.
Changing hormonal balance and illness - Hormonal changes can cause
cause hair fall, which is usually only temporary. Sudden illness can
take it's toll on the body, causing the hair to enter the resting
phase.
Todd Mumford writes for Revivogen, offering new technological advances
in hair care. Visit
http://www.revivogen.com today.
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