Hair loss Information
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What causes hair loss?
The cause for either male or female pattern hair loss -- can be broken down in three parts. First, is any of the various hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine characteristics such as testosterone. The second is genetic - the inheritance of genes from either the mother of the father's side of the family. The third is age, which when coupled with genetics, represents a time clock that will signal the hair follicle to produce an enzyme named 5 alpha reductase. When the testosterone present in the follicle combines with the enzyme 5 they produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicle receptors are sensitive to DHT and thereby start the process of male or female hair loss. Over time, the action of DHT causes the hair follicle to degrade and shortens the anagen phase. Though the follicle is technically still alive and connected to a good blood supply - it will grow smaller and smaller. But, an important fact is, it can successfully nurture a transplanted follicle which is immune to the effects of DHT.
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Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)
Common signals of MPB include a receding hairline and/or moderate to extensive loss of hair, especially on the crown. MPB is the hair loss most frequently encountered. It usually starts with the hair at the temples, which gradually recedes to form an "M" shape. You also may find your hair is finer and does not grow as long as it once did. The hair on the crown of your head begins to thin out and eventually at the top points of the "M" meet the thinned spot on your crown. Over time, you are left with a horse-shoe pattern of hair around the sides of your head. Any remaining hair in the balding areas usually manifests some miniaturization - it is thinner and grows at a below-normal rate, changing from long, thick, coarse, pigmented hair into fine, unpigmented sprouts.
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Female Pattern Baldness (FPB)
Common signals of FPB include a general thinning of the hair all over the head and/or moderate loss of hair on the crown or hairline. FPB usually begins about age 30, becomes noticeable around age 40, and may be even more noticeable after menopause. Female hair loss is usually an overall thinning - two hairs where five used to be - rather than a bald area on top of the head, though women may have a receding hairline, too. It's thought that about 20 million American women have such hair loss. As in males, hair follicles simply shut down, with hormones playing some role in the process.
A Dermatologist’s Professional Opinion
Hair loss is a common problem among men and women. About 25 percent of men begin balding by age 30 and two-thirds begin losing hair by age 60, according to the American Medical Association.
Some hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. In fact, we typically lose 50 to 150 scalp hairs every day. Baldness (alopecia) results when hair loss occurs at an abnormally high rate; when hair replacement occurs at an abnormally slow rate; or when normal hairs are replaced by thinner, shorter ones.
Daniel Taheri, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist has treated many patients with hair loss over the years. Recently, Dr. Taheri shared some valuable insight about the causes and treatments of hair loss, as well as natural solutions.
Q: What causes hair loss?
A: Although there are many reasons for hair loss, 95 percent of all cases are due to Androgenetic Alopecia, which is more commonly known as Male or Female Pattern Hair Loss. This genetic condition occurs more frequently in males, affecting approximately 40 million men in the United States.
Q: What remedies are available?
A: Treating patients with male or female pattern hair loss tends to be quite challenging. This is due to the fact that most of the accepted treatments for hair loss have been less than effective and have potential side effects. Currently, there are two FDA-approved medications for treating hair loss: Rogaine® and Propecia®. Rogaine® is a topical solution that works by stimulating the hair follicle and keeping it in the growth phase. The side effects of Rogaine® may include headaches, palpitations and hair growth on the face. Propecia® is another medication available by prescription and is taken orally. It works by reducing the production of a hormone called Dihydro-Testosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss. Propecia® is recommended only for men and can have sexual side effects.
Q: Are There any Natural Options?
A: In my practice, most hair loss patients were concerned about the side effects of Rogaine® and Propecia®. After intensive research into various hair loss products in the market, I learned about a natural, dermatologist-developed product called Revivogen. I have used Revivogen in my practice now for four years and based on my observations, I feel that it is extremely effective for the treatment of hair loss. This is especially true for individuals in the early stages of hair loss — those who can expect to stop further hair loss and regain most of the hairs they lost during the past three to five years. Specifically, I have noticed that hair loss diminishes significantly within two to three months after using Revivogen and regrowth begins as early as six months. In my professional assessment, other hair loss treatments have not proven to be nearly as effective as Revivogen. The most impressive thing about Revivogen is that it is all-natural and does not have the side effects commonly associated with other hair loss medications. And I highly recommend this product to all of my clients and anyone else who is combating hair loss.
Daniel Tahery, MD is a board certified Dermatologist practicing in Beverly Hills, California
