The Truth Behind Your Hair Loss

Hair loss is common, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t distressing for many of the people who experience it – and if your locks are thinning, you no doubt want to understand why. Unfortunately, there are lots of misconceptions surrounding this issue, from false ideas about what causes it to misleading claims of miracle cures. To help shed some light on this topic, here are some facts about your hair loss.

It’s probably genetic. Although some cases of hair loss are caused by problems with the immune system, severe physical or emotional stress, certain illnesses or medications, the majority are genetic. In men, male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), is by far the biggest trigger of hair loss and it affects around half of men by the time they reach 50, often starting at a much younger age. This condition runs in families and it can be passed down by either mothers or fathers. It causes testosterone to be converted into another hormone, called dihydrotestosterone, which has a damaging effect on follicles.

Androgenetic alopecia is not as common in women, but female-pattern baldness does affect a considerable number of people. You’re more at risk of experiencing this type of hair loss if you’ve been through the menopause. This may be because of a reduction in female hormones.

There are treatments on offer. Although many supposed hair loss treatments are bogus, there are now effective medicines available that can help to slow, stop or even reverse this process. For male-pattern baldness, finasteride (often sold as Propecia) is the most effective treatment. A prescription medicine, this is taken in tablet form and research has shown it to have positive effects in 90 per cent of men who use it. Bear in mind though, it can take three months or more before it starts to show results and, if treatment is stopped, hair loss will resume. Propecia’s side effects are rare, but around 1.5 per cent of those who take it experience a reduction in their sex drive or problems getting erections.

Both men and women with androgenetic alopecia can use the treatment minoxidil. This comes in lotion form and is applied directly to the scalp each day. It’s available without a prescription and it has been shown to aid hair growth in a quarter of women who use it. Like finasteride, you must keep using the treatment to maintain the positive effects. If you stop applying the lotion, your hair loss is likely to return.

You can get further information and advice from your doctor. If you would like to get further information about the cause of your thinning hair and the treatment options available to you, it’s worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor. They should be able to answer any questions you have and advise you as to your best treatment options.

Photo by Stefan Kunze