4 Causes of Hair Loss in Men

The Mechanism of Male Hair Loss: DHT

Hereditary hair loss in men (androgenetic alopecia) is due to the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible scalp hair follicles. Normally, hair follicles cycle repeatedly through a growth (anagen) stage that lasts 2-6 years and a resting (telogen) phase that lasts approximately 1–4 months. Exposure to the hormone DHT causes hair follicles in genetically predetermined areas of the scalp to gradually spend more time in the resting phase and less time growing. This results in a smaller hair shaft (progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle). Eventually the follicle stops producing hair completely.

Hair follicles, genetically sensitive to DHT, reside in the front, top, and crown of the scalp. These areas produce an easily identifiable balding pattern described in the Norwood Classification. Balding typically begins with recession of the hairline at the temples and thinning of the crown. It may progress to complete baldness in the front, top, and crown of the scalp while leaving a wreath of hair around the back and sides of the scalp, an area referred to as the “permanent zone.”

Balding: Genes, Hormones & Age

While the mechanism of androgenetic hair loss is the same for all men (i.e., whose hair loss is not caused by an underlying medical condition, drugs, stress, etc.), there is significant variation in the age at which men will start to go bald, as well as the extent of their balding. This wide variability is due to the fact that the expression of androgenetic hair loss is significantly affected by three interdependent factors: genes, hormones, and age.

Let us explore each of these important factors in male hair loss.

The Role of Genes in Hair Loss

Many people have heard that, “hair loss comes from the mother’s side of the family,” but this is largely a myth: while there is a slightly higher frequency of inheritance from the mother’s side, male pattern hair loss is a genetic trait that can be inherited from either parent. Research suggests that it is a polygenic trait, involving more than one gene, and it is much more complicated than originally thought.

A little background on genetics: a gene is one small part of the chemically encoded hereditary instruction manual that consists of 23 different pairs of chromosomes. It is found in every cell of our body. Twenty-two of the pairs are called “autosomes” and the 23rd pair is a pair of sex chromosomes (the X or Y chromosome). In men, the sex chromosomes include an X chromosome and a Y chromosome, while in women the pair consists of two X chromosomes. These genetic instructions control everything from the development of a fetus to the color of your eyes. Genes may be “dominant,” in that the gene only needs to be present in one chromosome of a pair for the trait to show up, or “recessive,” in which the gene must be present in both chromosomes for that gene to be activated or “expressed.” The most important genes involved in androgenetic alopecia are felt to be dominant ones. It is felt that the genes governing common baldness are both sex-linked and autosomal.
An Important Androgen Receptor Gene is Located on the X Chromosome
An important androgen receptor gene is located on the X chromosome

Inheritance from the maternal side of the family may be slightly more common due to the presence of an important androgen receptor gene (AR) on the X chromosome. The Y chromosome is not believed to contain any genes that affect hair loss. Inheritance from the father’s side would be explained by the presence of an autosomal (non-sex) gene, but this gene has yet to be discovered.

Complicating the issue further, just having the genes for baldness in your genetic makeup, does not guarantee that the trait will manifest. The baldness genes need to be “turned on” or “expressed” in order for androgenetic alopecia to be apparent. Gene expression is related to a number of factors, the major ones being hormones and age, although stress and other factors can contribute to hair loss in some individuals.

It is of interest that, although genes for some types of hair loss have been mapped, the genes responsible for male pattern baldness have yet to be fully identified. This suggests that any kind of genetic engineering to prevent common baldness is still many, many years away.

In summary, Androgenetic alopecia is a felt to be a “dominant” genetic trait that is passed down by your mother or father, but with a slight predisposition to the maternal side due to the presence of an important androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome. In order for hair loss to become apparent, the trait must be expressed – through changes in the production of hormones or changes due to the aging process.

The Role of Hormones in Hair Loss

Hormones are biochemical substances produced by various glands located throughout the body. These glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, spreading the chemicals throughout the body. Hormones are very powerful; minute amounts can have profound effects upon your body.

Read about the discovery of the relationship between testosterone and hormonally-induced hair loss
Testosterone, the major male sex hormone, and other hormones that have masculinizing effects are made primarily in the testicles. It is not until after the testicles develop and enlarge during puberty that hormones can reach a level in the bloodstream sufficient to commence the balding process. In addition to the testicles, the adrenal glands, located above each kidney in men and women, produce androgenic hormones. In females, the ovaries are an additional source of hormones that can affect hair growth.


The hormone felt to be directly involved in androgenetic alopecia is a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, formed by the action of the enzyme 5-a reductase on testosterone, binds to special receptor sites on the cells of genetically susceptible hair follicles causing miniaturization and eventual balding. In men, 5-a reductase activity is higher in the balding area, which leads to the development of patterned hair loss. It typically begins with recession of the hairline and temples and/or thinning in the crown. It can start as early as adolescence or it can appear later in life. 5-alpha reductase Type II, the predominant form in hair follicles, is blocked by the hair loss medication finasteride (Propecia). The chemical finasteride binds to 5-alpha reductase molecules, preventing them from converting testosterone into DHT. The resulting decrease in the concentration of DHT results in the halting or reversal of the miniaturization process.

It is interesting to consider that while scalp hair growth is not dependent on androgens, scalp hair loss is androgen dependent.

The Role of Age in Hair Loss

 
Incidence of Male Pattern Baldness by Age

Genes and hormones are not sufficient on their own to cause baldness. Even after a person has reached puberty, susceptible hair follicles must continually be exposed to DHT over time for hair loss to occur. The age at which these effects manifest varies from one individual to another and is related to a person’s genetic composition, the level of testosterone in the bloodstream, and the folliclular sensitivity to the hormone.

Additionally, male hair loss does not occur all at once or in a steady, straight-line progression. Instead, it is characteristically irregular, with people losing their hair in alternating periods of slow and rapid hair loss, interspersed between periods of stability. The reasons that hair loss rates speed up and slow down are unknown, but we do know that with age, a person’s total hair volume will gradually decrease.

Even when there is no predisposition to genetic balding, as a man ages, some hairs in each follicular unit randomly begin to miniaturize. As a result, each group will contain both full terminal hairs and miniaturized hairs, making the area appear less full. Eventually, the miniaturized hairs are lost and the follicular units are reduced in number. In all adult patients, the entire scalp undergoes this aging process so that even the “Permanent Zone” is not truly permanent but will gradually thin, to some degree, over time. Fortunately, in most men the permanent zone retains enough permanent hair so that hair transplantation remains a viable option for men well into their 70s.



Source By....http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/hair-loss/men/causes/

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11 Major Causes of Hair Fall

Every time 85% of our hair will increase its length and the remaining will stay in a relaxing stage. Everyday we lose around 50-100 strands of our hair and these strands will be replaced by new ones. In this way there is nothing to worry about losing few hair strands, and in case if there is a severe hair loss then there is a chance of getting baldness. When compared to men, women have severe hair loss issues and this is mostly due to their health conditions. Find out the 10 major causes of hair fall in the below article.

1.Hair Fall due to Thyroid Problems

Thyroid gland is one of the most important gland which controls the functions of our body. This gland is considered to be the largest endocrine glands which is found in our neck. The hormones produced by thyroid gland helps to increase metabolism and also affects the functioning of other parts of the body.

Most of us suffer from severe hair loss due to thyroid problems. Whenever the thyroid glands produces either excess amount of thyroid hormones or very less amount of thyroid hormones, it is considered be a thyroid problem. One of the major symptoms for a person suffering from this disorder is severe hair fall, thinning of hair and dry hair.

2.Hair Fall due to Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Poly-cystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorders. This disorder is considered to be a common problem for women and it creates hormonal imbalances. In this problem we suffer from various skin inflammations like acne and extreme growth of facial hair. PCOS creates fertility problems, irregular periods and severe thinning of hair on the scalp.

3.Hair Fall due to Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is one of major hair disorders. In this condition a person suffers from severe hair loss. It creates round patches or bald spots and hair will be lost from several areas of the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. A person suffering from this disorder will have spot baldness or sometimes loses complete hair.

4.Hair Fall due to Scalp Infections

Various scalp related infections can cause severe hair fall. One of the most common scalp infections is ringworm. This is a fungal infection which can be developed on any area of our body. When this infection develops on our scalp, then we will lose patches of hair fall.

5.Hair Fall due to Pregnancy

Most of the women suffer from hair loss during their pregnancy. This hair fall can be due to hormonal changes and sometimes due to lack of vitamins and other essential minerals required for our body. A women will have severe hair fall mostly after her pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance and this is considered to be a temporary problem.

6.Hair Fall due to usage of Birth Control Pills

Women who use birth control pills will sometimes lead to hair loss. This is drug which potentially causes hair shedding. Especially women who are from genetic hair loss background will suffer from severe hair fall. Sometimes even if we stop using these pills might lead to hair fall.

7.Hair Fall due to Poor Diet

Our body requires various vitamins, minerals and proteins for maintaining a healthy hair. People who wants to lose weight will have a lot of restrictions on their diet. In this process of dieting our body have insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Due to this we might suffer from hair fall. Our hair requires lot of vitamins and proteins. In order to have a healthy hair we must follow a balanced diet. So, even if we are on diet it is must to include healthy and natural protein rich foods and also foods which are rich in vitamin E. This will keep our hair strong and healthy.

8.Hair Fall due to Hair Styling

Now-a-days, most of us will try to experiment with our hair. We try various hair styles, straightening our hair, use different hair colors and also use a lot of detergents and chemicals. And also excess brushing of hair makes it weak and brittle. Due to all these reasons our hair becomes dull and dry. Our hair loses its shine and slowly causes loss of hair.

9.Hair Fall due to Cancer Treatment

Hair loss is one of the major side effects of cancer treatment. A person suffering from cancer have to under go chemotherapy. Due to this therapy the person will tend to lose his hair. Chemotherapy results in spot baldness or complete baldness. During cancer treatment, the patient need to consume a lot of drugs which not kill cancer cells but also other healthy cells like hair cells. This is the reason why every cancer patient will have hair fall during their treatment. So, it is always better to include healthy foods for fighting cancer.

10.Hair Fall due to Stress

Stress is a problem which not only affects mental healthy but also our physical health. Due to stress we will suffer from insomnia, loss of appetite, hair fall and health hazards. Telogen effluvium is one of the most common type of stress which causes severe hair fall. So, whenever you are working for a longer period and feel stressed out try some simple stress buster exercises which will relieve your stress temporarily.

11.Hair Fall due to Genetics

Hair fall due to genetics is something which we cannot control. Baldness or severe hair fall can be inherited from our ancestors. Genetic hair loss is one of the most common problem in which our body will not be able to produce more hair. This type of hair loss can be seen in both men and women.

Source By...http://www.thefitindian.com/10-major-causes-of-hair-fall/

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Reasons & Solution for Hair Loss : FUE technique

Although there are many reasons for the hair loss, genetic factors come first. In the hair loss with genetic roots 5-Alpha Reductase which turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone plays an important role.
 
In hair loss, genetic and hormonal structure is an important factor

Reasons of Hair LossThe more the rate of testosterone to the Dyhydrotestosterone, the faster the hair loss process happens. So male type hair loss is not about the testosterone amount of the person but about in which level DHT is produced. Dihydrotestosterone shows its effect by connecting androgen receptors on the hair roots. DHT causes the shortening of the lifecycle of the hair roots, in every cycle the hair becomes weaker and as the process repeats the hair loss becomes more common.

Why hair loss is not seen in everybody?

 Although everybody has the hormones and enzyme causing hair loss, in some people hair loss is seen, in some it is not. The reason for this difference could be explained like this:

The numbers of the androgen receiptors in the scalp of the patients experiencing male type of hair loss is above normal. The more the rate of testosterone to the dyhydrotestosteron, the faster the hair loss process happens. So male type hair loss is not about the testosterone amount of the person but about in which level DHT is produced.It is known that the development of the hair is determined before birth. The reason for the hair loss is the genetic sensibility of the hair follicles against DHT.

The hair loss seen in the young people requires special treatment

Reasons of Hair LossAlthough the main reason for the hair loss with the young people is androgenic hair loss, deficient nutrition of the elements such as protein, vitamin, metals, aminoasid, stress, inconvenient environment conditions, different diseases or medical treatments accelerate the emerging of the problem among the young people. The hair loss seen among young people requires a different treatment than others because there are two main specialities of hair loss at young age which is different than other.

The regions where hair grows consistently (back and sides of the hair) did not gain consistency in respect to hair loss. (For this reason any attempt for hair transplantation should be postponed.)


As hair losing starts early, with time in large scale it is highly possible that it causes rarefaction. (For this reason it is necessary to handle the mentioned situation on time.)

Every one of three women suffer from pale hair, thinning of hair and hair loss during their lives.

Stress is the most important reason for Hair Loss in Women

Solution for Hair Loss in Women:

Every one of three women suffer from pale hair, thinning of hair and hair loss during their lives. Androgenetic Alopecia (men-type hair loss) is seen often in women too; it is interpreted as the most important indicator for stress and internal diseases. Hormone imbalance is another important reason for hair loss.


Other reasons are hormone treatments, thyroid disease, iron deficiency, malnutrition and stress. The best solution for these problems is hair transplantation with other treatments.


Androgenetic alopecia in women, progresses differently from hair loss in men.


Compared with men androgenetic alopecia begins at later ages in women. In women diffuse hair loss (consists of all scalp) occurs. All hair on scalp gets thinner or becomes sparse. Compared with men miniaturization on terminal hair occurs at lower levels. Because of that full hair loss is rare. This can be explained with the fact that in women 5 alpha reductase enzyme activity is less than in men. But after menopause or in the situations androgens in blood rises forehead and top head hair thinning can be seen like in men. However in women front hairline is usually protected. Androgenetic alopecia is regarded as an illness in men. But as it makes serious psychological stress and indicates internal illnesses in women it is an important problem. Man-type hair loss which is seen in 30 million women in USA has 75% more effect on women than men. While men can see man-type hair loss as acceptable, it is harder for women to accept it.


Hair loss in women depends on various reasons other than genetic hair loss:

Before diagnosed with women-type hair loss the patient should be examined if there is another illness causing hair loss. For example factors such as hormonal, systemic illnesses, cancer, malnutrition, infection, drugs, and chemical agents should be questioned. Other factors causing hair loss on women other than genetic reasons are:

Hormone Imbalances

Another important reasons for hair thinning and hair loss in women are hormone imbalances and hormone treatments. Birth control pills may usually result in hair loss.

 Thyroid Diseases and Iron Deficiency

 

Hair loss can occur during hormone imbalance treatment in the situation of thyroid gland working too much or less than required which is known as hyper- and hypothyroids. Iron deficiency anemia can be seen as the result of serious menstrual bleeding or not eating enough nutrition which are iron-rich and this may result in hair loss.

 Malnutrition and stress

In diets which aren't done consciously and in single-type nourishment hair cannot get enough vitamins, minerals and proteins which are constituent of keratin required for its life span. Therefore hair gets thinner and hair loss problem begins. Apart from that each factor which is source for stress in body shows negative effect on hair.

 Mistakes in hair care also results in hair loss

Frequent use of chemicals like hair dye, hair gel, hair tie done so tight and frequently that can result in mechanic trauma on hair, regular blow dry and especially shaping wet hair with hair shaper such as nippers damages hair in a serious way. To prevent it hair cream should be done only on edges of hair and edges should be cut often. It is known that brushing hair has negative effects as it creates mechanic trauma. So brushing should be done minimized.


Source By....http://en.anatomica.com.tr/the-main-reasons-of-hair-loss

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6 Way to Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy

Two Methods:Being Gentle With Your HairWorking With Your Hair

Pregnancy and childbirth greatly alter the levels of hormones in the body. These changes in hormones can in turn trigger changes in hair growth[1]. During pregnancy, the increase in estrogen will actually cause more hair growth. However, after pregnancy, estrogen levels drop and hair loss can occur, temporarily. Take care of your hair and treat it gently, while you wait for your normal hair growth to return.


Method 1 of 2: Being Gentle With Your Hair

Avoid tight hairstyles. Pulling on your hair, or styling it tightly, can cause hairs to be pulled out. Styling or playing with your hair too often may also contribute to hair loss. Opt for loose hair styles to lessen the strain and damage to your hair.

   # Avoid tight braids, using hair rollers, or tight hair clips and holders.
    #Don't use hot oil treatments on your hair either, as they can be damaging to the hair and scalp.
    #Avoid playing with your hair often, twisting or pulling on it.


2. Use a comb with widely spaced teeth. If your comb has tightly spaced teeth, it may pull on your hair, more than a brush with wider teeth would. This pulling can cause more hair loss. Use a comb with widely spaced teeth for a gentler way to brush your hair.

    #When brushing your hair, always brush gently.
    #Wet hair is more fragile than when it is dry. Be careful when combing or brushing wet hair.


     Be careful with heat. Using any heated tool on your hair can cause damage and increase hair loss. Try to avoid using any device such as hair dryers or curling irons. If you must use a hair dryer, set it to the coolest setting you can

Method 2 of 2: Working With Your Hair

    1. Find the right hair products. Certain hair products, shampoos and conditioners, are believed to help keep hair looking full and healthy. You may have to try a few different products before you find one that works best for your hair and hair style. Try looking for some of the following qualities:

   # Look for products labeled “volumizing shampoo”.
   # Avoid “conditioning shampoos” as these can make the hair appear less full or heavy.
   # Avoid “intensive conditioners”. These may be too heavy and cause your hair to look less full.
   # Try to find conditioners that are designed for fine hair.
   # Products that contain biotin or silica may help as well.

Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy Step

     2.Avoid stress. Being under stress can increase hair loss. Stress may cause your hair follicles to go into a resting phase, resulting in thinner hair coverage. Hair loss caused by stress can be reversed by reducing that stress.


     3.Try a new haircut. Ask your hairstylist to cut your hair, in a new style, that makes it look fuller.Remember that hair loss caused during post-pregnancy is temporary, and that you can always restyle your hair once it starts recovering.

    Longer hair styles can make hair loss more noticeable.


4.Watch your diet. Your diet can have an effect on the health of your hair. By eating certain foods you can help ensure that you have healthy hair. Try monitoring your diet for the following vitamins and minerals:

    Hair consists of protein. Getting enough protein in your diet will help keep your hair strong.
    Monitor your iron intake. If you eat meat, try consuming lean meat for a healthy source of iron. Vegetarian sources of iron include soybeans, lentils, and spinach.
    Vegetables and fruits can contain flavonoids and antioxidants, which can help with the maintenance of hair follicles.


5.Start taking supplements. Some supplements are recommended to keep hair healthy and strong. While you wait for your hormone levels and hair growth to return to normal, you can maintain your hair with the following supplements:

    Try taking vitamin B, C, E and zinc.

    There is some evidence that taking biotin in oral form, zinc, and topical application of a cream containing clobetasol propionate, can help with hair loss.
    Applying lavender oil mixed with thyme, rosemary and cedar wood oils, may help treat some forms of hair loss.


       6.Consider using hormonal birth-control. After pregnancy, your estrogen levels will be lower than normal. Hormonal birth-control can help boost estrogen levels, which in turn, may help with hair loss after pregnancy.

    You must wait at least four weeks after giving birth before starting any hormonal birth-control. Starting too soon can increase the risk of blood clots.
    If you are nursing, you should wait until your supply of milk is established, as birth-control can disrupt milk production.

Tips

    Don't worry. Hair loss after pregnancy is temporary. After six to twelve months, you hair should return to normal.


Source By....http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Hair-Loss-After-Pregnancy

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Top 10 reasons why you may be losing hair

Top Reasons why you may be losing hair.....

Does your hairbrush hold a big, black furry ball after you’ve combed your hair? Do your present photos show a receding hairline when compared to the older ones? Chances are you may be prone to baldness. Can’t figure out what may be causing this extensive hair fall? Read this list of the top 10 causes of hair loss and baldness.


#1: Stress:
 Fast-paced and hectic lifestyles can sap a lot of energy out of us and increase our stress levels. Numerous studies hold stress responsible for many health problems ranging from smaller ones like a headache to life-threatening ailments like a heart attack. True, a good percentage of people who shed a bit of extra hair are susceptible to a lot of stress, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that stress is the only factor responsible for baldness.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of stress.

 
#2: Family history:
  As far as family history is concerned, there’s pretty much nothing you can do. You can only reduce your chances of losing a lot of hair by following a proper diet and lifestyle, and avoiding things that could contribute to accelerating hair loss.


#3: Hair styling tools:
  Blow drying your hair after a shower may seem to be an easy and no-fuss method, but numerous studies suggest that blow drying your hair on a daily basis could contribute to a lot of hair fall. Other styling treatments like straightening and curling if done frequently, contribute to a few extra strands on your hairbrush.


#4: Hormonal changes:
  Fluctuations in the levels of hormones, especially those during pregnancy and childbirth may also contribute to extensive hair loss. Thyroid imbalances, menopause and other hormone related conditions can also be held responsible for hair fall.


#5: Frequent use of chemical products:
 Shampoos, conditioners and even hair oils today are loaded with chemicals that mess up with your hair in more ways than one. Most cosmetic products that we buy today contain harmful chemicals that contribute to weakening of the hair shaft, making your more prone to split ends, hair loss and other hair related issues.


#6: Junk food:
 Junk food is criticised and held responsible for almost all health conditions, and it’s mostly because junk food hardly gives your body any nutrients. Living on junk food could lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may contribute to baldness. People having eating disorders are also more likely to suffer from extensive hair loss.


#7: Harsh weather conditions:
 The air conditioner in your office and home may seem comfortable and cozy, but it may not be the same for your hair. Being fragile and susceptible to damage, hair responds most severely to any atmospheric changes. In such cases, a good way to prevent hair fall is to condition your hair as often as possible.


#8: Gender:
 Though hair loss and baldness is observed in both the sexes, women tend to lose hair uniformly – all around the scalp, whereas men tend to lose hair in a distinctive pattern (the receding hairline). Auto-immune conditions, which most commonly occur in men, are also thought to be responsible for baldness.

#9: Sleep deprivation:
  Sleep deprivation shows under your eyes as well as on your head. Insomnia, narcolepsy and other sleep disorders can influence the health of your hair, and over time, it may also cause baldness.


#10: Medications and treatments:
 A severe life-changing incident like an accident builds up a lot of mental pain and trauma. To add to this, the treatments and medications that follow it only worsen the health of your hair. Overuse of certain drugs and heavy dosages (like that in chemotherapy) are linked to excessive hair loss and baldness.

So now that you’ve figured out what may be causing your hair loss, it’s time to browse through what you can do about it.


Medications:
  Steroids and immunosuppressants are common medications that may be used to treat baldness. Triamcinolone, a steroid which is injected into the scalp to induce hair growth is also a good treatment option. Medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can reduce infection on the scalp in those suffering from ringworm of the scalp and thereby reduce hair fall.

Treatments:
 Popular treatments to restore hair growth include PUVA therapy, ultraviolet light therapy and contact immunotherapy. These treatments are particularly effective for those suffering from alopecia.

You may also like to read:

    6 home remedies to prevent hair loss
 Prevent hair loss with these 5 home-made vegetable packs
    What type of hair loss are you suffering from?
    Hair loss in women – which of these 10 reasons are causing yours?
    ‘A permanent solution for hair loss’ (Expert interview)
    Beat hair loss with Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy
    Can hair loss be reversed with non-surgical methods/stem cell treatments?
    20 treatments for hair loss



Sourse By....http://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/top-10-reasons-why-you-may-be-losing-hair/

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Why is my hair falling out? 8 major causes of hair loss in women

Losing your hair can be a stressful and traumatic thing to happen, whatever your age. But why does it happen? 

We look at the major reasons:

Hair loss – something that affects men and very few women, right?

While it’s true that more men do experience hair loss, especially as they age, the condition is becoming a more common issue among women too - in fact, new research commissioned by Trichologist Philip Kingsley found that 1 in 5 of UK women over 25 currently suffers from hair loss or hair thinning.

Noticeably thinning hair or losing it altogether can be a particularly traumatic and depressing experience for women.

He comments: “The percentage of women with hair thinning (reduced volume) is much larger than is commonly thought as many suffer in silence. Sadly, a third of those suffering said that they haven’t done anything to address the problem, perhaps as they feel too embarrassed to seek help.

"These results show that hair loss and thinning in women is a real problem - we are all familiar with male hair loss and thinning as it’s more visible, but the study shows that a significant proportion of women suffer from it too. Of course, adverse changes in hormones affect the hair, but crash dieting, processed foods, increased day-to-day stress and certain oral contraceptive pills are also factors that play a role.

“Hair loss is extremely complicated and the unfortunate aspect is that the person is not aware of reduced volume (thinner hair) until they have lost 15% of volume, which means it started long before they noticed it. Some do not seek help early enough or from true hair and scalp experts to solve the problem successfully.”

As the number of women experiencing hair loss continues to rise, more and more hair care research is being dedicated to discovering the factors that can contribute towards it.

Here, we has identify just some of the key causes of hair loss in women.

Genetics

A genetic predisposition of hormonal balances and imbalances, along with the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the lead causes of hair loss. Contrary to popular belief, genetic predisposition to hair loss can be inherited by either your mother or your father’s side of the family.

Stress and trauma

Stress produces increased levels of testosterone, which converts to DHT and interrupts the hair growth cycle. Stress and trauma can also constrict the blood supply to the capillaries, causing a lack of oxygen and nutrient uptake, as well as poor vitamin and nutrient absorption of the hair follicles.

Nutrition and diet

Poor nutrition, rapid weight loss, a high consumption of animal fats and deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein and zinc can reduce vital amino acid and vitamin absorption needed for hair growth.

Health

Thyroid diseases, as well as the side effects of the medications used to treat these diseases, are the most common health-related causes of hair loss.

Medication

Everything from birth control to steroids, as well as many blood pressure, diabetic and heart disease and acne medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Environment

Environmental pollutants in the air and water, as well as exposure to chlorine, metals and minerals, can lead to hormonal imbalances that can contribute to hair loss. UV exposure and free radicals can also prematurely age the scalp cells and damage the hair shaft.

Life changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to temporary hair loss that can last from six months to up to a year after childbirth. Menopausal women can also experience hair loss due to hormonal shifts.

Ageing

Unfortunately, as we age, our follicles can deteriorate and cause hair loss.

If you're worried about hair loss, visit your GP or a trained and certified Trichologist.

Do you suffer from hair loss or have any tips for helping it to grow? Share your stories in the Comments box below.

Hair loss treatments

If your hair is falling out, don't panic - here are some of the best products designed to help you hold onto for longer, encourage hair growth and improve your hair's health.

Nanogen Hair Growth and Thickening Treatment -
This daily treatment helps to protect hair follicles from free radicals, keeping them healthy and supports natural hair growth.

Viviscal Maximum Strength Supplements -
 Nourishes hair from the inside, these supplements are loved by everyone from Minnie Driver to Cate Blanchett.

Philip Kingsley Tricotherapy Regime - 
 A three-part routine, these products are said to help maintain optimum hair and scalp health from the inside out, and helps to reduce hair fall, caused by breakage when combing.


Source  By...http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/why-is-my-hair-falling-out-8-major-causes-of-hair-loss-in-women-11363954244077

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21 Reasons Why You're Losing Your Hair

Why is my hair falling out?

It's true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness (more on that later).

But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.

In many cases, there are ways to treat both male and female hair loss. It all depends on the cause. Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you might be seeing less hair on your head.

Physical stress

Any kind of physical trauma—surgery, a car accident, or a severe illness, even the flu—can cause temporary hair loss. This can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Hair has a programmed life cycle: a growth phase, rest phase and shedding phase. “When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing) more hair into the shedding phase,” explains Marc Glashofer, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Hair loss often becomes noticeable three-to-six months after the trauma.

What to do: The good news is that hair will start growing back as your body recovers.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one example of the type of physical stress that can cause hair loss (that and hormones). Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen more commonly after your baby has been delivered rather than actually during pregnancy. “Giving birth is pretty traumatic,” says Dr. Glashofer.

What to do: If you do experience hair loss, rest assured that your hair will grow back in a couple of months. “It’s a normal thing and it will work its way out,” Dr. Glashofer says.

Too much vitamin A

Overdoing vitamin A-containing supplements or medications can trigger hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The Daily Value for vitamin A is 5,000 International Units (IU) per day for adults and kids over age 4; supplements can contain 2,500 to 10,000 IU.

What to do: This is a reversible cause of hair loss and once the excess vitamin A is halted, hair should grow normally.

Lack of protein

If you don't get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This can happen about two to three months after a drop in protein intake, they say.

What to do: There are many great sources of protein, including fish, meat, and eggs. If you don't eat meat or animal products, here are the 14 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Protein Sources.

Male pattern baldness

About two out of three men experience hair loss by age 60, and most of the time it's due to male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss, caused by a combo of genes and male sex hormones, usually follows a classic pattern in which the hair recedes at the temples, leaving an M-shaped hairline.

What to do: There are topical creams like minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral medications such as finasteride (Propecia) that can halt hair loss or even cause some to grow; surgery to transplant or graft hair is also an option.

Heredity

Female-pattern hair loss, called androgenic or androgenetic alopecia, is basically the female version of male pattern baldness. “If you come from a family where women started to have hair loss at a certain age, then you might be more prone to it,” says Dr. Glashofer. Unlike men, women don't tend to have a receding hairline, instead their part may widen and they may have noticeable thinning of hair.

What to do: Like men, women may benefit from minoxidil (Rogaine) to help grow hair, or at least, maintain the hair you have, Dr. Glashofer says. Rogaine is available over-the-counter and is approved for women with this type of hair loss.

Female hormones

Just as pregnancy hormone changes can cause hair loss, so can switching or going off birth-control pills. This can also cause telogen effluvium, and it may be more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. The change in the hormonal balance that occurs at menopause may also have the same result. “The androgen (male hormone) receptors on the scalp becoming activated,” explains Mark Hammonds, MD, a dermatologist with Scott & White Clinic in Round Rock, Texas. “The hair follicles will miniaturize and then you start to lose more hair.”

What to do: If a new Rx is a problem, switch back or talk to your doctor about other birth control types. Stopping oral contraceptives can also sometimes cause hair loss, but this is temporary, says Dr. Hammonds. Don't make your problem worse with hair-damaging beauty regimens.

Emotional stress

Emotional stress is less likely to cause hair loss than physical stress, but it can happen, for instance, in the case of divorce, after the death of a loved one, or while caring for an aging parent. More often, though, emotional stress won't actually precipitate the hair loss. It will exacerbate a problem that's already there, says Dr. Glashofer.

What to do: As with hair loss due to physical stress, this shedding will eventually abate. While it's not known if reducing stress can help your hair, it can't hurt either. Take steps to combat stress and anxiety, like getting more exercise, trying talk therapy, or getting more support if you need it.

Anemia

 Almost one in 10 women aged 20 through 49 suffers from anemia due to an iron deficiency (the most common type of anemia), which is an easily fixable cause of hair loss. You doctor will have to do a blood test to determine for sure if you have this type of anemia.

What to do: A simple iron supplement should correct the problem. In addition to hair loss, other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, headache, dizziness, pale skin, and cold hands and feet.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for having an underactive thyroid gland. This little gland located in your neck produces hormones that are critical to metabolism as well as growth and development and, when it’s not pumping out enough hormones, can contribute to hair loss. Your doctor can do tests to determine the real cause

What to do: Synthetic thyroid medication will take care of the problem. Once your thyroid levels return to normal, so should your hair.

Vitamin B deficiency

Although relatively uncommon in the U.S., low levels of vitamin B are another correctible cause of hair loss.

What to do: Like anemia, simple supplementation should help the problem. So can dietary changes. Find natural vitamin B in fish, meat, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. As always, eating a balanced diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein and “good” fats such as avocado and nuts will be good for your hair and your overall health.

Autoimmune-related hair loss

This is also called alopecia areata and basically is a result of an overactive immune system. “The body gets confused,” says Dr. Glashofer. “The immune system sees the hair as foreign and targets it by mistake.”

What to do: Steroid injections are the first line of treatment for alopecia areata, which appears as hair loss in round patches on the head. Other drugs, including Rogaine, may also be used. The course of the condition can be unpredictable, with hair growing back then falling out again.

Lupus

Other autoimmune diseases such as lupus can also cause hair loss. Again it’s a case of mistaken identity: overzealous immune cells attack the hair. Unfortunately, hair loss of this type is “scarring,” meaning the hair will not grow back, says Dr. Hammonds.

What to do: If the hair loss is mild, you might want to try a new hairstyle to camouflage the damage. Short hair, for instance, is stronger than long hair and may hide bald patches better.

Dramatic weight loss

Sudden weight loss is a form of physical trauma that can result in thinning hair. This could happen even if the weight loss is ultimately good for you. It’s possible that the weight loss itself is stressing your body or that not eating right can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Loss of hair along with noticeable weight loss may also be a sign of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.

What to do: "Sudden weight loss seems to shock the system and you’ll have a six-month period of hair loss and then it corrects itself,” says Dr. Hammonds.

Chemotherapy

Some of the drugs used to beat back cancer unfortunately can also cause your hair to fall out. “Chemotherapy is like a nuclear bomb,” says Dr. Glashofer. “It destroys rapidly dividing cells. That means cancer cells, but also rapidly dividing cells like hair.”

What to do: Once chemotherapy is stopped, your hair will grow back although often it will come back with a different texture (perhaps curly when before it was straight) or a different color. Researchers are working on more targeted drugs to treat cancer, ones that would bypass this and other side effects. In the meantime, Here's How to Deal With Thinning Hair During Chemo.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another imbalance in male and female sex hormones. An excess of androgens can lead to ovarian cysts, weight gain, a higher risk of diabetes, changes in your menstrual period, infertility, as well as hair thinning. Because male hormones are overrepresented in PCOS, women may also experience more hair on the face and body.

What to do: Treating PCOS can correct the hormone imbalance and help reverse some of these changes. Treatments include diet, exercise, and potentially birth control pills, as well as specific treatment to address infertility or diabetes risk.

Antidepressants, blood thinners, and more

Certain other classes of medication may also promote hair loss. More common among them are certain blood thinners and the blood-pressure drugs known as beta-blockers. Other drugs that might cause hair loss include methotrexate (used to treat rheumatic conditions and some skin conditions), lithium (for bipolar disorder), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, and possibly antidepressants.

What to do: If your doctor determines that one or more of your medications is causing hair loss, talk with him or her about either lowering the dose or switching to another medicine.

Overstyling

Vigorous styling and hair treatments over the years can cause your hair to fall out. Examples of extreme styling include tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows as well as chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, hot-oil treatments or any kind of harsh chemical or high heat. Because these practices can actually affect the hair root, your hair might not grow back.

What to do: In addition to avoiding these styles and treatments, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using conditioner after every shampoo, letting your hair air dry, limiting the amount of time the curling iron comes in contact with your hair and using heat-driven products no more than once a week.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, classified as an “impulse control disorder,” causes people to compulsively pull their hair out. “It’s sort of like a tic, the person is constantly playing and pulling their hair,” says Dr. Glashofer says. Unfortunately, this constant playing and pulling can actually strip your head of its natural protection: hair. Trichotillomania often begins before the age of 17 and is four times as common in women as in men.

What to do: Some antidepressants may be effective, but behavioral modification therapy is another option.

Aging

It’s not uncommon to see hair loss or thinning of the hair in women as they enter their 50s and 60s, says Dr. Glashofer. Experts aren’t sure why this happens.

What to do: Experts don't recommend that this condition be treated, says Dr. Hammonds. That leaves women with cosmetic approaches such as scarves, wigs and hair styled so as to cover up thin spots. That said, there are also plenty of tricks to prevent hair breakage and ways to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy in your 50s and above.

Anabolic steroids

If you take anabolic steroids—the type abused by some athletes to bulk up muscle—you could lose your hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Anabolic steroids can have the same impact on the body as polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), as the mechanism is the same, says Dr. Hammonds.

What to do: This should improve after going off the drug.



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