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Male Pattern Hair Loss
(Androgenetic Alopecia)
Dating as far back
as history will take us, baldness has been a part of the aging
process that many men fear the most. Before Rogaine, hair
transplants and hair additions, men coped in various ways from magic
ointments to the styling of their hair. Julius Caesar grew his hair
long in the back and combed it all forward. Napoleon did the same
thing. Somehow we often disregard history and the fact that this has
been an age old condition. We can't imagine or accept the fact that
there is not a cure.
Understanding the cause
of male pattern hair loss may better indicate exactly why it
presently has no cure.
ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA - the modem medical
term for either male or
female pattern hair loss - can be broken
down in two parts.
First, Androgenetic,
consisting of ANDROGEN (Any of the various hormones
that control the appearance and development of masculine
characteristics such as testosterone). And GENETIC--the
inheritance of genes from either the mother or the father's side of
the family. Add 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 alpha reductase,
it produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair
follicle receptors are sensitive to DHT and thereby start the
process of male or female pattern hair loss.
Second,
ALOPECIA meaning hair loss, of which there are many types.
Put simply, scientists
are working against aging, hormones and genetics. This is no easy
task. Add the fact that male or female pattern hair loss is not life
threatening, and it is easy to see why many physicians do not view
hair loss as a priority in scientific research.
What is working for you
in terms of research is that large pharmaceutical firms now know
that a cure for hair loss could mean a fortune in revenue for their
companies and stockholders. This is fuel enough and the race HAS
begun.
Although we may not see
a cure in our lifetime, it is possible. Science is closer to
understanding hair loss due to many recent advancements. To say the
cure is around the corner would only be speculation but hope
certainly is alive.
UNTIL THEN...
Since there are other causes of hair loss, it is advisable
to consult with a dermatologist who is competent and experienced
with diagnosing hair loss. Confirming the type of hair loss you have
will make it possible for you to know which treatment options may be
best for you.
Other
Causes of Hair Loss
-
Alopecia
areata: Generally thought to be an autoimmune
disorder. Causes "patchy" hair loss, often in small circular areas
in different areas of the scalp.
-
Alopecia
totalis: Total hair loss of the scalp, (an advanced
form of alopecia areata).
-
Alopecia
universalis: Hair loss of the entire body, (also an
advanced form of alopecia areata).
-
Traction
alopecia: Hair loss caused by physical stress and
tension on the hair such as prolonged use of hair weaving, corn
rows etc. Done too tightly on weak hair these can cause permanent
hair loss.
-
Telogen
effiuvium: (usually temporary hair loss) Caused by
Physical stress, emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities,
medications and hormonal causes normally associated with females.
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Anagen
effiuvium: Generally due to internally administered
medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing
hair follicle.
All of these represent
only a few of the different types of hair loss. Androgenetic
alopecia represents close to 95% of all hair loss however.
Treatment Options Available for
Male Pattern Hair Loss
-
Learning to
live with hair loss. Often the assistance of a professional
counselor can be helpful in coping with hair loss.
-
Hair styling
and cosmetic techniques such as permanent waves and hair colors.
The proper haircut alone can make a vast difference in diffusing
hair loss.
-
Rogaine, the
only FDA approved topical treatment for male or female pattern
hair loss. Although Rogaine is not effective in stimulating new
hair growth in many males, it appears to be more effective in
retarding hair loss in a substantial amount of both male and
females. (Available in the U.S. only through prescription).
-
Hair
Replacement Systems have made many advances in both appearance and
more secure attachment methods.
-
Hair
Replacement Surgery has also made many advances towards more
natural appearing results.
-
A combination
of Hair Replacement Systems with Hair Replacement Surgery.
Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss
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Female Pattern Hair Loss
Complete Confidentiality
All of our services are provided with careful consideration for your individual
needs and expectations in a totally discreet and absolutely confidential
clinical setting.
We invite you to arrange for
your free, confidential hair loss consultation today.
Click here.
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