|
 Hair
Loss
Causes of Hair Loss
Treatments for Hair
Loss
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair growth follows two stages. Approximately 90% of hair
growth on the scalp follows a 4-5 year growth stage. The
remaining 10% follows a 2-3 month resting stage before it is
shed from the scalp. Once the hair is shed, new hair growth
occurs at a rate of about one half inch per month.
Hair loss can occur when the rate at which hair is shed is
greater than the rate of hair re growth, when hair is shed in
patches or when hair re growth results in thinner hair than
what was shed.
Many people incorrectly believe that androgenic alopecia
only happens in men. Women too can experience this type of
hair loss. The cause of androgenic alopecia is heredity.
Heredity affects many aspects of androgenic alopecia,
including the rate of hair loss, the pattern and extent of
hair loss and the age at which hair loss begins. A history of
baldness on either the male or female side of the family
increases the risk of balding.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, the causes of
which are still unknown. Heredity can plan a role, making the
likelihood of developing the disease greater when a family
history of the disease is present. Alopecia areata is usually
temporary, but it can take many years for the hair to grow
back.
There are several causes of temporary hair loss,
outside of heredity. These include:
-
Medications (exs. high blood
pressure, depression, arthritis, gout)
-
Medical Treatments (exs.
chemotherapy/radiation, surgery, flu treatments)
-
Diseases (exs. diabetes, thyroid
disorders, lupus)
-
Childbirth
-
Hair Products (ex. hair dyes,
bleaching, perming)
-
Scalp Infections (ex. ringworm)
The American Academy of
Dermatology offers excellent resources and articles concerning
all types of
hair
loss, treatments and causes. For information about
treating hair loss with Propecia, read about
Propecia &
Merck & Co., Inc. |
