Saturday, September 29, 2007

Hair Loss in Men

Hair Loss in Men
Why do men lose their hair? In some cases, baldness which
occurs naturally in men is genetically inherent in
families. While baldness is considered a natural process,
it is nonetheless a problem most men have to grapple with.
Hair loss in men can be viewed as a sign of aging, however,
this is a false assumption.

Today, unlike years ago, men can have their hair replaced
using three specific methods.

One is taking a medication such as Propecia, which has been
FDA approved. The second option would be to have hair
replaced surgically; and the third option is purchasing a
hairpiece. Propecia seems to be the method of choice, but
it is not for everyone. Sexual side effects using this drug
have been reported.

Surgery would involve shifting sections of scalp or
transplanting plugs of hair. However, an infection may
result. The last option, purchasing a hair piece is
certainly viable; especially today that advanced technology
has made hair pieces more natural and accessible.

Other likely causes for hair loss are stress; and alopecia
areata; surgery or chemotherapy; poor diet; thyroid
disease; certain medications; scalp ringworm; and chemical
treatments.

The condition alopecia areata occurs when the immune system
shuts down because it assumes the hair follicles are
antibodies. This condition usually causes patchy loss.

It is estimated that men typically lose 50 to 100 hairs a
day, which is part of the hair renewal process. Fortunately
or unfortunately, as the case may be, most people lose hair
at one time. While the loss may be temporary, other losses
are more permanent. One of the most common causes of hair
loss for men occurs from the front to the crown and is
considered a hormonal imbalance. To treat this condition,
there are certain medications which can offer a
preventative alternative.

Hair loss in men can be devastating; especially when at a
young age. For some, the hair grows back; for others, they
have to decide whether to take medication, have surgery or
buy a hair piece. While there are three options to remedy
hair loss in men, it would be a good idea to research each
method to determine the best course of action for you.
Check with your doctor, especially if you are inclined to
take Propecia. While some men view baldness as sexy; others
find receding hairlines and loss of hair distasteful.
Thankfully, there are choices.

What Causes Hair Loss in Men and How Can It Be Treated?

What causes hair loss in men and how can it be treated? It
is believed that baldness in men can be attributed to
disease. Excessive weight gain or loss within a close
period of time is a factor. An iron deficiency is also a
cause of hair loss in men. However, most some believe that
hair loss is neither due to an illness nor a medical
condition. While it is asserted that pattern baldness
affects over 20 million men in the United States, it is
stated that one in four men begin to go bald by the age of
thirty. In addition, when men reach sixty, the odds are
considerably worse; two out of three go bald.

Since it has already been determined that baldness is
inherently familial, you may want to check your maternal
side to ascertain if your mother's father went bald and at
what age. According to research, a hair follicle's normal
growth rate is five years before the hair is replaced by
new hair growth. In men, when a hair falls out; a new one
does not start to grow. Usually occurring above the
forehead, thus revealing a receding hairline, it works its
way back to the crown of the head. Thus, a bald spot
increases in size until the entire top of the head is bald.
The only hair remaining is on the sides of the head.

Hair loss can be treated with two medications: Minoxidil,
which is applied directly to the scalp, helps slow the
balding in most men. In fact, it begins new hair growth.
While this medication only works for younger men, who are
just beginning the balding phase, it takes about a year to
determine if the medication was successful. Another
medication is Finasteride, which taken orally, blocks the
testosterone which causes hair loss. This medication has
shown to be effective in stopping hair loss in men, and
start new hair growth. The results of this medication may
also take a year before any progress is shown.

As men age, their hair becomes thinner. As the hair thins,
it the oil increases; which causes an insufficiency of the
hair root. This ultimately contributes to hair loss. If you
an oily scalp, in addition to thinning hair, the best
advice offered by experts is to shampoo frequently. If you
experience sudden hair loss, contact your doctor to
determine the cause.

While hair loss is natural, always be certain to check the
amount of hair you are losing each day. Use a comb, not a
brush, on your hair. Braiding your hair can also cause a
similar condition that will eventually cause hair loss. Use
whatever preventative measures to ensure your hair is
properly maintained. If necessary, the cause and treatment
of hair loss in men can be discerned at an early age.


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Bristol Chiropractic specialise in treating all types of
back and neck pain including sciatica and disc problems,
whiplash injuries, neck and arm pain, tennis elbow and
shoulder problems, hip pain, knee problems and foot pain,
headaches and sports injuries. Our office is located at the
Chiron Centre in Westbury-on-Trym.
http://www.bristolchiropractic.co.uk

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