Why Is My Hair Thinning?

Your hair could be thinning for any number of reasons or combination of reasons, and without a thorough medical examination by a physician, it is impossible to tell which is which with any degree of certainty. Our goal in this article is to address the most common questions that we receive from our readers and to answer those questions in a very non-scientific manner, and perhaps even answer some questions that might be on your mind too. To follow, is a brief discussion on the known causes of hair loss and how it can be treated medically.
In general terms, some of the most common reasons for hair loss or thinning are:
1. Genetics. 2. Illness. 3. Poor Diet. 4. Stress. 5. Medications. 6. Post-partum Alopecia.
Hair loss can actually be caused by many factors including genetics, diseases, poor nutrition, stress and even medications, but by far the most common cause of hair loss in men and women is hereditary male and female pattern baldness or 'androgenic alopecia.' This accounts for 99% of all prematurely thinning or balding scalps.
According to conservative estimates, hair loss affects over 60 million Americans, two thirds of which are men. So, if you seem to be getting a little 'thin on top,' you are not alone! Approximately 50% of all men over the age of fifty are experiencing this type of hair loss. Thankfully, medical science has made some dramatic breakthroughs that can help you maintain the hair you've got left and possibly restore some of your lost locks.
While it is important to mention what causes hair loss, it is equally important to cover what DOES NOT cause hair loss. Scientists have now determined that genetic male and female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) is NOT caused by poor scalp circulation, 'clogged' hair follicles, microscopic scalp mites, the wrong shampoo or wearing hats or helmets, despite what the late-night infomercials may say. In addition, different hair-care products can effect the manageability and styling of your hair, and even hair breakage, but have no effect on the hair loss process.
Although hair itself may appear simple, just think about the incredible number of combinations of hair on different parts of your own body. For example, your eyelashes are different from your eyebrows, and the hair on your arms is different from the hair on your head. It is this genetic code within each and every single hair follicle that determines each hair's individual color, maximum length, curl, shaft diameter, etc. It is also this genetic code that makes hair on different parts of your head react differently in the presence of certain hormones, even though these two types of hair start out 'looking exactly the same.'
It is your inherited DNA, passed on from EITHER parent, that will eventually determine your hair loss. For the purpose of this article, you need only understand that with current technology, your genetic code is beyond your control, although that may change within the next ten to fifteen years. However, you should also be aware that today, like no other time in history, medical science is able to provide safe and effective treatment for hair loss.
THE HAIR LOSS PROCESS
The mechanism by which men lose their hair is better understood than the same process for women. The extent to which someone is affected by male pattern baldness is determined by a combination of genetic factors and androgens, specifically, the circulating male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone . Unlike earlier reports, we now know that the tendency for male pattern baldness can be inherited genetically from either side of the family. (Kuster W., Happle R. The inheritance of common baldness. To be or not to be? J Am Acad Dermatol; 5:921-926, 1984.)
In men, hair loss can start any time after puberty, usually in the late teens to early 20's. Typical male pattern hair loss starts as a recession of the hairline with some thinning in the crown. This can eventually progress over years or decades, to the familiar 'monk's ring' of hair.

In general, women tend to see a slightly different pattern and different time of onset of hair loss. Female pattern hair loss starts in the late 40's to 50's, usually without a recession of the hairline. Some women experience just a thinning of density up top, and others tend to thin out over broader regions or the entire scalp. Scientists are unsure of the exact causes of female pattern hair loss, but feel it is related to hormonal changes.
As previously mentioned, the hair loss process in men is better understood. As a man ages, "genetically sensitive" follicles on the scalp begin to miniaturize in the presence of normal levels of the hormone DHT. These follicles, found in the frontal hairline and extending into the top and crown of the head, become smaller and produce a hair that is progressively thinner and less pigmented.

DHT also affects these follicles' growth cycles, causing them to produce shorter and shorter hair until these follicles finally "die." It is at this point that hair production ceases forever in those follicles and microscopic scarring occurs. The hair found at the side and lower back of the head is relatively permanent because the follicles in that area are not sensitive to the effects of DHT; and this is why nearly all male pattern hair loss ends in a similar "pattern," hence the term, 'male pattern baldness.' Because of this odd genetic code, hair growth rates may vary with age, and hair loss typically does not occur on other parts of the body. This is why a man's beard may still be strong and full, while he is losing hair on his scalp.
HAIR RESTORATION OPTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN Through history, artificial hair replacement in the form of a hairpiece might have been a balding person's only option. Hannibal, the great Carthaginian military leader, wore one into battle in 200 B.C., and a myriad of cosmetic creams, sprays and powders are also currently available to those who would like to camouflage their hair loss. However, men and women who once might have chosen to cover their hair loss with attached artificial "systems" of wigs, weaves, toupees or hair extensions, now have truly viable medical and surgical options available to restore and maintain their hair.
Expertly done transplants have the complete approval of hair-news.com, and although it is a simple but exacting process, it requires an expert surgeon who has the expertise to perform the process, and the level of sincerity and attention to detail that is necessary for successful results. For this reason hair-news.com has allied itself with the well known, respected and talented Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D. for the purpose of this article, and advising hair-news.com on other hair related medical issues in the future.
In addition, truly effective and safe medical treatments like the once-a-day pill, Propecia for men, or twice-a-day Rogaine spray, are also suitable options that can be used alone, or in conjunction with surgery.
PROPECIA

Propecia , manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. is available by prescription only, and was introduced into the market with great excitement in December of 1997 as the first oral treatment for male pattern hair loss. For now, Propecia is for men only and is not indicated for women.

Through four years of rigorous scientific studies, it has been shown to re-grow natural hair in 2 out of 3 men, and actually stop hair loss in 5 out of 6 men. On a technical level, Propecia works by decreasing the formation of DHT from testosterone by blocking a certain enzyme in the body. By decreasing the amount of DHT, affected follicles that were producing thin wispy hair, tend to 'bounce back' producing a thicker caliber, more pigmented, longer hair. It tends to be this effect that eventually gives men that are thinning in the crown, visible coverage. It should be noted that it could take 6-12 months before results are noticed with the Propecia treatment.

WHAT ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS OF PROPECIA?

What about the side effects? Most men who inquire about Propecia are concerned about the possible sexual side effects of the medication; "But Doc, is it going to take the lead out of my pencil?", and it is of course every man's fear that now that he has attracted beautiful women with his new youthful locks of hair ,he will be unable to "perform" at his peak.
What a patient needs to realize is that Propecia lowers levels of DHT, the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss, without decreasing levels of testosterone - the male hormone responsible for masculinity. The male sexual side effects are therefore mild and rare, occurring in less than 2% of all patients. But seriously, any uncommon side effects that do occur have been shown to be temporary, and disappearing completely when the medication is discontinued. It should also be noted that the side effects usually go away even when the patient continues the medication.
The medication in Propecia, Finasteride, has actually been available for over ten years to effectively treat men with enlarged prostates, and has demonstrated an excellent safety profile over that time. It is important to remember that Propecia must be taken daily in order to sustain results. If the medication is discontinued, any hair previously gained is lost over the following 12 - month period. Propecia tends to work best in the crown of patients experiencing early to moderate hair loss and is effective in slowing and / or reversing male pattern hair loss in many men. If you are experiencing male pattern hair loss, Propecia might be beneficial.