subject: Hair loss - What can I do to prevent it? [print this page] Hair loss - What can I do to prevent it? Hair loss - What can I do to prevent it?
Hair loss is one of the most common problems faced by men and women of all ages. A number of things can cause hair loss, including a long-term illness, surgery, hormonal problems or psychological issues. Hair loss, though not life threatening, can have a significant effect on the quality of life.
Normal hair growth
To understand hair loss, the normal process of hair growth should be understood to get to the root of the problem. The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for up to 2 to 3 years and it consists of several stages. During these stages of hair growth the hair grows, sheds off, and remains in the rest phase. The duration of these stages can change as a result of hormonal imbalance, lack of nutrients and psychological issues such stress, depression and anxiety. Some of the normal hair growth vitamins are Vitamin A, PP, H, B and E. These vitamins have positive effect on the intensity of hair growth.
Causes of hair loss
Hair loss can be associated with a number of factors ranging from hormonal imbalance, stress, chemotherapy, medications, and long-term illnesses. Thyroid controls the function of hormones in our body and if your thyroid is overactive or underactive, it directly affects the growth of hair. Certain infections can also cause hair loss, such as fungal infections of the scalp. Hair loss can also occur due to an underlying disease such as diabetes or lupus.
Some men lose their hair in a pattern around their scalp area; this condition is known as male pattern baldness. It is caused by sensitivity of hair follicles to male sex hormones.
As a result of this, hair follicles shrink in their sizes, to the extent that they are not able to grow hair. This causes a receding hairline, which gradually develops in the entire scalp area. A bald spot appears on the crown accompanied by thinning of hair at the temple area.
Hair loss treatment
To get an advice on treatment of hair loss, you should always start by getting an opinion from a doctor about various treatment options. You can alter your diet to include proper nutrients required for a normal hair growth. A diet rich in vitamins can not only help to reduce the amount of hair loss you are experiencing, but can also help in getting hair regrowth.
Another way of treating hair loss in men is to block the action of sex hormones for proper functioning of hair follicles. Propecia is a prescription medication that can prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth in approximately 80% of cases. Propecia inhibits the action of male sex hormones and allows hair follicles to heal. This stops any further loss of hair and hair regrowth takes place. About 9 out 10 men who take Propecia for long-term experience positive results. One tablet of Propecia can be taken per day, with or without food. Propecia can only work over the long term, if you continue using it. Stopping it in between can cause some negative effects. This medication should only be taken on prescription under medical supervision of a doctor.
