What Causes Hair Loss In Men and Women?

Research and studies by organizations such as the American Hair Loss  Association and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery have identified a wide range of factors that contribute to hair loss. 

•  Heredity and genes - It is estimated that due to DNA, approximately 30   million women and 50 million men experience hair loss.
• Hormones - the presence of DHT in the hair follicles can block the growth of new hair. DHT is an androgen that is thought to cause hair follicles to miniaturize, and this contributes to hair loss in men and women.
• Medical conditions - there are also a series of medical conditions that can contribute to hair loss.  These include: anemia, lupus, and hypothyroidism. Medications such as anabolic steroids, blood thinners, lithium, antidepressants and beta blockers for high blood pressure also can contribute.
• Diet - scientists have also identified a number of issues related to diet that can have an impact on hair loss, including too little protein, vitamin B deficiencies and too much vitamin A. Also, low levels of vitamin D and iron can cause hair loss.
• Emotional and physical stress - severe stress can trigger telogen effluvium, which results in hair going into a shedding phase.  This is usually related to a significant traumatic event such as surgery, car accidents, family tragedies or severe illness, including Covid.
• Poor Hair Care Practices - ranging from over stressing the hair with excessive use of hair dryers, pulling the hair too tight in a pony tail, braids and corn rows or using too many hair relaxants or other chemicals to treat the hair.

Common Solutions for Hair Restoration

Depending on the specific cause of hair loss, there are specific treatments available.  The FDA has approved two treatments – one over the counter (Minoxidil) and another by prescription (Finasteride) – to address DHT, which shrinks hair follicles and impedes further growth.

• Rogaine (Minoxidil).  To fight this form of hair loss,  prescription-based minoxidil was introduced in 1988 under the trade name Rogaine, with FDA studies  finding nearly 40 percent of people saw “moderate to dense hair growth on the crown of the head.”  It’s believed minoxidil widens blood vessels and opens potassium channels to allow more oxygen, blood and nutrients to reach the follicle.
• Propecia (Finasteride).  In 1992, the FDA okayed finasteride for men after a study showed an 83 percent success rate in subjects who continued use for two years. In 1997, the drug was released under the brand name Propecia, which is shown to affect the anterior mid-scalp and crown regions specifically. 
• A number of new products have hit the market using these formulae or basic on proprietary botanical and natural ingredients.  Some of the highest rated systems include Viviscal and Nutrafol

What are some of the things I can do to help maintain and improve hair growth?

• See a dermatologist to see the cause of hair loss. Your doctor can test for common causes, such as low thyroid, low iron, and check for lupus. 
• Topical minoxidil will help you fight your hair loss. 
• Supplements such Viviscal and Nutrafol can improve hair loss. 
• Collagen powder gives you building blocks to improve hair growth
• If you are deficient in certain vitamins, you can supplement with iron, zinc, and vitamin D