Stop Hair Loss With Propecia

Unless you are one of the 20 million women or 40 million men in the U.S. who are currently experiencing hair loss, it is difficult to comprehend the emotions these individuals experience.  Since most individuals many people view their hair as an important part of their identity, even modest amounts of hair loss can represent a source of anxiety and depression.  Studies indicate that losing one's hair can take a heavy psychological toll.  One particular study revealed that both women and men, with or without hair, view bald men as "less physically attractive, less socially skilled and less socially successful than their counterparts." Interestingly, the same study found that bald men are assumed to be more intelligent.  Fortunately, for those follically challenged men not all women agree with the studies.  "Bald men demonstrate confidence and self-assuredness, all that, coupled with a nicely shaped head is quite appealing," states Casandra Bronson, a 40 year old teacher consultant from flint Michigan. The distress felt by these individuals is also evident by the estimated two billion dollars men and women spend each year on hair loss products and treatments.

Normally, individuals will lose on average between 40-100 hairs per day of the 100,000 hairs present on the scalp.  During any given time, 85-90 percent of an individuals hair is in the growing phase advancing in length by ½ -1 inch per month.  Hair can continue to grow from 2-6 years, when the growth phase ends the hair follicle starts a 2-6 month phase of resting and then shedding.  Usually, only 10-15 percent of an individual's hair is in the resting or shedding phase at any given time.  Randomly, new hair follicles begin to replace the shedding follicles producing a healthy cycle. However, in cases of androgenetic allopecia this natural cycle is disrupted.

Ninety-five percent of hair loss is attributable to androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as hereditary hair loss or in men male pattern baldness.  In men, the condition frequently progresses to the horseshoe fringe of hair.  While in women it manifests itself as a generalized thinning of the hair over the entire scalp.  Several hypothesis for this condition exist, however, most research of late has focused on a genetic predisposition and the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Every hair has a genetic predisposition, the gene that determines whether an individual will be susceptible to androgenetic alopecia is located on non-sex chromosomes that determine the genetic makeup of all cells.  Contrary to the popular myths concerning these genes they can be inherited from either parent's relatives.  Researchers believe that DNA is somehow responsible for the increased sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone DHT.  This hormone results from the breakdown of testosterone by an enzyme called alpha-5 reductase. 

DHT causes the hair follicle to atrophy, reducing in size until only vellus hair is produced.  Vellus hairs are short fine non-pigmented hairs which are difficult to see.  As the diameter of the hair shaft continues to decrease in size the sebaceous glands continue to secrete the same volume of sebum (fats and oils which lubricate the hair).  This results in an oily scalp and subsequently flatter hair. The process continues until the vellus hair is no longer produced and individuals develop the characteristic hair loss pattern.

Although the majority of hair loss is secondary to androgenetic alopecia there are other significant causes of hair loss that should be addressed including the following:

• Alopecia areata is an immune system disorder that effects the hair follicles ability to produce hair.  A sudden loss of hair from a small area is a common presenting symptom.  Advanced forms of the disorder include alopecia totalis, where all hair on the head is lost and alopecia universlis, which results in the absence of all body hair.
• Pregnancy is a period when hormones can fluctuate considerably in women.  While pregnant women are not especially prone to lose hair.  However, two to three months post-partum, a significant number of hair follicles will enter the resting phase.  Some women will experience considerable hair loss during this time for approximately one to six months.  This condition is self-limiting and reverses in most cases.
• High fever is another cause of alopecia. Four to six weeks following a high fever or significant infection individuals may notice a significant amount hair loss.  This condition is self-limiting and reverses in most cases.
• Nutritional deficiencies can be a rare cause of hair loss.  Some vegetarians, individuals on fad diets, etc. who severely limit their intake of proteins may lose a significant amount of hair.  In protein deficiencies the body will strive to save protein by shifting the hair follicles into the resting phase.  Extensive hair loss is then demonstrated several months later.  Iron deficiency is also a rare cause of hair loss. The process is reversed with the proper diet. 
• Thyroid disease is another disorder associated with hair loss.  Individuals with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may experience hair loss.  The diagnosis is usually established by a patient's history combined with laboratory results.  Hair loss associated with a thyroid disorder is usually reversible with the proper medication.
• Prescription medications are another source for hair loss.  Some examples of medications that are known to cause hair loss include:  blood thinners, gout medications, anti-depressants, arthritic medications, hypertension medications, birth control pills, high doses of vitamin A, chemotherapy/radiation, etc.
• Major surgery may present excessive stress on the system that can result in hair loss.  Hair loss is generally noticed one to three months following the surgery.  The condition will usually reverse itself unless the individual has a chronic illness.
• Ringworm of the scalp, actually caused by fungus, begins with small patches of scaling that subsequently spread resulting in broken hair.  This condition is contagious and is common in school aged children.  The condition is resolved with oral or topical medication.
• Chemical products such as dyes, bleaches, tints, straighteners, perms, chlorine, etc. can all damage hair.  These products when used excessively can dry hair out causing it to break at the roots.
• Traction alopecia is the loss of hair secondary to constant pulling as seen in tight ponytails, hair weaves, braids, etc. 

 Propecia

Propecia continues to be the most prescribed hair loss medication. Most men during the two-year Propecia clinical trial reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in the amount of actual hair loss and a overall improvement in their general appearance. In addition, 80% of physicians in the clinical trials stated that individuals taking Propecia hair loss had improved (verses 47% on a placebo).

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