HAIR LOSS

HAIR ANATOMY:

At the base of the hair follicle are sensory nerve fibers that wrap
around each hair bulb. Bending the hair stimulates the nerve endings
allowing a person to feel that the hair has been moved. One of the main
functions of hair is to act as a sensitive touch receptor. Sebaceous
glands are also associated with each hair follicle that produce an
oily secretion to help condition the hair and surrounding skin.

GENERAL REASONS FOR HAIR LOSS:

Heredity factors ; Ageing ;Hormonal Imbalance ;Illness and infectious
diseases ; Nervous disorders ;
Toxic substances ; Injury and impairment ; Severe radiation.


HAIR LOSS IN MEN:

ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA - the modem medical term for either

male or female pattern hair loss - can be broken down in two parts.

First, Androgenetic, consisting of
ANDROGEN (Any of the various hormones that control the appearance

and development of masculine characteristics such as testosterone).
GENETIC--the inheritance of genes from either the mother or the

father's side of the family. Add AGE, which when coupled with genetics,

represents a time clock that will signal the hair follicle to produce an

enzyme named 5 alpha reductase. When the testosterone present

in the follicle combines with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, it produces

dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicle receptors are sensitive to DHT

and thereby start the process of male or female pattern hair loss.

Second, ALOPECIA meaning hair loss, of which there are many types.

OTHER CAUSES
Alopecia areata: Generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder.

Causes "patchy" hair loss, often in small circular areas in different areas

of the scalp.
Alopecia totalis: Total hair loss of the scalp,

(an advanced form of alopecia areata).

Alopecia universalis: Hair loss of the entire body,

(also an advanced form of alopecia areata).
Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by physical stress and tension

on the hair such as prolonged use of hair weaving, corn rows etc.

Done too tightly on weak hair these can cause permanent hair loss.
Telogen effiuvium: (usually temporary hair loss)

Caused by Physical stress, emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities,

medications and hormonal causes normally associated with females.
Anagen effiuvium: Generally due to internally administered

medications, chemootherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle.

Androgenetic alopecia represents close to 95% of all hair loss however.

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HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic

alopecia,also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is

seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head.

It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most

commonly seen after menopause, or as early as puberty.

Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day.

Fortunately, these hairs are replaced.

True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown

or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss

come from either parents side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as

anagen effluviumand Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally

due to internally administered medications,

such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle.

Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of

hair follicles entering the resting stage.

The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and

Gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered

you should see the return of normal hair growth.

DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting.

Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the

programto prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a

dermatologists's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent

hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss.

Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A

which can magnify the hair loss.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss.

This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last

6 months or possibly longer when induced such.

There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can

contribute to hair loss. Include anemia or low blood count and thyroid

abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple,

inexpensive blood test.

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of hair loss. Many women

do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following

discontinuation of birth control pills.

Hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal

change and another three months will be required for new growth to be

fully achieved.

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DRUGS KNOWN TO CAUSE HAIR LOSS IN CERTAIN CASES:

Cholesterol-lowering drug:

clofibrate (Atromis-S) and gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Parkinson Medications:

levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa)

Ulcer drugs:

cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)

Anticoagulents:

Coumarin and Heparin

Agents for gout:

Allopurinol (Loporin, Zyloprim)

Antiarthritics:

penicillamine, auranofin (Ridaura), indomethacin (i\Indocin),

naproxen (Naprosyn), sulindac (Clinoril), and methotrexate (Folex)

Drugs derived from vitamin-A:

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isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate (Tegison)

Anticonvulsants for epilepsy:

trimethadione (Tridione)

Antidepressants:

tricyclics, amphetamines

Beta blocker drugs for high blood pressure:

atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard),

propranolol (Inderal) and timolol (Blocadren)

Antithyroid agents:

carbimazole, Iodine, thiocyanate, thiouracil

Others:

Blood thinners, male hormones (anabolic steroids)