Hair Loss and Hair Regrowth - What Are The Options?

How to stop hair loss, regrow hair, or find a treatment for thinning hair preoccupies a significant percentage of the population. And contrary to popular belief, male pattern baldness is not the only concern. Hair loss in women is more common than many people think. While some people are blessed with thick, full hair, most of us will encounter some degree of hair thinning as our lives progress.

Our site is here to educate you to the causes of hair loss, or alopecia, as it is known in medical circles. You'll find articles here that cover a broad range of topics, including both male hair loss, and hair loss in women. We'll also review the latest hair loss products, basic facts about hair loss prevention, and give you the latest information about hair transplantation. We would also caution you that you should consult your doctor if you have any reason to suspect that your alopecia is a sign or symptom of medical problems. Most often, it is not, but better safe than sorry!

At some point in their lives, nearly everyone experiences some degree of hair loss. At any given time, approximately ten percent of your hair is going through what is known as a resting phase. During this phase, resting hairs fall out and brand new hair grows in. The next growth phase then lasts from two years to five or more. While this cycle is normal, there are times when hair loss becomes excessive, and of great concern to us.

Some medications can cause patchy, or even complete baldness. Radiation treatment, cancer chemotherapy, certain anticoagulants, gout medications, birth control pills, antidepressants, and excessive Vitamin A are among the known culprits. Normally, when the medication is discontinued, your hair should will back naturally. However, you should never discontinue or alter use of a prescribed medication without the guidance of your doctor, as health problems far more serious than baldness can be the result.

Hormonal problems can also sometimes be the cause of unexplained or excessive hair loss, as can certain infections and diseases, both minor and major. Stress is thought to play a role at times, too. Even excessively styling your hair with rollers that pull on the hair, or wearing tight ponytail holders, are thought to encourage hair to fall out.

Finally, the most common cause of hair loss, known as male pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition that can only be treated, not avoided. For men whose maternal family tree includes baldness, there is a good chance that they, too, will experience hair loss early in life.

The first thing to do if you feel you are experiencing unusual and excessive hair loss is to see your doctor for a thorough medical evaluation to rule out any underlying disease process. Assuming everything is alright, as is the case for most people, the next step is to consider either prescription medication designed to stop hair loss, or use of an over-the-counter hair loss product. Some people also choose to undergo hair transplant surgery.

Hair loss, especially female hair loss, can be an embarrassing issue that can affect both your self esteem and the quality of your life. It doesn't have to, though. With proper medical guidance, you can often find and treat the cause of your hair loss and take measures to prevent a recurrence in the future.

Technorati Tags: Hair Loss, Hair Loss Causes and Treatment Options