Causes of Hair Loss

Although there are many potential causes of hair

loss, including diet, disease and the use

of certain

medications, the most common form of hair loss--

Androgenetic Alopecia (male

and female pattern

ness)--accounts for nearly 95% of all hair loss

and is the leading

cause of hair loss for both men

and women.

Despite common misconceptions, hair loss

is not

caused by frequent shampooing, poor circulation

or wearing hats or helmets.

The tendency for both male and female pattern hair

loss is genetically inherited from

either side of the

family. Hair loss genes make some hair follicles

sensitive to a hormone

called DHT, or

dihydrotestosterone, that resides in the scalp.

Although DHT is present

in the entire scalp, only the

hair at the front and top of the scalp is affected by

DHT.

Generally, hair follicles from the sides and

back of the head are resistant to DHT.

When DHT is present at high levels, genetically affected hair follicles, which had

previously produced healthy hair, begin to produce thinner, shorter and weaker

hairs. Eventually, these miniaturized follicles produce only fine, almost invisible

hairs. All hair follicles go through a cycle of growth, dormancy and regrowth.

About 90% of hair follicles grow at any one time. Each follicle remains in the

growing phase for approximately 2-6 years. After the gr

ing phase, hair enters a

transitional phase, typically lasting 2-3 weeks (generally, less than 1% of hair is in

this phase). Finally, hair follicles rest for 2-3 months--at the end of the resting phase,

the follicle "sheds" the hair and begins to grow again. Unfortunately, hair follicles

affected by DHT produce hair for shorter periods and "rest" for longer periods,

until finally, they go into a permanent dormancy and cease to produce hair. Some

hair follicles may even die and permanent bal

ness may occur.

Although the absolute extent of hair loss cannot be predicted, a consultation

can assess the cause of your individual hair loss and help determine available

treatment options.

Dr. Panine
Chicago Hair Transplant Clinic
Medical Hair Restoration