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Disease & Conditions

Hair Loss

Hair Loss and Your Hormones

Hair Loss:

A lot of hair loss is caused by hormone fluctuations. This is called hormonal hair loss. Both males and females are susceptible to this form of hair loss. The major difference is that while this type of hair loss is often temporary in females it may be permanent in males.

In males, hormonal hair loss is caused by a malfunctioning prostate gland. The prostate begins to produce large amounts of a hormone called DHT. This hormone is an aggressive form of the testosterone and in large amounts causes the follicles of the hair to shrink, thus preventing new hair from growing. At the same time this hormone acts to weaken existing hair so that if falls out. The result of this is often total baldness. While this type of hair loss can be treated it can not be cured.

Fortunately, women with hormonal hair loss are in a better position. For females this is rarely if ever a permanent problem. Hormonal hair loss in women usually occurs after the birth of a child, but may also occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. This is due to a drop or increase in the amount of estrogen in the woman's body. For example, after the birth of a child, a woman's estrogen level drops. This leaves her more vulnerable to the side effects of the testosterone in her body. This can cause the hair follicles to shrink and hair loss to begin. The hair loss will normally end as soon as the woman's hormones return to normal.

Because hormonal hair loss is often temporary in women, it can be treated with over the counter shampoos meant to revert the loss of hair. However, men with hormonal hair loss may have to resort to other hair restoration techniques such as hair replacement surgery and hair plugs. The reason for such extreme measures, is that this condition is typically permanent in men.

Men are likely to have complete bald spots from hormonal hair loss, and need a way to fill these patches in. For a man, this is a very serious problem indeed, and one that needs attention because it will not go away on its own. No male or female should have to suffer balding with the treatments available today.

Raj Pandey is author and owner of Inhairit, a treatment for hair loss. For more information, visit www.inhairit.com/