Alopecia

Everyone loses up to 100 strands of hair every day. When hair loss exceeds the body’s capacity to produce replacement hair, a genetic condition called alopecia may be the cause. More than 90 percent of all male and female pattern hair loss is attributed to genetic alopecia. Scientists have discovered that, in alopecia, the hormonal byproduct DHT (dihydrotestostrone) damages follicles and causes hair to thin out and. Then, DHT blocks regeneration of active hair in the damaged follicles.

Aging, a genetic disposition to alopecia, and levels of testosterone in the body all affect the production of DHT. Without arresting DHT production, permanent hair loss in men and women accelerates until it reaches full measure. In women, this can result in a thin balding spot in the center of the head. In men, alopecia creates a receding hairline with near complete baldness except for the sides and back of the head.

Treating Alopecia
There are common topical and medicinal treatments for alopecia. While these solutions may not reverse the ravages of genetic alopecia, if applied in time and used consistently, they can arrest hair loss. Topical minoxidil such as Rogaine can stimulate new hair growth for alopecia sufferers. For men, prescription finasteride drugs like Propecia can counteract DHT production. Because of powerful hormonal side effects, women cannot take finasteride.

For many people with severe alopecia and advanced baldness, surgical hair restoration may be the best solution for attaining a full head of healthy, growing hair. Grafts of healthy hair are removed from areas of the head that are unaffected by alopecia and are attached to bald spots in an outpatient procedure. The transplants are permanent, and grow to full length within a year.