Perspective in hair loss and treatment alternatives

1. Perspective in Hair
Loss and Treatment
Alternatives
www.leimo.com.au
http://www.leimo.com.au

2. Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in both
men and women. It is otherwise known as pattern baldness which is
characterized by the pattern the progression creates. Anyone can prevent
hair loss and treatment is available.
Norwood Scale for Male Pattern Baldness
The Norwood scale records 7 stages of hair loss in
men. The visible signs of hair loss start in the
second stage wherein the frontal hairline recedes.
In the third stage, temple recession becomes
severe as finer and thinner (vellus) hairs replace the
healthier (terminal) hairs. The fourth and fifth
stages are marked by any signs of balding at the
back of the head together with a striking temple
recession and diminished hair thickness. During the
sixth stage,
frontotemporal and vertex recession becomes more pronounced as the bridge
that separates both constricts. In the last stage, hair recedes all throughout
the back to the occiput while a bunch of hair remains at the sides.
http://www.leimo.com.au

3. Ludwig Scale for Female Pattern Baldness
There are 3 patterns of hair loss observed in women according to the Ludwig
scale. In the first stage of female pattern hair loss, frontal hairline is retained
but visible hair thinning in the crown appears. In
the next stage, wide area of the scalp becomes
visible while the hair resumes into its thinning
course. In the last stage, bitemporal recession
happens.
The Main Cause
At one point in their lives, men and women
experience hair loss and treatment is available
anywhere. But first, it is imperative to know what
triggers hair loss.
During all stages of AGA, the terminal hairs are said to have miniaturized and
replaced by vellus hairs. This is due to the effect of androgens.
http://www.leimo.com.au

4. When the enzyme 5-alpha reductase breaks down the hormone
testosterone, it creates a derivative called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Androgen receptors in the scalp cells attract DHT. Excessive DHT build-up
shrinks then eventually kills the hair follicles in that it interferes with the
nutrition flow to the hair follicles. This is how hair loss happens.
Testosterone levels make androgenetic alopecia more common among
men than in women. In women, female hormones (i.e. estrogen and
progesterone) help fight the formation of DHT. When hormonal
production slows down, a woman may experience hair loss drastically.
Available Treatments
Treatment for male pattern baldness may differ from female pattern hair
loss. This is probably because of the different normal hormonal levels in
men and women.
http://www.leimo.com.au

5. The common medications prescribed to men are Minoxidil, Finasteride,
and Dutasteride. Minoxidil works as a vasodilator while Finasteride and
Dutasteride serve as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
For women, the drugs available include spironolactone, oral
contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and cyproterone acetate.
Most of these medications are anti-androgens which means they go
directly to the main cause of the problem. However, they must be taken
with precaution and seeking professional advice is recommended. There
are other causes of hair loss and treatment is accessible correspondingly.
http://www.leimo.com.au