Hair Loss Info

Women pattern hair loss

Though the underlying causes for male and female pattern hair loss are same, there is some basic difference with regards to the physiology and genetics of the condition.

As already discussed, it is the altered metabolism of androgen in a genetically pre-disposed male and female which plays a major role in female and male pattern hair loss. 2 steroid-metabolizing enzymes (5a-reductase and aromatase), and androgen receptor proteins (ARPs) are the major metabolites of androgen metabolism.

Women have 3 to 3.5 times less 5α-reductase (types I and II) in their hair follicles as compared to men but the levels of enzyme aromatase in their bodies is significantly higher than those in males.

The aromatase enzyme is also part of normal androgen metabolism and has a protective effect on hair follicles. It brings about the conversion of androgen to estradiol and estrone, and therefore, there is less conversion of testosterone to DHT. It is also interesting to note that aromatase level in frontal hair follicles is 50% that of occipital hair follicles. This is the reason why women with androgenetic alopecia usually retain their frontal hairline and also explains the reason for difference in pattern of balding in men and women.

Changes in the levels of hormones also affect hair production in women. After menopause, estrogen level becomes low and they become prone to the destructive effect of DHT (Dihydro Testosterone) The hair on the head start becoming thinner and no new hair is produced. The gradual thinning of the hair is also associated with decrease in the diameter of the hair. The follicles remain alive but contain only miniaturized hair, and there is always a possibility of re-growth.

The typical pattern of female pattern baldness is different from that of male pattern baldness. Though the thinning of hair is seen all over the head, the frontal hairline is maintained. Widening of the natural part is also evident. There may be a moderate loss of hair on the crown, but this rarely progresses to total or near baldness as it may in men. The female pattern baldness is depicted on a Ludwig Scale.

Hair loss in men

For hair loss control to be effective, it is essential to first know the
exact cause of the hair loss. Some hair shedding in men, as well as
women, is normal and there need not be any peculiar cause for the hair
loss. All hairs are shed at the end of their growth cycle and replaced
by new hair, so some degree of hair loss is normal and there is no
cause for the concern. If you have excessive hair loss, shedding more
than 100 hairs a day on average, it makes sense to first understand the
possible cause of hair loss before finding out the appropriate
treatment.

Best hair loss control can only be achieved if you know
the exact cause of hair loss. If, as is sometimes the case, the direct
diagnosis of the cause of hair loss becomes difficult, it can be
analyzed indirectly by ruling out other causes of hair loss.
Information on some of the most common causes of hair loss in men and
the hair loss control is presented here.

The cause of 95% of all hair loss in men is Androgenetic Alopecia, the scientific name for the genetic predisposition to Pattern Baldness in Men and Women Pattern Hair Loss.
Whereas the hair loss control for this genetic hair loss condition in
men has been discussedin other articles in this section, the cause for
some other lesser known conditions is presented here.