Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) refers to the reason for hair loss that is influenced by the androgen hormone, the genetic tendency to baldness and aging. Because hair loss is caused by these hormones, treatment is available to immediately and drastically prevent hair loss.

androgenic hormones

In general, normal men, including women, produce male hormones. Testosterone, understatement, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the most common they produce. Androgens are made by the adrenal glands and testicles in men, and in women, by the adrenal glands and ovaries. In both sexes, these hormones are important but are produced in different concentrations and amounts.

When hair follicles are exposed to DHT, a genetically prone individual, over time, leads to androgenetic alopecia or male and female pattern baldness.

In the particular cells of the hair follicle, such as in the sebaceous glands, there are enzymes called 5-alpha-reductase that are found in high levels, converting the testosterone that is then carried to these areas by the blood, and into DHT.

Hair loss myths:

Myth #1: An individual’s hair loss is inherited from the mother’s side.

Is not true. Genetics is a factor of hair loss, it can be inherited from the father’s or mother’s side.

Myth #2. Frequent trimming of the hair will make it grow thicker.

Is not true. Although when the hair is cut, it would appear thicker at first, after about three days, the hair would fall out and new hair would grow, with the same diameter as the pre-cut hair.

Myth #3. Wearing a hat can cause hair loss.

Is not true. The hat can help by blocking the sun’s harmful rays. Although wearing a hat for a very long period of time can cause sebum buildup due to temperature changes and it can react with cholesterol creating a plug of hardened sebum that will cut off oxygen circulation and cause hair loss.

Myth #4. DHT is the reason for hair loss.

Is not true. Although an overproduction of DHT is a major reason for hair loss, it is not the only cause.

Myth #5. Frequent shampooing and blow-drying cause hair loss.

Is not true. Heat can damage hair, reason for brittle hair; does not damage the roots of the hair.

Worse still, some prescription drugs are known to cause hair loss. Avoid the following medications as much as possible:

– Drugs to lower cholesterol:

– clofibrate (Atromis-S)

– gemfibrozil (Lopid)

– Antidepressants:

– tricyclics, amphetamines

– High blood pressure:

– atenolol (Tenormin)

– metoprolol (Lopressor)

– nadolol (Corgard)

– propranolol (Inderal)

– timolol (Blocadren)

– Antithyroid:

– carbimazole

– iodine

– thiocyanate

– thiouracil

– Medications for ulcers:

– cimetidine (Tagamet)

– ranitidine (Zantac)

– famotidine (Pepcid)

– Anticoagulants:

– Coumarin

-Heparin

Actions you can take to prevent hair loss:

- Stop coloring or perming your hair very often for it can damage it

- Limit exposure of your hair to chlorine

- Avoid exaggerated brushing or combing wet hair

- Use a conditioner every after shampoo to make grooming manageable and easier

- Regulate heat exposure.  Blow-drying, hot-curling and exposure to straightening irons may damage your hair over time

- Avoid medications that can lead hair loss such as Vitamin A, testosterone products, beta blockers, certain antidepressants and certain cholesterol-lowering agents

- Too much alcohol should be avoided. Be careful in choosing your hair care products as some contain alcohol and can contribute to hair dryness, brittle and hair that is prone to breakage. 

- Tight ponytails and braids can lead to hair damage

- Maintain a healthy diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water

- Birth control pills can contribute to hair loss

- Consult your doctor if should you notice abnormal hair loss, as certain medical conditions such as lupus or having polycystic ovaries, or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss

Vitamins you can take to prevent hair loss:

-Thiamine (B1)

Containing the mineral sulfur, this is the essential element of hair that gives shine and shine.

– Riboflavin (B2)

This vitamin is vital for the respiration of the body’s cells, ensuring the efficient use of oxygen for cell repair and production.

– Niacin (B3)

It helps to widen the capillaries and vessels thereby increasing blood circulation to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth. It can also reduce cholesterol buildup, which is essential as cholesterol in the scalp will be converted to the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.

– Pathothenic acid (B5)

This vitamin helps restore color and shine to hair. It acts with the amino acid Tyrosine, Folic Acid, PABA and Copper in dissuading gray hair and gray hair.

– Biotin (B7)

Biotin is a widely used ingredient in hair products due to its hair-promoting properties. Biotin increases the elasticity of the hair cortex, prevents breakage and thickens the hair cuticle.

– Cobalamin (B12)

Regenerates red blood cells for healthy hair.

– Pyridoxine (B6).

Responsible for the balance of protein intake, it helps transport amino acids to the appropriate tissues. This is also essential in the conversion of one amino acid to another, such as the conversion of methionine to cysteine. With Inositol, they regulate the flow of oil to the scalp and skin.