| The regular cycle of hair growth lasts two to six years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimetre (less than half an inch) per month during this stage. About 85% of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. Approximately 15% of the hair on the scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. As soon as the resting stage is over, and new hair begins to grow in its place.
Normally, an enzyme in hair follicles converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which stimulates the growth of body and beard hair, but also diminishes hair follicles on the scalp, causing finer, fuzzier growth. A genetic predisposition, along with higher levels of testosterone and DHT, increases the probability of hair loss. Baldness occurs when the number of shed hair exceeds the number of re-growth or when the re-growth is finer and/or shorter than the hair that is shed.
Male pattern excessive hair loss does not indicate a medical disorder, but it may adversely influence self-esteem or lead to anxiety. Since hair loss is a cosmetic defect, treatment is not necessary if you are satisfied with your physical appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of a hairstyle may disguise excessive hair loss. This is commonly the least expensive and safest approach to male baldness.
Still, if you are not comfortable with the way you look, there are two main medications used to treat excessive hair loss.
ROGAINE (minoxidil) is a solution that you apply to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. It slows down undue hair loss for plenty of males, and some men grow new hair. If you stop applying the drug, the hair will start to fall out before application.
PROPECIA (finasteride) is taken daily in a pill form. Propecia slows down the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby forestalling the shrinking of hair follicles. Propecia is for men only and must not be taken by women, since it may result in birth defects.
A variety of surgical treatments, such hair follicle transplantation and other similar procedures are also available.
Consult your doctor approximately the treatments listed above or any concerns you have about hair loss. |
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