Is It Possible to Stop Hair Thinning Hair Loss?

The butcher, the baker, and probably the candlestick maker all are experiencing some form of hair thinning hair loss. The fact that others are losing their hair is probably very little consolation to you. What you need are answers both about what could be causing your worsening problem and solutions as to what can be done about it. 

Ironically, we can put a man on the moon, clone a sheep, but can’t figure out a way to permanently regrow a person hair. But this in itself speaks to the complexity of the issue and the many variables involved. Such agitating hair thinning hair loss factors as chemotherapy drugs, hormones, genetics, poor nutrition, illness, stress, autoimmune disorders, oral contraceptives, a high prolonged fever, surgery, and oral contraceptives all can cause substantial hair loss. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases once the cause has been identified and eliminated hair regrowth resumes, that is unless your hair follicles have been damaged. 

Severe cases of an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata can cause permanent follicle damage and must be recognized and treated early. But the more common cause of progressive or permanent hair thinning loss is androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern balding) and chances are if your hair is thinning or balding this is the cause. It is estimated that approximately 60% of men and 25% of women will eventually fall victim to this condition. 

In most cases it takes a while (one or two hair cycles) before male or female pattern baldness starts to become apparent, in fact the average age is around 45 in men and a little bit later in women when the effects start to be seen. This condition has a genetic component which can be inherited from either side of the family. While this may be the case most of the dirty work is done by the androgen hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 

For those who are genetically predisposed when testosterone comes in contact with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase type 2 residing in the hair follicle it is transformed into the more powerful hair thinning hair loss hormone DHT causing the fire works to start. Over time DHT build up in the follicle causing it to shrink, which in turn disrupts the natural hair replacement cycle. The shrinking follicle also limits the amount of nutrients available to the follicle, making it appear thinner and unhealthier. As the condition progresses some follicles will die and others will be damaged to the point of no return. 

Solutions: If your hair thinning hair loss is extensive your options will be limited to hair transplant surgery, wigs, or custom made hair pieces. On the other hand if the balding or thinning has been recognized early then there are a number of excellent affordable hair regrowth products currently available. Not only do they contain FDA approved ingredients which have been shown to block dihydrotestosterone (DHT) but they also work to stimulate the scalp and bring dead follicles back to life. These hair regrowth products can be used as a preventative tool, starting the program before hair loss becomes severe, or you can use them after DHT has already begun to take hold of your hair and scalp. The important thing is to take action, always remembering that it is much more difficult to regrow new hair that it is to keep your remaining hair.