Thursday, April 17, 2008

Hair Loss and Hormones - It's No Big Secret

Hair loss has constantly been prevalent among people who live in urban areas, both for men as well as women. Because this is an old problem, new treatments are being explored every day. Hair loss has been linked to numerous elements, one of which is hormones. The connection between hormones and hair loss has perpetually been something in debate, particularly among older men and women.

But to what extent hormones can induce hair loss, in reality, is not actually known. It is still hard to say whether the hormonal problems are one of the principal suspects of hair loss, though experts say it is probably a very minor cause of the problem.

In numerous cases, hormones are suspected to be the only reason for hair loss. And hormones and hair loss in this context would be quite naturally refer to baldness in men, which is in fact the most prevalent type of hair loss.

Men and Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones and hair loss in men is frequently genetic. For men, hair loss occurs when there is a correlation among the main hormones which deviates from the normal levels contained within the body. This means that hormones and hair loss here refers to the imbalance of hormones, instead of the lack of it.

Men typically begin to develop baldness when their scalp becomes excessively sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. This DHT is in reality a product of testosterone that makes the hair follicles everywhere around the body to shrink and, eventually this has the effect of preventing hair from growing again. This problem occurs in women as well.

Women and Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones and hair loss in women are also linked. In women, hormonal imbalance is a major cause of hair loss in the period of menopause as well as pregnancy. During the period of menopause, as we are aware, the ovaries stop working and the level of the male hormone testosterone climbs significantly.

It is then followed by lower estrogen levels, and because of all these factors, hair loss occurs. Estrogen is known to block in a natural way the adverse effects of androgens on your hair, and a deficiency of it would promote the effects of androgen more.

Hormones and hair loss is also linked to another effect in addition to the two above, and in this instance, it is common among both men and women. Thyroxin, which is made by the thyroid glands, when in excess levels in the body will also lead to hair loss as well.

About the Author

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of health. If you would like to learn more go to Stress and Hair Loss advice and at Hair Loss Treatment for Women tips.