Hairloss occurs when the rate of shedding is greater than the rate of regrowth. In pattern baldness, the rate of shedding is increased because of an inherited predisposition of the hair follicles on the top of the head to be effected by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Playing an important role in male hairloss, DHT is an activated form of the hormone testosterone and both hormones are naturally occurring. Over time, the action of DHT causes the hair follicle to degrade and shortens the growth phase of the life cycle. As time passes, thefollicles shrink in size, in a process known as miniaturization. Some follicles will gradually die, but most will simply shrink to the size they were when you were born and produce hair similar to that of a baby. With a steadily shortening growth phase, more hairs are shed, and balding becomes noticeable as the scalp becomes visible through the hair. Balding hair gradually changes from long, thick, coarse, pigmented hair into fine, unpigmented sprouts.
Lastly, while pattern baldnessis far and away the leading cause of thinning hair, there are other conditions which cause hairloss in men and women. Alopecia Areata, generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder, can cause patchy circular areas of hairloss. More advanced forms of Alopecia Areata called Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis, are characterized by total hairloss on the scalp and entire body, respectively. Traction Alopecia is hair loss as the result of continuous tension of the hair and is seen with prolonged use of hair weaving, corn rows, etc. This can result in permanent hairloss. On the other hand, a type of hairloss which is usually temporary, Telogen Effluvium, is sometimes caused by physical and emotional stressors. Thinning hair can also be seen as a side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as various hormonal imbalances in men and women.
If you are experiencing male or female hairloss, please contact RMHRI today to schedule a free consultation at our office in La Jolla, San Diego.
