Physician’s Notes - A Scientific Look at Hair Loss

Hair loss is a very common problem these days. Contrary to popular misconceptions, men are not the only ones who develop baldness. In fact, both men and women can lose their hair and go bald. The reasons are also varied. Although most people think that hair loss is just a result old age, the truth is that its not. Hair loss can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, thyroid diseases, hormonal imbalances, and genetic predisposition. nnnWhy Hair Loss Happens…. nnThe most common cause of hair loss is genetics. Many people who go bald have a certain condition known as “Androgenetic Alopecia” or “pattern baldness”. Ancient Greek doctors tried to explain the nature and mechanisms of hair loss but it was not until 1949 that the real cause of this condition was unveiled. nnJames B. Hamilton, an anatomist, was the one who successfully explained why androgenetic alopecia happens. Through studies that involved a series of experiments and observations, Hamilton was successful in showing that baldness was dependent on the interactions of three notable factors – hormones (androgens), genes, and age. He pointed out that androgens refer to hormones that induce and maintain the male secondary sex characteristics – including the development of hair. He also showed that these androgens, particularly testosterones, play a vital role in the development of male pattern baldness. nnnGenes May Initiate Hair Loss Conditions nnAlthough testosterone has a major role in the development of male pattern baldness, it should be noted that hormonal imbalances causing hair loss will only affect people who are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. For those who are genetically susceptible to hair loss, the androgen combines with enzymes that are located in the hair follicle cells. When they bind, testosterone is transformed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dr. Richard A. Strick, a dermatologist at the University of California at Los Angeles explains that DHTs have increased binding capabilities as compared to testosterones. He also says that this binding triggers a genetic modification that promotes the occurrence of hair loss. nnDr. Strick also said that pattern baldness can be inherited from either side of the family. He further notes that what is inherited is the genetic predisposition to hair loss – not just the condition itself. This susceptibility to hair loss comes in the form of DHTs that promotes the tendency of hair follicles to reduce in size as the person ages. This happens primarily because the growth phase or the “anagen” cycle of the hair follicles are reduced. As a result, more hair strands are shed and the growing hair becomes thinner over time. During this process, some hair follicles eventually die, making hair re-growth quite impossible. nnnAging Significantly Contributes to Hair Loss nnAlthough the presence of DHTs is very important, dermatologists explain that age is also equally influential for the tendency to develop baldness. Studies have shown that the tendency to develop hair loss conditions increases with age. However, there are still no valid research that can explain exactly why hair loss susceptibility increases with aging. Studies also showed that different ethnic groups have different levels of susceptibility to hair loss. According to dermatologists, white men are more susceptible to baldness than Asians, Blacks, and Native Americans. n