Hairloss

Hair loss can be a devastating problem for both men and women. Unfortunately, assessing the causes of loss of hair in women and men is often difficult, and treating it—whether with simple hair loss shampoos or prescription medications—can amount to an expensive process of trial and error in an attempt to stop hair loss.

The good thing is that the latest hair loss news is promising. Hair loss treatments for black hair as well as for that of whites, Asians and Latinos have improved greatly since the first bottles of hair loss shampoo were introduced in the early days of mass advertising.

Before searching for a treatment, however, it is important to find the causes of hair loss for each person. In men, genetics is often the culprit. Male pattern baldness strikes some 30 percent of American men and accounts for 95 percent of all male hair loss. There are some drugs that have been linked to hair loss as well. For the acne drug Accutane, hair loss is now listed as a known side effect. Hair growth does tend to return to normal following cessation of the drug. In the case of the anti-migraine drug Topamax, hair loss can also be an expected side effect for many people. There are no complete reference sources that identify which drugs cause hair loss.

Medications and genetics can play a role for women, as well, but there are many other possible causes of hair loss in women, making it even harder to treat. The reasons for hair loss in women—especially the causes of sudden hair loss—range from routine hair loss after pregnancy to thyroid-hair loss links.

However, the retreat of the hormones found in oral contraceptives (the Pill) may be one of the most common hair loss causes for those who stop taking hormonal contraceptives. Birth control and hair loss are subjects that women often take to their doctor, mainly to try to find out how to stop hair loss from birth control pills’ cessation.

Women are also most at risk for hair loss from dye and color. What causes that hair loss is primarily overuse of chemicals. Afro-American hair loss can also occur from not only dyeing but also chemical straightening.

If pubic hair loss is also occurring, medical attention may be necessary, and of f course, these potential causes address only human hair loss. Hair loss in dogs should be addressed by a qualified veterinarian.