Therapro MEDIceuticals

Factors Causing Male Hair Loss

Androgen Alopecia is the most common type of male hair loss, responsible for 85-90% of temporary and permanent Alopecia. Androgen Alopecia probably occurs to a degree in all men sometime after puberty. Androgens are hormones responsible for developing masculine characteristics. Male Androgen Alopecia (male pattern baldness) is a genetic predisposition that negatively affects the growth cycle of hair follicles.

Testosterone forms a powerful destructive androgen hormone. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as it reacts with 5-alpha reductase enzymes. (Androgenic hair loss will not occur in men without the presence of DHT). DHT binds to the hair follicle and progressively shortens the anagen phase, reducing the length of hair growth. Male Androgen Alopecia is initiated at puberty. Normally thinning hair is not noticed until late teens or early twenties.

Vascular Alopecia – Blood is the source of nutrients and oxygen essential for metabolizing hair cells. During the telogen phase, capillaries supplying essential growth elements to the hair follicle become inactive. Increasing microcirculation lengthens the anagen phase producing longer, strong, healthier hair.

Other Factors Causing Alopecia:

• Nutrition: Deficiencies in zinc and iron. Excessive hair loss is often observed in the malnourished (sudden weight loss, bulimia, and anoxeria).
• Medications: Use of prescription, over the counter drugs, and vitamins are perhaps the most overlooked causes of hair loss.
• Pyschological Stress: Thought to be a common cause of hair loss.