Men's Hair Loss And If It Can Be Stopped

Men's hair loss is a widespread condition affecting more than 25% of the men under the age of 30. This doesn't stop there; the number rises to over 60% by the time men hit 60 years of age. 

Causes of Hair Loss

• Hair loss is primarily a result of hormonal and genetic factors. It is Androgen hormones which makes our hair follicles shrink and stop growing. A person’s genes will determine if it will happen to them and if yes, at what age will it start and how extensive the hair loss will be.

• Any autoimmune conditionin which a person's own immune system attacks their body's hair follicles can cause hair loss.

• Excessive stylingusing hair straighteners and blow dryers. Excessive bleaching and use of dye are shown to cause hair loss.

• Hormonal imbalancescan also cause hair loss. Excessive stress, illness, side effects to medical treatment etc. is shown to cause hormonal imbalances within our body.

Is There A Cure?

Sorry to pass the bad news; however, the short answer is ‘No’. In saying that, science has made incredible progress in understanding the pattern in men's hair loss, and we can be hopeful that there will be a cure soon in future.

For now, luckily, two FDA approved hair loss treatments have been clinically proven to stop hair loss and in some cases even help with some new hair regrowth. 

1. Finasteride(generic Propecia®)- It is a prescription tablet which is taken orally. It blocks the production of DHT hormone, thereby slowing or even reversing the hair loss process.(Please check our previous post to find out how DHT affects hair loss). The effectiveness of finasteride often depends on the length of time it is taken. The available evidence suggests that two thirds of men who use it, see some hair regrowth. The effectiveness of finasteride often depends on the length of time it is taken, the available evidence suggests that two-thirds of men who use it see some hair regrowth. 

2. Minoxidil- Usually sold in pharmacy as ‘Regaine’ or ‘Rogaine’. It is topically applied and shown to be effective at slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. Research indicates that Minoxidil works best for men under the age of thirty who are just starting to lose their hair. Someone who is already bald won’t be able to grow new hair with minoxidil. Also, while a certain number of men will be able to grow new hair with the drug, some will only be able to stop hair loss, and for others, the drug won’t work at all. You need to continue using Minoxidil because as soon as you stop, your hair will begin to thin again.

Also, remember that these medications can have side effects. Therefore, you should always speak to your doctor first before starting Finasteride and/or Minoxidil.

Please note that the information provided in this post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely on the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.