Hair loss in men

Hair loss refers to excessive loss of hair from the scalp. It is customary to lose some hair each day as part of the cycle of growing new hair and shedding some. However, when there is excessive hair loss, it becomes a cause for concern.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Recent studies suggest that there has been a 250% rise in hair loss cases, especially in the 16-25 age group.
• 25% men experience hair loss before they attain the age of 21.
• In a clinical trial, about 43% men felt that when they lost their hair, they lost a vital aspect of their personal attractiveness.
• A study showed that 41% men with full heads of hair were selected for job interviews as compared to only 27% balding men. Rejection at work and marriage can result in the loss of self esteem and even lead to depression and suicide.

SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS IN MEN

Common symptoms of hair loss include the thinning of hair, appearance of bald spots, a change in pattern of growth, history of hair loss, or baldness in the family.

Men are at an inherited disadvantage their hair loss blueprint is four times greater than women.

The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness; it worsens with age. Its marked by a receding hairline, with bald spots over the crown.

Hair loss may sometimes predict an underlying disease. Hair starts thinning five or six weeks before the detection of insulin dependent diabetes. Likewise, hair loss on the crown is said to imply a three-fold increased risk of heart diseases in men.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS IN MEN

The definite cause of hair loss is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to several factors mentioned below:

• A family history of hair loss makes receding hairlines a potential genetic anomaly. You can easily blame it on your genes, for nearly 50% cases of premature baldness are hereditary. Other causes include dandruff, atopic dermatitis, or eczema.
• Scalp hair is sometimes damaged by cosmetic procedures like prolonged traction, permanent weaving, colouring, shampoo, soap and faulty scalp massage. Iron-deficiency leads to hair loss as well.
• Certain conventional medications e.g., steroids and anti-cancer drugs may also cause diffused hair loss.

There are other triggers for hair loss, including parasitic infection, stress, emotional problems, daily application of treated or chlorinated water to the scalp, lack of exercise and gout.

HOMEOPATHY FOR HAIR LOSS

Homeopathy can slow down the progression of bald patches and fill up scanty hair areas with new hair, leading to a complete recovery in some cases of hair loss.

Besides, we at Dr Batras, in our cumulative experience, have successfully treated over 75,000 hair loss patients, based on the most advanced scientific treatment protocols. Our results confirm that professional homeopathic treatment is clinically beneficial and effective in treating hair loss without side effects.

International studies have shown that natural ingredients found in homeopathic remedies like Thuja Occidentalis and Sabal Serrulata are effective in treating hair loss. They have also been proven to act as natural DHT [dihydrotestosterone]-inhibitors. DHT is the hormone that triggers hair loss.

Other treatment methods include natural homeopathic topical solutions and natural hair care kits, which your homeopath-trichologist will prescribe, subject to your specific needs, including pain-free mesotherapy a new technological advancement that involves delivering hair-growth serum into the mesoderm [i.e., 1mm under the scalp skin], without piercing the surface, as well as surgical procedures, such as hair transplant.

Arun, a marketing executive, had lost 30-40% of his scalp hair in two years. His balding areas were on the sides and on the crown. His close relatives had a clear predisposition for baldness before they turned 35. He had a stressful job and little time for himself and his family, and often took refuge in smoking and alcohol to overcome stress. He feared his receding hairline would impact his annual appraisals.

Aruns symptoms were typical of androgenetic alopecia [AGA], or male pattern baldness. We prescribed Lycopodium, a homeopathic medicine, and asked him to give up smoking and alcohol gradually. Six months later, we saw a healthy change in him. His hair fall had stopped.

Homeopathic medications are selected taking into consideration several factors like location of the balding areas (e.g., hair loss at the sides of the scalp can be treated with homeopathic Phosphorus) and cause of hair loss (hair loss due to acute grief can be treated with Ignatia while drug-induced hair loss can be treated with Nux Vomica).

SELF-CARE TIPS

These tips may help control or prevent hair loss:

• Wash hair regularly with lukewarm to cold water to keep the scalp clean and healthy but avoid washing it too frequently.
• Condition hair regularly to prevent hair loss due to breakage.
• Avoid rubbing wet hair vigorously with a towel - just gently pat them dry.
• Avoid combing hair when they are wet.
• Avoid red meat since it's a DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) activator and therefore aggravates hair loss.
• Include more green tea and soya in your diet as these are natural DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) inhibitors and therefore help to control hair loss.