Jun 29
Andropause and Hair Loss
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Andropause and hair loss often go hand in hand. Imagine clumps of hair falling off your head, or observing strands of once healthy hair collecting in the shower drain. Maybe you run your hand through your hair and feel it thinning. It can feel daunting and quite scary. Typically, hair loss is a result of an imbalance of male testosterone hormone in the body. Instead of infusing the hair with healthy testosterone, enzymes break it down to a simpler form known as dihydrotestosterone.

An excess of this hormone has the effect of decreasing the size of hair follicles which eventually break down and make your hair fall off sporadically. The medical condition that is best associated with hair loss in Andropause sufferers is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a by-product of decreasing levels of Human Growth Hormone, which is responsible for regulating our aging process.

Andropause sufferers’ hormones have a profound effect on the rate and consistency of hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (considered by medical circles the strongest, most potent form of testosterone) is responsible for building and growing body hair in men (at normal levels - an excess causes hair degeneration.) This includes body hair, pubic hair, head hair, armpit hair - any hair. DHT is directly produced in the skin, made to work by supporting enzymes that break it down for distribution throughout the body.

DHT levels are present more in certain areas of the body than in others - explaining why we may have a full crop of hair on our heads and little bushes of hair on our chests and backs. Realize, women also have DHT in their bodies but produce less of it. That explains why women don’t have body hair. Case in point: an excess of DHT is prevalent in Andropause sufferers, explaining the reason for hair loss. The enzyme used to break down testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is ¨over activated¨ - working too hard and too fast. This is the primary cause for this Andropausal condition.

As aforementioned, dihydrotestosterone is present more in certain areas of the body than in others. For this reason, men’s hair can fall into funny patterns. You know, the balding train station clerk you might have seen with more hair on his scalp than the top of his head. The shrinking of hair follicles as a result of the production of DHT is attributed to this. How hair grows is a wondrous thing in itself that needs to be recognized. Typically, hair grows at a rate of a quarter inch every 2 weeks.

Andropause sufferers have their ¨hair growth cycles¨ disrupted when there is erratic growth of some hair strands where ¨new¨ hair pushed ¨old¨ hair out. Because Andropause is a period of hormonal imbalance, a lack of hormonal stability and poor homeostasis (holistic balance) in the body pushes things out of whack. If you want to maintain healthy strands of hair, one thing you can do is hit that stair climber machine fellas! Exercise reverses the aging process and may certainly reverse this symptom. There are also hair loss products that can help you recapture your hair.

Secondary causes of hair loss in men suffering Andropause is stress. More specifically, stress raises the levels of cortisol and cortisone (known as stress hormones) in the body. Eating non-nutritional foods also speeds up hair loss. Pretty much any activity that speeds up the aging process will speed up your hair loss. Stay away from caffeinated drinks, fast foods, and cigarette smoking to keep running your hands through your thick mane longer.

Participate in recreational activities to reduce stress and light up your life with a proper exercise regimen. If you’re suffering from this condition, don’t let it affect you in the least bit! Andropause should not serve as a punishment - rather, a realization of a future for the better.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant She can be reached at Creative Communications:
creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.everythingmenopause.com or read her book at www.howtoconquermenopause.com

Article Courtesy of Hair Loss Reports

Jun 13

You do not usually end life with the same bunch of hair that you grew up with when you were born. Unlike the eyes or nose, your hair keeps regenerating, shedding and growing. As you turn older, you start experiencing hair loss. This natural process of ageing starts when you turn 50. However, for some people the process starts much earlier. This article examines the various causes of hair loss in men and women.

#1 Stress and Lifestyle

The fast and hurried lifestyles of today make many compromises on your diet. Emotional upheavals can cause health complications that have an adverse impact on the quality of your hair. Lack of cleanliness of the scalp and excessive dandruff problems can also cause hair loss.

#2 Hormonal imbalances

Hair growth and health depends on hormones such as thyroid and pituitary glands. Any disorders in these glands can cause hair loss. The excessive presence of a component of the male hormone - DHT can also cause hair loss. This is a genetic predisposition.

#3 Genetic factors

Inherited causes of hair loss effect the unlucky that have a family history of premature balding. In men, it is called Male Pattern Baldness, in which the hair starts receding first at the temples in a classic ‘M’ shape. In women, it is called Female Pattern Baldness. This is less common. It starts at age 30 and is characterized by overall thinning of hair.

#4 Side effects

Certain drugs taken for other purposes can cause hair loss as a side effect. The following is a possible list of
medicines and drugs that could cause hair loss. Cholesterol-lowering drugs, Ulcer drugs ,Anticoagulants, Agents for gout, Drugs derived from Vitamin A,Anticonvulsants taken for, epilepsy, Antidepressants, Blood thinners, Anabolic steroids, Chemotherapy Drugs. However, not all prescription drugs under these categories have hair loss as a side effect. This has to be checked with the doctor.

#5 Other factors

Research is being continuously conducted on the causes and solutions for hair loss. Recently, Japanese scientists concluded from studies that excessive sebum could clog the
hair roots and cause hair loss. An excessive intake of some nutrients such as Vitamins A and E can actually promote hair loss.

There is no dearth of solutions, prescriptions and treatments available for hair loss. Every once in a while, a new ‘wonder’ drug such as Rogaine will enter the market. Not every solution will cure hair loss. The correct diagnosis has to be made before deciding on a course of action for hair loss.Find out what causes hair loss, and discover latest techniques and ideas for effective hair loss treatment. For lots of valuable information and articles, click http://www.hair-loss-treatment-101.com/

Author: Rachel Stepsen suffered hair loss from her mid-20’s. In an effort to find treatment, Rachel learned all there is to know about hair. She’s written a series of articles to help others learn about hair, and how they can most effectively reduce their own hair loss with the right treatment.

Article Courtesy of
Hair Loss Reports and The Hair Transplant Clinic

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