| What causes hair loss ? | ||
|
There are several causes of hair
loss (or a combination of). The male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which
is converted from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, is one
of the most common causes of hair loss. When exposed to DHT genetically
sensitive hair follicles shrink and weaken. As these follicles shrink, the
hair growth cycle shortens and the resting phases lengthen. Eventually, hair
growth ceases. Another important contributor to hair loss is excessive sebum production. Sebum is an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles. It contains DHT which when absorbed in to the scalp may cause further damage to the hair follicles. Other causes of hair loss include acute illness, surgery, stress, pregnancy and medications. Usually this type of hair loss, "telogen effluvium", is temporary. Hair shaft abnormalities, skin diseases that affect the scalp (i.e. seborrheic dermatitis, dermatitis) and metabolic problems (i.e. vitamin deficiencies) may also contribute to hair loss. |