Is Hair Loss A Sign of Aging ? Are you experiencing clumps of hair falling out at random times? Does it seem as if hair loss is making a noticeable difference on your scalp? The first thought that strikes the average person is to wonder if this means they are getting old.

It may just be a horrifying fact of life that you could be losing your hair. But not to worry, hair loss occurs for many reasons. It is simply correlated with age, not a consequence of getting older, according to Dr. U.

Is Hair Loss A Sign of Aging : Basic Hair Loss Statistics

Hair loss can be a devastating time of one’s life. A person may feel as if they are alone on a boat as they bald. But it is important to realize that millions of people lose large amounts of hair but may not openly reveal this. It is a genetic effect that does not signify aging even though it tends to kick in at a certain age and often times pre-maturely

On average, more than 40 million men suffer from hair loss in the U.S and about 25 million women.

Is Hair Loss A Sign of Aging : What Causes Hair Loss

Hair loss may seem like a single type of condition. But there are a variety of causes, both permanent and temporary. Genetics is the leading culprit for both men and women. It is responsible for the most common form of hair loss called androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness. Those with the condition have weaker protein receptors that make the hair follicles sensitive to the effects of DHT, (dehydrotestosterone) which is a byproduct of testosterone. As a result, the hair follicles shrink, and eventually fall out.

And it doesn’t stop there. What you put into your mouth, or engage your body in may also lead to shedding or thinning. And this can worsen genetic hair loss.

Environmental factors alone are more likely to create a temporary hair loss effect, rather than a permanent one. These may include side effects from drugs or physiological stress which causes hair follicles to stop growing and enter a resting phase (often temporary) known as telogen effluvium.

Sufferers of permanent hair loss may want to look at their ancestry. Hair loss on either side can be a good predictor for the condition. Yet it is not guaranteed, explains Dr. U.

Also, it was once thought that genes for baldness only came from the maternal side. But this is a complete myth.

Is Hair Loss A Sign of Aging : Can Hair Loss Be Treated?

Unfortunately, when genetics are at work there is no way to reverse hair loss at the physiological level. Though it may seem like a hopeless condition, one may be pleased to know that surgery can help restore the look of a youthful head of hair.

Through a hair transplant, healthy follicles are transferred to sparse or empty areas of the head. At the moment, this is the most reliable way to achieve desired coverage and aesthetics.

Before committing yourself to this form of treatment, get an evaluation by a dermatologist, advises Dr. U.

Remember, environmental factors can also contribute to hair loss. And in such cases, hair transplantation may not be necessary.

However, a doctor can help guide you to the best form of treatment, whether this means surgery, or simply addressing the cause.

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