Hair loss is a condition that affects most men and women to some extent. Having a full head of hair is linked to cultural notions of beauty and desirability, in both men and women. Read on to know more about the causes of this common condition, new research into effective hair loss treatments and currently available treatments for hair loss.

Reasons for hair loss

There are many reasons for hair loss, but hereditary factors play a major role in hair loss, particularly in men. This condition is known as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss and is usually linked to increased levels of DHT in the scalp. This condition is characterized by hair loss at the top of the head and the temples and thinning hair elsewhere. The process of ageing causes some amount of hair loss naturally. Some drugs are also known to cause hair loss as a side effect. These include medications for lowering cholesterol levels, as well as those used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, gout, arthritis, ulcers, some anticoagulants, etc. Hair loss can be caused by any one of these or a combination of various factors. Once your doctor has identified the main cause, the appropriate treatment can be determined.

Research on effective ways to treat hair loss

Ongoing research into the causes and treatments of hair loss suggests that future treatments for hair loss will resolve most of the drawbacks of the medical, surgical and cosmetic hair loss treatments available today. New methods of treatment such as gene therapy and hair follicle cloning are likely to cure and not just treat genetic pattern baldness permanently. The human hair follicle undergoes a unique cycle of growth and rest and the follicle almost entirely disintegrates at the end of the regression phase, in order to enable a new follicle to come up. The life cycle of the hair follicle provides unique opportunities for the practical application of cutting edge molecular biology techniques such as gene therapy and cloning. It also works as a scientific model to understand crucial aspects of the human organ system, cell biology, immune response medicine, as well as the process of controlled cell regeneration and differentiation.

Hair loss treatments

A variety of medications are available for treating hair loss. These include:

* DHT inhibitors (like Propecia, the FDA approved treatment) that restrict the production and action of DHT in the scalp and relieve its harmful effects.
* Growth stimulants promote the re-growth of hair but do nothing to reverse existing hair loss. Using a growth stimulant alone will not produce effective results. Most people combine them with DHT inhibitors for best results.
* Anti-androgens prevent DHT from reaching your hair follicles and are not accompanied by many of the side effects of DHT inhibitors.

Do not take any hair loss medication without consulting your doctor first.