Why Do Men and Women Lose Hair?

[Jannkahon]

Hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) in men is caused by the shrinking of the hair follicle in the scalp, which leads to the hair falling out. This is caused by a reaction between an enzyme in the body, called 5-alpha reductase, and the naturally occurring testosterone in the body which creates dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT causes the shrinking of the hair shaft (known as miniaturization) which ultimately leads to the hair falling out.

 

Hair loss in women can affect up to 25% of the female population on a global scale. Often women start to lose hair around menopause but that is not the only cause. The causes are usually a combination of factors and can include emotional stress, hormonal imbalance or dietary deficiencies.

Edited May 22, 2011 by Jannkahon