What causes baldness?

It's likely that most of the theories you've heard regarding baldness are false. The facts are simple. Baldness affects both men and women and is caused by a combination of aging, hormonal changes and family history on either parent's side. Its scientific name is alopecia.

A person may have permanent or temporary hair loss. Temporary hair loss is caused due to physical and emotional stress, certain medications such as blood thinners and chemotherapy, high doses of Vitamin A, thyroid abnormalities and hormonal changes such as menopause.

Ninety-five percent of permanent hair loss is due to a hereditary condition called androgenetic alopecia that occurs in a pattern in both males and females. In males, it begins with a receding hairline in the front until only a thin rim of hair remains at the back of the head. In females, the pattern is a general thinning of hair all over the scalp beginning around age 30 and becoming particularly noticeable after menopause.

A highly active form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone can speed up the process of a receding hairline. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that is produced in the prostate, scalp and adrenal glands, converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which degrades the hair follicles. Some follicles die and as their growing cycles shorten, they produce weaker hair.

The good news is that there are prescription and non-prescription medicines available to help prevent hair loss. Other remedies include hair replacement surgeries to help stimulate growth and cosmetic accessories such as wigs and hair weaves.

Resources:

The How Stuff Works Web site explains more about baldness. Includes a good illustration of male and female pattern baldness.

A good Q & A factsheet on hair loss from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Familydoctor.org provides a terrific chart for diagnosing a hair loss problem.