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Hair Loss Causes: Most Common Reasons for Hair Loss

What are the most common reasons for hair loss in men and women? Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can have various causes, and the specific reason for hair loss can vary from person to person.  Some common causes of hair loss include; androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), alopecia Areata, telogen effluvium, medical conditions, medications, nutritional deficiencies, traction alopecia, trichotillomania, fungal infections, chemical treatments, menopause, age, poor hair care practices, and radiation therapy. Many of the causes mentioned can affect men and women in equal measure, but some causes are more specific to the gender. Here, we look at some of the most common hair loss causes in men, and some of the most common reasons for thinning hair in women, too.  Most Common Hair Loss Causes in Men  Over two thirds of men experience hair loss by the age of 40. The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as male pattern baldnes

What is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

What is DHT and How Does it Cause Hair Loss? DHT, which stands for Dihydrotestosterone (5α-Dihydrotestosterone), is a male sex hormone, an androgen. 5α-reductase, an enzyme, synthesizes DHT in the adrenal glands, hair follicles, testes and prostate. Male and female adults can lose hair as a consequence of changes in the metabolism of androgen in the body - men more commonly than women. DHT plays a major role in hair loss. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia orandrogenetic alopecia, is caused by the hair follicle's sensitivity to DHT. The follicles miniaturise (shrink), resulting in a shorter lifespan and the abnormal production of hair. How can DHT be prevented? The most well known treatment that has been proven to slow down and prevent hair loss is Finasteride (otherwise known as Propecia). Although this prescription drug has a good record with users, it does contain the high risk of nasty side-effects such as erectile dysfunction and skin irritati