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Home > How to Prevent Hair Loss for Both Sexes
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How to Prevent Hair Loss for Both Sexes
At 30, nearly one-third of all men suffer from androgenic alopecia, commonly
known as male pattern baldness. The same condition is said to affect almost half
of all men over the age of 50. While this condition is most commonly thought of
as a male affliction, hair loss is more prevalent in women than assumed.
Post-partum hair loss is suffered by many new mothers in the months after giving
birth. 13% of all women will also experience hair loss before menopause and an
estimated two-thirds of women 65 and over will also lose hair to some degree.
So, what is the link between hair loss and both sexes? While some forms of hair
loss are genetically predetermined, most hair loss can be attributed to
sensitivity to, or a lack of, certain hormones within the body called androgens.
Sudden hair loss can also be the result of extreme stress on the body, a thyroid
condition, or could be an adverse reaction to a medication. If other symptoms
accompany the hair loss, consult your family physician to exclude any other
serious conditions.
Preventing Hair Loss through Hair Care and Nutrition
The key to preventing hair loss is just that – prevention. Starting early will
give you the best chance in preserving the hair you still have. Don’t worry if
you have already lost a significant amount of hair; there are effective
replacement solutions to improve your appearance and your self-image. Hair loss
prevention can take both pharmacological (drug treatments) and
non-pharmacological approaches (holistic treatment through nutrition and
replacement therapies).
The most well-known hair loss prevention methods are popular drugs, such as
finasteride (sold under the trade name Propetia) and minoxidil (known as
Rogaine). Both have been known to be effective in treating hair loss.
Finasteride is an oral medication used for men, but is associated with several
side effects such as a decrease in libido. Minoxidil is a topical treatment
useful for hormonal, hereditary, and age-related hair loss in both men and
women. The largest downside to these treatments, however, is that the hair loss
will continue once the treatments are discontinued.
Most people find some relief from hair loss with pharmacological treatments.
Others, however, may want to augment such treatments with a holistic approach
through diet and hair care. Many natural medicine practitioners place enormous
emphasis on the diet and nutrition as a means of preventing hair loss. A low
fat, wholesome diet rich in silica, calcium, and iron is thought to be effective
in treating the condition. Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron and protein
which encourage new hair growth, and all three should be included in any hair
loss prevention diet.
Hair Care Products and Hair Replacement
If you have already permanently lost a significant amount of hair, you may want
to try a combination of medical treatments to prevent further hair loss, modify
your diet, as well as investigate specialized hair care and hair replacement
products. These products can take the form of foams and gels as well as surgical
and non-surgical replacement measures. While surgical hair implants may be
expensive, there is a multitude of non-evasive, realistic hair pieces which are
now custom-made from real human hair to match the hair color and consistency of
the wearer. Whichever hair loss you suffer from, there are solutions available
for every stage and budget. Determine your needs with the help of your doctor
before pursuing any course of treatment.
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