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Hair Loss in Men due to DHT

Hair loss is one problem that men have to face when they come of age. Androgenetic alopecia or “male pattern baldness” is the most common type of hair loss. It is a genetic problem and it is carried by both parents. That’s why almost all men are affected by it. This is an inevitable occurrence, if you see your father suffering from hair loss, then most likely you will be experiencing the same fate.

But don’t worry, understanding the outlook of your hair has its benefits. Investing in a good quality hair loss treatment and using it early – before hair loss starts – this is one way to prevent this unwanted condition You see, androgenetic alopecia is due to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone somehow hardens or stiffens the skin of the scalp, shrinking the blood vessels supplying the hair follicles.

Hair follicles are one of the fastest growing cells in the body and they need regular nourishment and of course, a good blood supply to continually produce hair. But due of the effects of DHT, the hair follicles slowly fail to produce terminal hair. What is left are just thin transparent hairs called “fuzz hair”. In worst cases the hair follicles somewhat enter a dormant state and totally won’t produce any hair.

The odd part of all of these scalp changes is that DHT is formed at the hair follicles. DHT is an active metabolite of the male hormone testosterone. When testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, DHT is formed and all this occurs underneath the skin – the hair follicles to be specific.

The simplest way to stop hair loss is to stop the ill effects of DHT on the scalp. Using an herbal based hair loss treatment like Nisim Shampoo is preferred over any other treatment.

Why an herbal shampoo?

Because hair loss is a lifetime treatment and the advantages of using herbal medications is that there are no side effects, it’s just like eating broccoli. The longer you use Nisim shampoo your hair will grow healthier, better, livelier and most of all, thicker preventing any kind of hair loss.

Over the last several years, there’s been a big growth in the amount of data showing the potential of natural treatments to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth in the case of male pattern baldness. So where men have been relying on synthetic drugs to help their condition — mostly because large companies invested a lot of money both in production of these drugs, and their marketing — they can now confidently take the natural route. This is an overview of the supplements, herbs, oils and nutrients one should investigate for self treatment of hair loss.

The overall cause of male pattern baldness (MPB) is now well-known: this type of hair loss seen in about a third of the male population is mediated by the androgenic metabolite of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone or DHT. The production of this now-infamous hormone increases later in life for many men, along with changes with the receptors for this hormone at the hair follicles. It is also the case that lower overall levels of “regular” testosterone are related to MPB as well.

Hair follicles shrink with continued exposure to the androgenic hormone DHT. Many follicles form small “villus hairs”, while others eventually die completely. Some researchers claim these follicles are still getting an adequate blood supply, while others note a waxy buildup or scar-like tissue surrounding the follicles, preventing adequate nutrient delivery. Thus, the localized cause of hair loss, at the follicle level, is still unknown. However, the factors (excessive binding of DHT at follicular receptor sites) leading to the miniaturization and death of the hair follicles are understood enough to develop an effective regimen for treatment.

When using a natural regimen to re-grow hair, genetically-related hair loss should be addressed on two fronts: reducing the production and effects of DHT, and stimulating the hair follicles themselves back into action. This is best achieved by a combination of internally ingested supplements and topically applied formulas.

There are now several well-known natural, plant-based products which either reduce testosterone’s conversion to DHT, block the binding of DHT to receptor sites, or both. The most well-known are Saw Palmetto Berry extract and Stinging Nettle Root extract. These to herbs work in combination to both block the conversion of testosterone to DHT and prevent it’s binding to receptor sites in the scalp . Other herbs and nutrients employed with similar functions include pygeum africanum, pumpkin seed oil, Beta-Sitosterol and Zinc (you’ll find many of these nutrients in “healthy prostate” formulas, which can be taken as effective hair-loss prevention supplements). Also, recent research has shown that men should consume Soy Isoflavones, as they are converted by beneficial bacteria in the gut to “equol”, a chemical which prevents the binding of DHT at follicle receptor sites.

Some nutrients seem to both reduce dihydrotestosterone production AND stimulate hair growth at the same time. The most well-know of these are the plant polyphenols from grape seeds and pine bark, though the most effective for our needs are from the skins of bitter young apples. Saw palmetto, supplemented in combination with grape seed extract was recently part of a patent for a hair loss treatment. Research has shown that topical application of polyphenols stimulates hair growth better than minoxidil, though liquid, topical preparations are hard to come by. Browse the internet for “apple polypheonols”, or make your own formula. Mix your chosen polyphenols into water or an alcohol/water solution at 1-3% by weight: 1 ounce of water weighs about 30 grams, so 1 gram of polyphenols in one ounce of water will produce about a 3% solution – more is not better here, as there was a drop-off in effectiveness with higher concentrations in the research.

Other proven-effective natural products include Emu oil, Flax lignans, green tea extract, taurine, coconut oil, and certain essential oils. Emu oil, massaged into the scalp daily has been shown to stimulate hair growth, even in frontal areas (though some folks are not fond of using animal products in this way). Flax lignans (a DHT production inhibitor) can be found as a supplement, or ground flax seeds can be ingested instead. Green tea extract reduces inflammation (suggested as the cause of hair follicle shrinkage), and taurine, an amino acid, inhibits the stiffening of hair follicles exposed to DHT.

In addition to these polyphenols, certain essential oils have also been shown to significantly increase hair growth. A group of patients with alopecia areata were treated with a combination of lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and thyme essential oils diluted in jojoba and grapeseed oils. Their scalp was massaged with this combination for two minutes a day with the oil left in for some time. After seven months, the treatment group showed significant improvement over the controls. Sage essential oil is also highly valued for stimulating hair growth. There are many recipes on the internet for making your own oil treatment formula, and this may be an excellent choice for the “topical” aspect of your program.

So how to combine all these into an effective hair growth program? Be sure you’re supplementing (or applying) DHT production inhibitors, binding inhibitors, and growth stimulators in the same regimen, and be consistent with your program for at least 3 months. Here’s an example: Take 2-4 capsules of a high-quality anti-DHT supplement (usually found as a “healthy prostate” supplement) daily; consume 2 tablespoons each ground flax seed and coconut oil daily; massage essential oil formula into the scalp each evening and leave on overnight. Want to go all out? Add 1 gram daily of taurine, a capsule of polyphenols (green tea, pine bark and grape seed extracts), and massage-in the polyphenol mixture every other night.

There’s an incredible wealth of information available online if you’d like to learn more. Get inspired! There’s been a lot of positive research indicating that natural supplements and topical formulas can be as effective, if not more so, than prescription or synthetic preparations. And in the long run, these may be healthier for you. Whatever combination of herbs, nutrients and oils you chose, just be sure to stay consistent for several months, and enjoy the process!

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using clove and other high quality essential oils.

Based on statistics of the American Hair Loss Association, more than 60% of men will experience appreciable hair loss by the age of 35. The statistics become more alarming the older you get, with approximately 85% of men at age 50 having significant thinning of their hair. Knowing that the odds may be against you, it pays to look at male hair loss treatment options sooner rather than later.

Most often called male pattern baldness, androgenic alopecia is the official name, and primary cause, of hair loss. Do not believe the all too common theories that stress, excess sweating, or wearing a baseball cap all the time is the cause of balding. Androgenic alopecia is caused by a combination of heredity and hormones. You inherit a propensity to have sensitivity to a testosterone byproduct called DHT. DHT affects your hair follicles by shortening them, and then stopping them from growing any hair. If you want to know what your hair future might be, just look at your male relatives.

There are multiple ways to treat hair loss, whether you start at the first sign of loss, or wait until much later. Since you have a good idea of what is to come based on your genetics, some would say that you should start as soon as possible in the hope of minimizing loss.

Your first line of defense might be a product that you can buy at your local supermarket, drug or discount store. Options include a special shampoo, which some believe will work on your hair and scalp to minimize fluctuations and inflammation caused by hormones. Another commonly known product claims it will help your existing hair to grow better, though it will not cause hair to grow in areas that are already bald.

With a visit to a doctor, you might be prescribed one of two drugs that have been approved by the FDA for use in treating the loss of hair. The most commonly prescribed is the first drug to have shown to effectively treat male pattern baldness in a majority of men who use it. It works by lowering DHT levels, which then allows hair to grow. In clinical trials, 65% of its users saw a substantial increase in hair growth. The other drug, the first approved by the FDA for treating this problem, has been shown to slow the progression of hair loss. However, since it does not work on the hormone system of hair growth, it will not cause new hair to grow in the affected areas.

If none of the drug options work for you, or you are well beyond that point in your hair loss, you still have options. The least invasive is to consider non-surgical hair replacement. That is a fancy name for a toupee or hairpiece. There are many products to choose from, made of different materials, and having differing levels of quality. If this approach does not appeal to you, there is another treatment option to consider, if you can find a skilled provider. It takes a unique medical specialist to perform surgical hair restoration. Also known as a hair transplant, this procedure moves hair from one part of your head to another in order to fill a balding spot.

Whatever your situation, old or young, lots of hair loss or just a little, the message is that there is a male hair loss treatment that could work for you. It might take you some time to find the right option for your situation, but you can find much more information about this online.

If you are suffering from male pattern baldness, you are probably interesting in stopping hair loss. Male hair loss treatment can be effective when performed according to instructions.

Truth is, the exact mechanism is not known. There are several different theories about why lasers work as a thinning hair treatment. Here’s what’s been suggested.

Theory One – Laser light is effective as a thinning hair treatment by transferring energy into the hair follicle

This theory says that the laser energy is simply absorbed by the hair follicle, and this stimulates the hair growth. Basically it says you’re absorbing light energy into the scalp, thus causing the hair to grow.

It’s thought to be similar to a plant growing by absorbing sunlight.

Theory Two – laser light flushes out the chemical that makes you bald

The chemical in the bloodstream that makes you bald is called dihydrotestosterone (or DHT). This builds up in the hair follicles and causes baldness. (This is known – it’s not a theory)

One theory of why lasers work so well is that they may be stimulating blood flow around the hair follicle, flushing out the DHT, thus letting the hair regrow.

While this may be part of the reason, it is not a complete answer. Lasers actually stimulate the hair to grow faster, even when just shaved. Shaving has nothing to do with DHT – and lasers still work.

In fact, the effect that lasers have on hair growth was discovered completely by accident.

It was in 1967, shortly after the first lasers were invented, that Endre Mester in Semmelweis University was doing experiments with lasers on skin cancer. He noticed that when applying lasers to the backs of shaven mice, the shaved hair grew back faster in those mice in the treated group versus the untreated group.

Since then, numerous experiments have shown that a certain exact wavelength of laser light – 650 nm (nanometers) – is most effective as a thinning hair treatment. This is the laser we use in all Super Grow Laser products.

This simple observation sparked an entire industry, and gave people with thinning hair the first chance at a real solution. The laser light regrows a person’s own natural hair, right where it belongs. No dangerous drugs or surgery.

However it works, we just know one thing for sure – IT DOES WORK AS A THINNING HAIR TREATMENT.

(Scientists have never figured out exactly how glue works at an atomic level either. This doesn’t stop a stamp from sticking to an envelope.)

Hair loss in women is characterized by typical baldness pattern and is normally associated with aging, genes and hormones. As the hair continues to grow from its follicles at an average rate of about half an inch per month, it finally reaches resting stage after 2 to 6 years, and then it falls out. Once a hair follicle falls out, it is replaced by a new hair follicle. At any given time, 85% of our hair is in its growing state while the remaining portion is at its resting state.

Hair loss in women occurs when the hair falls out faster than it could be replaced by new hair follicles. The process that defines female baldness is not properly defined and well understood even by medical experts. However, there are several factors that seem to have direct relationship to hair loss in women. These include aging, changes in the hormonal levels, family history, pregnancy, hair breakages, specific skin diseases, hormonal anomalies, certain medications, syphilis, iron and biotin and vitamin deficiency and alopecia areata.

There are some basic differences between male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness. Hair loss in women is typical characterized by the thinning of hair on the crown and top area of the scalp that begins with a widening gap along the center hairline. Unlike in men, the hair loss in women does not affect the front portion of the hairline, and the condition rarely deteriorates into total baldness.

Your doctor will normally perform the necessary examination to determine the underlying cause or causes of the hair loss. The general appearance and overall pattern of the hair loss will also be considered. In some instances, your doctor may also have to perform skin biopsy or other diagnostic procedures to pinpoint possible skin anomalies that can trigger hair loss.

There are several tried and tested formulations to control and reverse the hair loss in women that are available over the counter and sold online. It is essential that you discuss your options with your family doctor before deciding on the best hair loss treatment option.

Female hair loss is not caused by DHT but hormonal patterns in the female body. Female hair loss may be brought about by stress or other conditions such as pregnancy and menopause Provillus for Women, on the other hand take these factors into consideration and address these. Provillus for women contain Vitamins B6, Biotin, Magnesium and Horsetail. It also contains Para – aminobenzoic acid or PABA.

Aside from helping stop hair loss, Provillus also nourishes the scalp and the hair with a proprietary bled of botanicals. There is indeed a striking difference in the content of the two Provillus products. This is to ensure that you get specialized treatment that’s just right for your hair loss condition.

Provillus does not only help the hair grow back, but also helps it to become healthy hair. The product provides necessary minerals and vitamins such as Biotin, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. These vitamins help in supporting the follicle and the hair.