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More than half of men and women in Australia experience hair loss. About 30% of people have hair loss by age 30 years, and about 50% have hair loss by age 50 years.
This is an extremely common disorder that affects roughly 50% of men and perhaps as many women older than 40 years. As many as 13% of premenopausal women reportedly have some evidence of androgenetic alopecia. However, the incidence increases greatly in women following menopause, and, according to one author, it may affect 75% of women older than 65 years.
This genetically determined disorder is progressive. Other than affecting the patient psychologically, the disorder is significant only in that it allows ultraviolet light to reach the scalp and, thus, increases the amount of sun damage. Men present with gradual thinning in the temporal areas, producing a reshaping of the anterior part of the hairline. Women usually present with diffuse thinning on the crown. In both males and females with androgenetic alopecia, the transition from large, thick, pigmented terminal hairs to thinner, shorter, indeterminate hairs and finally to short, wispy, nonpigmented vellus hairs in the involved areas is gradual.
Other problems to be considered:
- Age-related hair loss
- Hormonal dysfunction (i.e. Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism)
- Nutritional and mineral deficiencies (i.e. Dieting, Iron deficiency)
- Stress or prolonged illness
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, including chemotherapeutic agents
- Menstrual problems, hirsutism and other virilising disorders of women
- Hypertension and/or smoking: A strong association of androgenetic alopecia has been shown in patients with hypertension and smoking
Important aspects of diagnosis are client history and physical examination. Patients are required to have a consultation with Dr Khor for a physical examination to record the hair loss and look for signs of other medical conditions such as hormone imbalance, thyroid disorders and mineral deficiencies.
Medical Care
A few proven medications are currently available for treatment of androgenetic alopecia: minoxidil and finasteride. In combination with these or as a stand alone treatment we offer a proven Hair Regrowth Program from Bioscor International. This involves In-House Hair Treatments that stimulate hair growth and give better and faster results by promoting maximum absorption of Home Hair Kit products. The Home Hair Kit is to be used by the client at home and consists of a unique blend of medications, vitamins and herbs to revitalise the scalp and stimulate the regrowth of hair. Designed to be hassle-free with minimal steps involved the hair treatment is also effective for sebum control, eliminating dandruff and inflammation.
Minoxidil
- Although the method of action is essentially unknown, minoxidil appears to lengthen the duration of the anagen phase, and it may increase the blood supply to the follicle. Regrowth is more pronounced at the vertex than in the frontal areas and is not noted for at least 4 months. Continuing topical treatment with the drug is necessary indefinitely because discontinuation of treatment produces a rapid reversion to the pretreatment balding pattern.
- Patients who respond best to this drug are those who have a recent onset of androgenetic alopecia and small areas of hair loss. The drug is marketed as a 2% or a 5% solution, with the 5% solution being somewhat more effective. A 48-week study compared the 2 strengths in men. In general, women respond better to topical minoxidil than men.
Finasteride
- Finasteride is given orally and is a 5 alpha-reductase type 2 inhibitor. It is not an antiandrogen. The drug can be used only in men. Finasteride has been shown to diminish the progression of androgenetic alopecia in males who are treated, and, in many patients, it has stimulated new regrowth.
- Although it affects vertex balding more than frontal hair loss, the medication has been shown to increase regrowth in the frontal area as well. Finasteride must be continued indefinitely because discontinuation results in gradual progression of the disorder. A study in postmenopausal women indicated no beneficial effect of the medication in treating female androgenetic alopecia.
If you are losing your hair , don't hesitate to ring Nirvana for a cost free consultation. |
