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Aging Well
Losing Your Hair?While there are exceptions, most hair loss is inherited and regular in patternIf you’re a man seeing too much scalp and not enough hair, you’re not alone. “Millions of men have male pattern hair loss, a tendency inherited from one or both of their parents,” says family physician Victor Otero, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. At a certain age, this genetic pre-programming triggers male hormones to attack and kill hair follicles.There are no health risks to baldness other than injured vanity, and if you suffer from that, treatment is available. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a lotion that revives the follicles. Finasteride (Propecia) is a pill that blocks the damaging hormones. Both products help slow hair loss. But to restore that full-haired look, you’ll need surgery. There are three types: Hair replacement—Also called transplants, hair plugs or implants, this is the most common and effective technique available today, Otero says. Very small sections of scalp with active hair follicles are moved from the back of the head to bald spots. Scalp reduction—The surgeon removes large areas of bald scalp, then stretches and sews together the remaining hair-covered areas. Scalp flaps—Hair-covered scalp from the side and back of the head is moved to the bald area; the area where the flap came from is sutured closed, leaving a thin scar. When to call your doctorWhile most hair loss is male pattern baldness, there are other causes, Otero says. If your hair falls out in small, round patches, you may have alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition your doctor can treat.Hair loss can result from medical conditions such as thyroid disease, medications for high blood pressure or depression and even from regular use of cimetidine, found in some over-the-counter antacids. Other causes include excessive pulling on hair, tight hair styles, stress, anxiety and a diet lacking protein and iron. Call your doctor if hair loss is sudden, hair falls out in large amounts after combing or brushing, hair loss occurs after taking a new medication, or you also have a rash, pain, redness or swelling on your scalp. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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