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Hair Loss

Seeing those first couple of hairs around your drain or on your comb can be a frightening prospect for many, especially those for whom hair loss runs in the family. The cause of hair loss may vary, but it is often hereditary. Certain medications, such as those to treat depression, arthritis, gout, heart conditions or high blood pressure (and for some women birth control pills), or diseases, such as diabetes and lupus, may also be to blame in some cases. Poor nutrition, such as a lack of protein or iron in the diet may be a cause of hair loss, too. Fad or crash diets and eating disorders may be a cause of poor nutrition. There may be other causes such as chemicals used to treat the hair and scalp infections.

You probably don't have to look too hard to find an advertisement for a hair loss treatment. You see them on commercials, on the internet and in other forms of media. The effectiveness of treatment may depend on the cause of the hair loss and its extent. Each individual's response to treatment may also play a role in the results. Rogaine is an example of minoxidil, which is a liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp to grow hair and prevent hair loss. Propecia is a type of finasteride, which is a prescription oral medication to treat male pattern baldness. Corticosteroids, anthralin and hair transplants are also examples of treatment for hair loss.

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