Hair Loss Questions for Men FAQ
Dr. Klein, what causes hair loss in the first place?
There are many factors to consider. By far, the Number One cause of what most people call "common baldness." It occurs in various patterns and affects both males and females.
The most common form is male-pattern baldness (or Androgenic alopecia). Men who have this type of hair loss usually inherit it. The scale above shows that the pattern is defined by loss at the top of the scalp and regression at the hairline. It affects a large portion of the population and can start as early as adolescence and increase with age. Men in their 50s have a 50% chance of showing some degree of hair loss. The overall average is about 66%. Most people with some pattern loss will eventually progress to advanced stages of baldness. Men who start losing hair at an early age experience more extensive baldness.
The exact cause and mechanics of hair loss is not completely understood, though genetics and hormones play an important role.
Women often face different hair loss challenges than men. Go to Womens FAQs for more specific information.
What other factors can lead to hair loss?
- Surgery can cause hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This loss is related to the stress of the illness or surgery and is temporary.
- Hormonal problems can contribute. An over- or under active thyroid can cause hair to fall out. Treating the thyroid disease can usually offset this. If male or female hormones, called androgens or estrogens swing out of balance, your hair can suffer. Again, correcting the imbalance can stop this loss.
- Many women experience hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to their regular levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss start again.
- Some medicines can cause hair loss. This improves after you stop taking the medicine. These include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medications for gout, chemotherapy for cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken) birth control pills and antidepressants.
- Sometimes an underlying disease can be the culprit. Lupus or diabetes is known to cause hair loss. Since hair loss can indicate an early sign of a disease, it's important to find the cause so it can be treated.
Can I lose my hair by shampooing too often?
Hair that falls out in the shower is already gone. Showering won't make a difference.
Will wearing a hat stimulate hair loss?
No.
Can my doctor do anything to stop hair loss?
Perhaps. Your doctor will probably ask you some questions about your diet, any medications you're taking, whether you've had a recent illness and how you take care of your hair. If you're a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. You may be asked to take a physical exam to rule out other causes of hair loss. Blood tests or a biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under a microscope) may be needed.
Your doctor may check for:
- interactions with prescription drugs
- interactions with dietary supplements
- disease related factors
- sexually transmitted diseases
- thyroid disease
- bacterial or fungal infections
- seborrhea and psoriasis
- other factors
This is why Dr. Klein insists on a personal consultation with EVERY client. As a doctor, he is qualified to assess your medical condition before recommending a solution that's right for you. He may refer you to your own doctor if he feels your symptom indicate that more investigation is needed. Also, because Dr. Klein has focused his attention on hair loss and hair restoration for years, he is one of the most qualified experts you can speak to.
Can I lose hair by not taking good care of it?
Yes. If you wear pigtails or cornrows...or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called "traction alopecia." If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. Scarring, however, can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemical used for permanents may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicles, which can result in scarring, too.
REMOX™ can't help permanently damaged hair follicles, but it will maintain the maximum number of follicles that still have the capacity to grow hair.
What treatments are available for hair loss?
Depending on your type of hair loss, various treatments are available. If it's caused by a medicine, your doctor may change your medication. Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop hair loss. Or correcting a hormone imbalance may be an effective solution.
But if you're like 95% of all hair loss sufferers, your problem is Androgenetic alopecia. Fortunately there are two medicines that have been shown to be VERY effective against this condition. One is Minoxodil, the now famous ingredient in many hair loss treatments. The other is Propecia (Finasteride) which is found in our PROMOX™ formulas.
PROMOX™ is a new option for men, n fact, a recent triple-blind study shows it is up to 75% more effective than Minoxidil alone. (Note: PROMOX™ is not indicated for women.) An online evaluation and consultation with Dr. Klein are required.
Tretenion is part of all our formulas and has been shown to increase the absorbtion through the stratum corneum (top layer of the scalp) of all our medications by up to 3 to 4 times.
Start your personalized hair loss treatment program now with Dr. Klein to guide you. Learn more about the no-obligation self-evaluation you can take online. It's your first step to hair success.
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