Hair loss can be attributed to genetic factors and hormonal influences. In men, the main cause is androgenic alopecia which results from excessive secretion of androgenic hormones by the testes. Other causes include chronic scalp infections (eg Staphylococcus aureus), scalp trauma, emotional stress and improper hair care. Although other types of hair loss can occur in both men and women, these types are usually associated with physical features such as receding hairline. For women, excessive hair loss on top of baldness caused by hormonal imbalance and/or infection can result in severe emotional distress.
Hair loss can also be treated using topical treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and topically applied vasoconstrictors such as flutamide. Topical agents can be used alone or in combination with systemic medications. There are some medications that work by suppressing the synthesis of androgens by the male hormone testosterone, thereby reducing the level of hair loss. These are known as antiandrogen drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs have some significant side effects, particularly sexual dysfunction in men and gastrointestinal problems in women. Treatments such as Scalp Micropigmentation that is provided by His Hair Clinic can be a better option, when looking to avoid some of the side effects that can be caused by medication.
There are also a few genetically inherited types of alopecia areata, which are more common in certain ethnic groups. These include Russian, Chinese and Italian hair loss. Russian and Chinese patchy hair loss are caused by the human enzyme tyrosine that has a role in converting the thyroid hormone into estrogen. In Italian hair loss, the most common genetic inheritance is related to the amino acid lysine, which has an important role in the metabolism of proteins within the body.