balding Archives - Miami Hair Institute

Articles Tagged with: balding

March 17, 2016

Garlic Treatment for Hair Loss

Is garlic treatment for hair loss effective? A Canadian team of researchers has set out to test just that, aiming to evaluate garlic pills and topical treatments as a method for treating alopecia areata among children and teenagers. A number of children under the age of 16 suffer with alopecia areata, a condition characterized by sudden and patchy hair loss. Kids and young teens are limited in treatment options, as many are not candidates for topical foams, prescription medications, or surgical hair restoration. Researchers hope an all-natural treatment, like garlic extract, may someday alleviate hair loss symptoms along with the fear and social anxiety they cause.

Investigating a Garlic Treatment for Hair Loss

Researchers in Canada hope to find a hair loss cure in garlic, a bulb-shaped plant known to have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The new trial has been announced on ClinicalTrials.gov. The researchers write:

The investigators propose to conduct an open label, prospective cohort pilot study using topical garlic concentrate (GarlicRich) for treatment of children with Alopecia Areata. Study medication will be applied topically on affected area of the skin daily for 6 months. Follow up visits will occur monthly to access the efficacy and safety of the proposed treatment.

A full posting of this study can be viewed by visiting ClinicalTrials.gov.

Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss

Only time will tell if a garlic treatment for hair loss can help to reverse the signs of thinning, shedding, or patchy baldness. In the meantime, there are only a few treatment options for children and teenagers who have alopecia. Some of the more popular options include:

Improving diet. The body needs a balanced diet, as well as a comprehensive assortment of essential vitamins and minerals in order to grow, heal, and achieve peak performance. This is especially true for growing children and young teens. Take a moment to review the components of a healthy hair diet, and think of delicious ways to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into every meal.

Managing stress. Stress can be devastating on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, specifically, have been found to trigger and/or worsen hair loss. Children and young teens are encouraged to learn stress management and coping skills at an early age to not only prevent hair loss, but to improve overall health and vitality as well. Mindfulness meditation, sketching, coloring, light exercise, and journaling are all proven outlets for mitigating the negative effects of stress.

Wearing hairpieces. In some cases, hairpieces are the best solution for children and teenagers who suffer with various forms of alopecia.

This news article has been published by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Readers are welcomed to contact us online, or call our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.

August 24, 2015

Does Balding Negatively Affect Work Life?

Normally, a person sheds anywhere up to 100 strands of hair per day. Finding hair at the bottom of the shower or tangled in a brush is a common occurrence. Unfortunately for some, however, hair follicles can become damaged, stressed, or hormonally challenged, rendering them inactive for periods of time. When this occurs, hair ceases its normal growth cycle and existing strands begin to fall out in larger quantities than what is considered average.

Male pattern baldness, medically referred to as androgenic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men, accounting for 95 percent of men’s hair loss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, 85 percent of men who’ve reached the age of 50 have significantly thinning hair. A quarter of those suffering from male pattern baldness begin to exhibit symptoms before they reach the age of 21. (i)

Women’s hair loss, commonly telogen effluvium, isn’t nearly as consistent. Although many erroneously assume that hair loss is strictly associated with men, 40 percent of hair loss sufferers are actually women. (ii) It’s a silent condition many women avoid talking about or getting help for because women’s hair is a sign of beauty. Compromised attractiveness due to stress, aging, genetics, or hormonal imbalance is considered taboo for women, which is why so many lack the resources to combat this embarrassing condition.

Because hair loss is a noticeable condition, one might wonder: Can my hair loss affect my professional life?

Unfortunately, yes, but maybe not in the way you think it would. While your coworkers and managers are unlikely to judge to you based on your thinning hair, your own inner feelings about your hair loss may surface in the workplace.

Hair Loss, Self Esteem, and Career Development

Negative feelings surrounding hair loss can mostly be attributed to two things: Media and culture. Hair is something both men and women use to make themselves feel more attractive and put together. Hair loss is also seen as a sign of aging or sometimes, bad health. These adverse sentiments regarding balding cause social and psychological effects, including compromised self-image and self esteem.

Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can hurt job performance, whether through missed workdays or lack of confidence in ideas and accomplishments. The American Hair Loss Association states, “It is not uncommon for men to change their career paths because of their hair loss.” (i)

According to a random sampling amongst European men ages 18 to 45, 70 percent of men believe hair is an important feature of one’s image, and 62 percent agreed that hair loss has the potential to negatively impact self-esteem. (iii)

Regaining Confidence at Work with Hair Restoration

While less than 10 percent of men in the European study were actively pursuing hair loss treatment, 59 percent of those undergoing treatment who reported success said they experienced improvements of self-esteem and personal attractiveness. (iii)

If you feel that your hair loss is negatively affecting your personal and professional life, it’s time to act now. The expert surgeons at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami provide advanced hair restoration techniques to help you regain your motivation and drive at work by giving you the confidence you need to succeed. We also offer low-level laser therapy caps to be used in conjunction with hair restoration surgery, or on their own.

Call our Institute toll-free at (877) 443-9070 and make an appointment today.

Sources

(i) http://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/introduction.asp

(ii) http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/introduction.asp

(iii) The psychosocial impact of hair loss among men: a multinational European study. Mariola Alfonso, Hertha Richter-Appelt, Antonella Tosti, Miguel Sanchez Viera, Marcos García Curr Med Res Opin. 2005 November; 21(11): 1829–1836. doi: 10.1185/030079905X61820

July 28, 2015

Researchers Succeed in Generating Hair from Embryonic Stem Cells

As advances continue to spur in the hair growth research industry, a new, potentially break through procedure could be in the near future. Embryonic stem cells, often used to produce specialized cells to understand the cause and treatment of diseases, have been shown to regrow hair on bald skin in laboratory mice.

The Study Explained

A team of researchers led by Alexey Tersikikh, PhD, conducted a transplant of human pluripotent stem cells (HPSCs) onto laboratory mice. These stem cells successfully generated into dermal papilla cells, allowing the mice to grow new hair.

The dermal papilla-like cells from the embryos were similar to adult human dermal papilla cells, and were able to encourage hair follicle formation in these test subjects. When human dermal papilla cells are cultured, they lose their ability to initiate follicle growth, so the embryonic cells are a potential workaround for this short falling.

“We have developed a method using human pluripotent stem cells to create new cells capable of initiating human hair growth,” said Alexey Terskikh, Ph.D., associate professor in the Development, Aging and Regeneration Program at Sanford-Burnham. (i)

The reason embryonic treatment works is due to their ability to generate and induce dermal papilla-like cells. The dermal papilla is a cluster of cells located at the base of the hair follicle. While most hair loss specialists understand the dermal papilla role in hair growth, the details of how and why are still a point of research for many in the field. Now that we are able to see exactly how stem cells grow hair, advanced procedures might be on the horizon. Not only does this help those who aren’t candidates for transplants due to diffuse hair loss patterns, but embryonic stem cells may be able to restore dermal papilla cells in patients suffering from burned or damaged follicles that no longer have the ability to grow hair.

Are Embryonic Stem Cells the Future of Hair Restoration?

Approximately 40 million men and 21 million women in the United States suffer from hair loss, so any advancement in hair restoration research provides hope to those suffering. While this new discovery can help the millions of people who aren’t candidates for hair transplant surgery, we will have to wait and see when and how this breakthrough procedure becomes a part of the hair restoration industry.

For now, there are other options available for those suffering from hair loss. Hair transplants, as previously mentioned, provide excellent and permanent results in patients suffering from patterned baldness. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) caps and in-office domes are also viable supplements or stand alone treatments for most hair loss sufferers.

For more information about hair restoration, contact Miami Hair to discuss the treatments available today. Fill out our hair transplant candidacy form to expedite your answers on whether or not you can successfully undergo the surgery. For assistance and additional information, contact a hair loss specialist directly at 305-925-0222.

Sources:

http://www.cnet.com/news/stem-cell-grown-hair-could-help-those-with-hair-loss/

Gnedeva K, Vorotelyak E, Cimadamore F, Cattarossi G, Giusto E, Terskikh VV, et al. (2015) Derivation of Hair-Inducing Cell from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. PLoS ONE 10(1): e0116892. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116892

July 6, 2015

How Thyroid Disease May Cause Hair Loss

Hair health, fullness, and sheen are often indicators of the body’s internal wellness. Many diseases, conditions, and subsequent treatments trigger hair loss or dull, breaking strands. Two of those conditions are hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. While they are complete opposite in terms of their issues – one is an overproduction while the other is an underproduction of hormones – they share a common symptom: hair loss.

If you suffer from a thyroid disorder and are currently experiencing hair loss or balding, knowing why and the steps you can take to combat this unfortunate side effect is important.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland that releases a steady amount of hormones in the body. It’s pertinent to proper metabolic functions, growth, and development. The thyroid is located just below your voice box on the front of your neck. It is shaped somewhat like a butterfly with two lobes on each side connected in the center by a thin tissue. The thyroid stores hormones in small droplets within it’s vesicles, or follicles.

What does it do?

The thyroid is responsible for the production of three key hormones: T3 (also known as triiodothyronine), T4 (also known as Tetreaiodothyronine), and Calcitonin. T3 and T4 are both made up mainly of iodine.

Being the main component of two thyroid hormones, the thyroid requires iodine to function properly. Usually, the body absorbs iodine through the intestine and enters the blood stream. Then, it’s transferred to the thyroid gland to build T3 and T4. The body cannot produce iodine on it’s own since it’s a trace element.

One reason for an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a lack of iodine. Other potential causes are genetics, age, Hasimoto’s thyroiditis, and various medications. Under-activity usually develops over time, rendering it hard to notice. The symptoms are weight gain, slowed metabolism, loss of energy, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, slow pulse, constipation, and hair loss. Many patients with an underactive thyroid assume their symptoms are part of the aging process, rather than a serious hormonal condition.

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs from an overproduction of hormones in the thyroid gland. Energy metabolism speeds up and overactive thyroids lead to hot flashes, trembling, insomnia, racing heart, fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss.

Autoimmune diseases, issues with the thyroid axis, or autonomy from the pituitary gland are the three main causes of an overactive thyroid. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating the amount of thyroid hormone produced, and a lack of communication between the two can cause overproduction.

Why does a dysfunctional thyroid lead to hair loss?

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss. First, overactive thyroids sometimes lead to an increased development of DHT. DHT influences the development of sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics, including physical appearance. But too much DHT can cause hair follicle shrinkage or elimination, resulting in shedding or thinning hair. Therefore, when an overactive thyroid impairs the production of DHT from testosterone, balding occurs.

For patients currently prescribed medication for an underactive thyroid, it’s important to note the side effects. One of the most common treatments is levothyroxine sodium, which also goes by the brand names Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and Unithroid. Sythroid specifically has been shown to cause long-term hair loss in patients.

How to treat thyroid-related hair loss

Whether you’re suffering from hair loss due to a hormonal imbalance from hypothyroidism or your thyroid medication is causing your hair loss, you have options for treatment.

First, many individuals take additional medication to offset the hair loss from their current thyroid medication. Results vary since medication affects every individual differently, but make sure to consult your physician prior to adding or subtracting from your current regimen.

Hair transplant surgery is another treatment option known to deliver consistent results. Given the advances in hair transplants, such as the Follicular Isolation Technique (FIT) developed by Dr. Paul Rose, transplants are more naturally looking than ever. Using FIT, Dr. Rose extracts individual follicles from donor areas and moves them to balding areas with little scarring. Follicular Unit Transplantations (FUT) is a more traditional approach offered by many restoration experts, including the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami.

Many individuals aren’t candidates for additional medication or hair transplant surgery after suffering from thyroid-related hair loss. Low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, uses safe lasers to stimulate hair follicles. At-home laser caps can be worn underneath virtually any hat or covering.

Learn More About Hair Loss Treatment in Miami

If you’re suffering from hair loss related to an underactive or overactive thyroid, the Hair Transplant Institute can help. We offer a variety of treatment options, customized to individual conditions, to revert this unfortunate side effect of thyroid dysfunction. Visit Miami Hair online, or contact our institute at 305-925-0222 to learn more about our personalized approach to hair loss diagnosis and treatment.

June 29, 2015

Miami Hair Surgeons Perform Hair Transplant for Alan Tacher

Despierta América star, Alan Tacher, visits Drs. Nusbaum and Rose

There’s never a dull moment at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Just a couple weeks ago, our Coral Gables clinic received a visit from Univision celebrity and Despierta América star, Alan Tacher!

Like millions of men, Mr. Tacher has been experiencing hair loss along his frontal hairline and the top portion of his scalp. In such a case, surgeons can extract donor hair follicles from the sides or rear of the scalp—where hair growth is still thick and full—and transplant them to the hairline and/or front of the scalp where things are getting thin.

Watch the Segment. Watch the televised segment below, courtesy of Despierta América.

Part 1: Hair Loss Q&A

Part 2: The Procedure

Part 3: The Results

Before and After Photos

Hair Transplant Repair and Hair Transplant Reversal

Reasons to Love Miami Hair

Celebrities are not the only ones who love our Institute. Patients travel from around the world to take advantage of the expertise and advanced hair restoration technologies offered by Dr. Bernard Nusbaum and Dr. Paul Rose. Below are just a few of the reasons patients consistently choose the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami over other hair loss clinics and treatment options.

ARTAS™ Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In 2012, our Institute become one of the first 11 hair clinics to offer the revolutionary ARTAS™ system for robotic FUE. ARTAS is widely considered to be one of the most advanced and effective tools for hair restoration surgery, using high resolution digital imaging and advanced robotics technology to extract near perfect donor hairs at micron-level precision.

Visit this page to learn more about the ARTAS™ hair restoration robot.

Mosaic® Hair Restoration

With or without a hair transplant robot, donor hairs must be surgically transplanted to the recipient area (portion of the scalp that is thinning or balding). This is where the surgeon’s skill and expertise separate the mediocre from the exceptional. At our Institute, surgeons use the patented Mosaic® Hair Restoration approach to ensure natural results that are nearly undetectable.

To learn more about the Mosaic® Hair Restoration, visit this page on hair transplant techniques.

Unparalleled Patient Care

Of course, your procedure is just a small portion of your overall experience at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Our clinic specializes in patient-focused care before, during, and long after your procedure. Our staff, nurses, technicians, and surgeons offer follow up care that is second to none.

Visit Us for Your Consultation

If you suffer with hair loss, you are not alone. Millions of men and women wake up each day dissatisfied with their appearance. Happiness, self esteem, social ambition, and professional life can all suffer as a consequence. With today’s technologies and treatment options, there’s no reason to let hair loss compromise your quality of life.

At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we hold your pursuit of a newer, fuller head of hair in the highest regard. We welcome you to contact us online to schedule a hair loss evaluation, our call our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.

October 7, 2014

All About Hair Grafts

Surgical hair transplant has long relied on the use of hair grafts to restore areas of balding scalp with natural waves of full, real hair. The history of hair grafts can be traced back to as early as 1930s, Japan. There, scientists experimented with the first primitive hair grafts and hair restoration techniques. It was not until the middle of the century— nearly two decades later— that the practice of hair grafting would first appear in the Western world.

The very first hair graft tools and procedures were introduced to Americans in the late 1950s by a New York dermatologist, Dr. Norman Orentreich. Medical researchers say this marked the onset of the modern era of hair transplant, a movement that ultimately culminates with the invention of advanced “hair transplant robots” that assist in today’s procedures.

Grafting Procedures

Generally speaking, hair grafts are used during most hair transplant procedures. These procedures might be performed in a variety of different ways. To illustrate, let’s examine the 3 most popular types of hair grafting procedures in Miami: Strip donor transplant, follicular unit transplant, and new robotic FUE transplant.

1. Strip donor transplant

The strip donor transplant requires the extraction of a long, narrow strip of scalp from the donor area. Sometimes referred to as a linear graft, this section of scalp is very small and nearly painless to remove after the application of a local anesthetic.

The linear graft produced during a strip donor hair transplant may vary in size according to individual patient needs. Typically, the strip of donor hair contains 30-40 hair grafts. Following extraction, surgeons carefully separate the strip into individual micrografts (clusters of about 3-4 hairs each). These hair grafts are then transplanted by hand to complete the surgical hair restoration procedure. They can be used to create a natural looking hairline, fill in areas around the temples, or reconstruct the crown.

2. Follicular unit transplantation

Like the strip donor procedure outlined above, the follicular unit transplantation procedure requires the extraction of hair grafts from a donor area. Unlike strip donor procedures, however, FUT procedures do not extract a linear strip of donor hair. Instead, a small punch-like instrument is used to extract individual micrografts directly from the scalp. These micrografts contain clusters of 3-4 donor hairs each, which are similarly transplanted by the surgeon to recreate a patient’s hairline, temporal regions, and/or crown.

FUT offers a few key benefits over traditional strip donor procedures, the most notable of which is the ability to leave the donor area nearly scar-free. While strip donor procedures leave a small linear scar that is sometimes visible when hair is cut very short, FUT procedures leave only reddish colored dots at the site of each micrograft extraction. These marks are nearly invisible to the naked eye, allowing the patient to wear his or her hair very short after the procedure is performed.

3. Robotic FUE

The newest trend in hair transplant technology, robotic FUE systems are making headlines for bringing higher speeds and greater precision to the art of hair transplant.

With the assistance of advanced digital imaging and robotics technology, surgeons are now able to identify and extract specific hair micrografts in a more comfortable and minimally invasive way. This reduces trauma to the scalp, speeds the procedure, and ultimately improves patient experience. What’s more, these new hair transplant robots survey the entire donor area to ensure hair grafts are selected in a random fashion that helps to maintain the thickness, density, and scalp health.

Learn more about robotic FUE technology by visiting our ARTAS® Miami page.

Learn More About Hair Grafting

Millions of men and women suffer with the personal and social angst of hair loss every day. If you suffer with thinning, balding, or shedding hair, rest assured you are not alone. Learn more about hair grafting and surgical hair restoration at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami by calling our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.

May 13, 2014

Can Scalp Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?

Hair Loss from Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that causes what appear to be scaly/raised patches on the skin. Psoriasis can be either mild or severe. When mild, it is hardly noticeable. When severe, however, the scaly patches become more pronounced and red in color. Sometimes, Psoriasis can even cause hair loss.

The type of Psoriasis that causes men and women to lose their hair is called Scalp Psoriasis. The condition typically begins on the top of the scalp, but it can also spread toward the back of the scalp and behind the ears. Though more pronounced cases of scalp psoriasis can be unsightly, the skin condition is not contagious.

Going Bald from Scalp Psoriasis

Although the exact cause of Scalp Psoriasis is not yet known, medical professionals believe the scaly patches form when skin cells replicate too quickly. Faster than normal growth may cause the cells to grow onto or into one another, causing the skin to form raised, reddish patches.

It’s estimated that about 3.7 million or more Americans have Scalp Psoriasis (i). Below are the most common signs and symptoms of the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis include the following:

Reddish plaques
Dandruff
Feelings of dryness in the scalp
Intense feelings of itching and/or agitation in the scalp
Burning and/or sensations of soreness
Hair loss

Treating Scalp Psoriasis, Before Hair Loss Occurs

Treat Scalp Psoriasis, before it has the chance to cause hair loss. Today, a variety of treatment protocols are available to help nourish the skin, ease symptoms, and restore natural hair growth.

To learn more about treating Scalp Psoriasis and reversing hair loss, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. To speak with a member of our Institute, call 305-925-0222.

Sources

(i) “Scalp Psoriasis.” WebMD. Accessed 13 May 2014.

June 13, 2013

Fgf9 Protein Might Hold Cure for Baldness, Study Finds

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have made a surprising discovery that has the potential to make hair loss worries a thing of the past. The news is particularly exciting for some 500 million men and nearly 20 million women who suffer with thinning, shedding, or balding, as it may hold the key to permanently reversing the signs of hair loss.

Men and women who suffer with hair loss will have to wait for this new study to produce an effective cure, however. The research is based solely on trials conducted with laboratory mice, and extensive follow-up research and clinical trials are needed before hair transplant surgeons can hope to offer such a treatment to patients.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (Fgf9) and Hair Follicle Growth

While studying the wound healing process in laboratory mice, researchers at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania found that a specific type of immune system cell could be the key to curing baldness. The cell, called gamma-delta (γδ), produces a vital protein during the healing process. That protein, fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), also appears to fuel the growth of hair follicles.

It is important to note, however, that the human immune system differs from that of mice. Specifically, humans are markedly deficient in gamma-delta cells. This fact has led researchers to speculate that lack of gamma-delta cells is the reason why humans might experience difficulty regenerating hair in areas where a wound has healed.

George Cotsarelis, M.D., served on the University of Pennsylvania research team that conducted this groundbreaking study. As lead author, Dr. Cotsarelis made the following statement in a press release issued by the Perelman School of Medicine:

“The findings help explain why humans don’t regenerate their hair after wounding. The study also points us to a way to treat wounds and grow hair,” (i).

Testing the Hypothesis: How Fgf9 Stimulates Hair Follicle Growth

Researchers tested the exciting new link between the protein Fgf9 and hair follicle growth by dividing laboratory mice into 2 groups: A control group, and a test group.

For the control group, researchers simply monitored the occurrence of hair growth during and after the wound healing process. For the test group, however, researchers reduced the expression of the Fgf9 protein. Test group mice exhibited a marked decline in hair growth, leading researchers to attribute the deficiency to a lack of Fgf9 protein.

As a follow up, researchers decided to test the opposite. When enhancing the expression of Fgf9, mice in the test group exhibited approximately 2-3 times the hair growth as those in the control group (ii). As a result, researchers have good reason to believe that Fgf9 plays a critical role in the development of new, healthy, fully functional hair follicles.

This health report has been produced by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. For additional information on our Institute, including hair loss evaluation and consultation services, readers are invited to contact our office directly at 1-877-443-9070.

Sources:

(i) “New Hope for Baldness Cure.” Medical Daily. Accessed 11 June 2013.

(ii) See above.

April 2, 2013

Adrenal Glands, Stress Hormones, and Hair Loss

The adrenal glands are a very important piece of the human endocrine system. Located just above the kidneys, the adrenal glands are responsible for the production of several hormones that are designed to help mammals, like human beings, thrive in a world that is naturally plagued with mental, physical, and emotional challenges.

Stress management is key, however. Failure to properly manage stress may inhibit the long-term ability of the adrenal glands to produce a natural balance of hormones. This adrenal gland dysfunction may trigger a variety of serious side effects, including fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, and hair loss.

The Positive Side of Stress

Believe it or not, stress can be a very good thing. Eustress, or positive stress, can play a fundamental role in motivating individuals to engage in positive behaviors like learning, socializing, and physical exercise. Stress may even help individuals escape threatening situations by triggering a rapid increase in metabolism, energy, and mental clarity. This reaction is facilitated, in part, by the production of stress hormones.

The best known of all stress hormones is cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in the adrenal glands, and its production increases in response to environmental stress. Higher levels of cortisol drive blood pressure upward while simultaneously increasing blood sugar levels. Without this simple biological reaction, mammals would be unable to make swift and decisive action in the face of immediate danger. The adrenal glands are not built to sustain long-term stress hormone production and regulation, however.

How Stress Hormones May Cause Hair Loss

Though beneficial in the immediate sense, the ongoing production of stress hormones may lead to adrenal fatigue. This condition is characterized by the ongoing production of cortisol in response to lingering environmental stress. With only so much production capacity, the adrenal glands begin to produce cortisol at the expense of other important hormones, like aldosterone and other androgens.

For men, the sudden drop in testosterone may not necessarily cause immediate side effects. Male reproductive organs, like the testes, can often make up the difference in the production of testosterone and other powerful androgens. For women, however, adrenal fatigue can be a more serious problem. Sudden decreases in the production of testosterone and DHEA (a precursor that facilitates natural testosterone production) can be lasting, particularly in women who are experiencing menopause (i).

Finding a Balance: How to Proactively Manage Stress

The most effective way to prevent stress-related hair loss is to proactively manage the people, events, and thoughts that are most likely to elevate your perception of stress each day. Most helpful are the following activities:

Physical Exercise

Running, weight lifting, and other physical activities are a great way to reduce stress. Additionally, physical exercise promotes healthy hormonal production. In this way, exercise can help to manage stress levels while also working to maintain a healthy balance between cortisol, testosterone, and other important androgens.

Breathing and Stretching

Breathing and stretching are the easiest way to relieve the body of tension and stress. Yoga has become popular in recent years for this very reason. Best of all, simple breathing and stretching exercises can be done in places that are notorious for causing stress. Try this technique at work, in traffic jams, and at home.

Meditation and Focus

Stress and tension can be stored in the mind, too. Just as stretching and breathing can relieve the body of stress, meditation can similarly relieve the mind of negative thoughts, perceptions, and cognitions. Daily meditation is also associated with greater levels of concentration and focus, two key ingredients to staying caught-up and stress-free in both personal and professional life.

Checking for Hair Loss

Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment provide the best chance of restoring hair to its naturally full, resilient, and beautiful state. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we are pleased to offer the most comprehensive and technologically advanced methodology for diagnosing and treating hair loss in both men and women. Our team represents the finest hair transplant surgeons, registered nurses, microscopists, and clinical staff in South Florida, and we hold your pursuit of a fuller head of natural hair in the highest regard.

To move forward with a hair loss evaluation, schedule an appointment with the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Readers may also call our Institute at 305.925.0222 to speak directly with a member of our team.

Sources:

(i) “Hair Loss and Adrenal Function.” Livestrong. Accessed 1 April 2013.

March 26, 2013

Hereditary Hair Loss, Demystified

AsapSCIENCE is making a big splash on YouTube. With over 500,000 subscribers, the science-based YouTube channel promises to deliver a weekly dose of science and fun through a series of animated videos that attack and demystify some of life’s most thought provoking questions. From describing the science of aging to learning why the chicken really crossed the road, the producers at AsapSCIENCE seem committed to helping Internet users better understand life, one 2 minute video at a time.

Earlier this month, AsapSCIENCE produced an excellent video on the science behind the most common instance of hereditary hair loss. We’re excited to share this video with our readers and encourage everyone to take a look:

An Important Note: As mentioned at the conclusion of the video, the presence (or absence) of a hair loss gene on the X chromosome is just one of the contributors to hair loss. And while it is the most common, it is important to remember that researchers are continually finding new hair loss genes. The hair loss gene APCDD1, for example, was just recently identified by collaborative research conducted at Columbia, Rockefeller, and Stanford Universities.

Hair Loss: A Polygenic Trait

The myth that “hair loss is inherited from the mother’s side” is derived from hair loss research of the early 1900s. Though well intentioned and progressive at the time, researchers were limited in their ability to analyze all possible contributing factors exhibited by their subjects. In the past, researchers have taken a single gene approach to hair loss research, choosing only 1 gene to track, analyze, and compare across different groups of subjects (i). This eventually led to the belief that hair loss was caused by a single gene on the X chromosome (as described in the video above).

While it’s true that certain genes on the X chromosome may cause hereditary hair loss, we now know that there’s a much bigger picture to consider. Modern medical research has identified hair loss is a very complex condition that is actually polygenic, meaning that a number of genes can play a causal role in its development and progression. Moreover, such genes can be inherited from either parent.

Genes and Appearance: What Determines Expression?

To complicate matters further, genetics are not the only thing to impact the way in which hair loss becomes visible, or expressed. A number of other factors may contribute as well, including:

Age. As a man or women continues to age, the likelihood that a hair loss gene may begin to express itself may increase.

Hormones. The relative balance of certain hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and DHT may have a profound impact on the health of hair follicles. DHT, in particular, is known to cause hair miniaturization by impairing healthy follicular function. For women, birth control pills may cause hair loss by similarly disrupting the relative balance of estrogen to testosterone.

Stress. According to the American Hair Loss Association, there is an apparent link between stress and hair loss (ii). Stress seems to affect hair follicle biochemistry, which may cause the hair to enter into a “resting” phase prematurely. This can lead to Telogen Effluvium, specific type of stress-induced hair loss.

Seek a Professional Hair Loss Evaluation, Today

When it comes to reversing the signs of hair loss, early detection is ctritical. Patients trust the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami because we are home to South Florida’s most talented transplant surgeons and clinical team. We are proud to offer the most comprehensive approach for evaluating and treating hair loss—an approach that has produced countless success stories.

Hair Loss Evaluation & Treatment. Readers are invited to learn more by visiting our hair loss evaluation page online. For direct assistance, readers are invited to contact our clinic directly at (305) 925-0222.

Sources:

(i) “Hair Loss Genes.” Bernstein Medical. Accessed 25 March 2013.

(ii) “Effluviums.” American Hair Loss Association. Accessed 25 March 2013.