Hair loss is the thinning and eventual loss of hair on the scalp, although there are also cases wherein it occurs in the other parts of the body. It is medically known as alopecia. Alopecia may be temporary or permanent and comes in different forms. The most common form of hair loss occurs gradually and is called androgenetic alopecia or "male pattern baldness" that is caused by a combination of hormones and genetics. The amount and patterns of baldness vary and those types include alopecia areata that comes in patches but eventually grow back, telogen effluvium which is more rapid and comes with fever or sudden weight loss, and traction alopecia which is the thinning of hair from pressure used on hair styles. In total, hair loss normally occurs in both sexes, men and women, but is typically move visible and pronounced in men.
DHT is the abbreviation for the word Dihydrotestosterone, and end product when contact is made between the enzyme 5-alpha-reductaste in the scalp, and the testosterone hormone.
DHT causes hair loss because it binds to receptor sites on the scalp and the hair follicles. This interrupts the process necessary for continual healthy hair growth when it sends false signals to the cells functioning for the hair's proper growth. The reason why men usually lose hair in the temporal, crown and vertex depends on the location of most DHT in the area. The concentration of sweat carries the DHT to those areas, and thus, concentrating the hair loss as well.
Minoxidil is a drug available in two forms to treat different conditions. Oral minoxidil is used to treat high blood pressure and the topical solution form is used to treat hair loss and baldness.
The discovery of its effects on hair loss and regrowth came about with the treatment of high blood pressure and its side effect, which is the reversal of male baldness. Since then, it has been the typical ingredient included in many hair loss treatments in the market today, even though the exact mechanism of this drug is unknown. Its popularity increased because of the astonishing results of thicker and fuller appearance of the newly grown hair.
The simplest risk of Minoxidil is experiencing hair growth in areas not desired due to accidental application. The only way to avoid this is to practice extra care with the application of the drug, and the immediate washing of any part not intended for hair growth.
The other common risks or topical minoxidil are typical skin itching and irritation of the treated area. These usually subside after two weeks of use, if otherwise, the use is to be stopped, and consultation from a physician is necessary.
The greater risks of Minoxidil are changes in vision, most commonly blurred vision, chest pain, very low blood pressure, decreased sexual desire, fast or irregular heartbeat, flushing of the skin, headache, lightheadedness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or face, partial, or complete, impotence, rapid weight gain, and swelling of the hands, feet, lower legs, or face.
To know more of the basics, symptoms, and treatments of hair loss, read our articles and hair loss treatment reviews.