Reversing Hair Loss

According to Medline Plus, male pattern baldness causes a receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. Female pattern baldness thins the hair all over the head. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the hair follicles, producing distinct bald patches on the head.

• Some medications can reverse hair loss.

Causes

• Most hair loss is related to age, heredity and changing hormonal levels. Other causes include high fever, infection, major surgery, severe stress and nutritional deficiencies such as those seen in very restricted diets.

Prevention/Solution

• Treat the underlying cause of hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies, for example, can be corrected with a well-balanced diet and vitamin supplements. Hair loss from stress stops when the event is over, and hair regrows in time.

Medical Treatment

• Minoxidil pills treat male and female pattern baldness and alopecia areata. Finasteride pills are for men with pattern baldness. Alopecia areata is treated by rubbing anthralin cream into the scalp or by injecting cortisone into affected areas.

Effects

• Minoxidil slows hair loss and promotes regrowth. Finasteride blocks the body's ability to convert testosterone into a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Cortisone and anthralin promote new hair growth.

Timeline

• It takes 12 weeks for minoxidil to produce hair growth, which lasts only as long as you're taking the drug. Finasteride's effects don't show up for three to four months, cortisone injections work in about four weeks and anthralin cream takes 12 weeks.