Premature Balding
November 13, 2008
Hair is an integral part of our personality and we often realize its value once we lose it, the causes of hair loss are unclear. Though most of the times it is genetic or related to hormones. Premature balding in men is a hormonal disorder and often works on the same lines as woman who suffer from Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Though the similarity of the hormonal pattern of men with premature balding to those with women with Polycystic ovary syndrome has been investigated in only a few studies it provides interesting clues. These studies have confirmed the relation at genetic level. Men who have siblings (sisters) with this Polycystic ovary disorder are more likely to premature balding. Another major culprit for hair fall in men is a hormone called DHT - dihydrotestosterone which is produced by an enzyme called 5 Alpha reductase. The enzymes converts testosterone into DHT and this DHT in turn promotes alopecia. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase was discovered in human scalp, hair follicles and other skin areas. Any disturbance in 5-alpha reductase activity in skin cells causes baldness in men.
There are two types of 5 Alpha reductase enzymes, they are termed as Type I and Type II and both of them produce DHT. Of the two types of 5 alpha reductase enzymes, type I is more active in the hair follicle and scalp. The production of DHT is majorly done by Type I enzyme which is approximately 60% to 70% and Type II produces the remaining 30% to 40% DHT in our body.
Treatment of this type of alopecia is still a challenge, although oral medication in allopathy is available but there aren’t any studies carried out on the effectiveness of these medications. It is not determined if these medicines are safe and would not cause any other effects. The medicines that are used for DHT induced hairloss are 5 Alpha reductase inhibitors.
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