Why Is My Hair Thinning?

Thinning hair isn't quite as traumatic as being bald but, it still isn't a good thing. Your hair could be thinning for any number of reasons or combination of reasons, and without a thorough medical examination by a physician, it is impossible to tell which is which with any degree of certainty.

I want to address the most common questions that one may have regarding thinning hair. In general terms, some of the most common reasons for hair loss or thinning are: genetics, illness, poor diet, stress, medications, and post-partum alopecia.

Hair loss can actually be caused by many factors including genetics, diseases, poor nutrition, stress and even medications, but by far the most common cause of hair loss in men and women is hereditary male and female pattern baldness or 'androgenic alopecia.' This accounts for 99% of all prematurely thinning or balding scalps.

According to conservative estimates, hair loss affects over 60 million Americans, two thirds of which are men. So, if you seem to be getting a little 'thin on top,' you are not alone! Approximately 50% of all men over the age of fifty are experiencing this type of hair loss. Thankfully, medical science has made some dramatic breakthroughs that can help you maintain the hair that you have left and possibly restore some of your lost locks. DHT blocking drugs, such as Propecia, promise to stop hair loss, while transplants can replace hair that has stopped growing.