Take 1 tablet, no more hair loss

Hair loss is a common concern that affects many people, especially as they age. You might have noticed that until around the age of 15, everyone has a full head of hair. However, as people grow older, some start losing hair, and by the age of 25 or 30, a few individuals go completely bald. This raises several questions: Why does this happen? Is nature against us? What am I doing wrong that’s causing my hair loss?

Welcome to our discussion on hair loss. In this post, we’ll explain the real reasons behind male and female pattern baldness in a simple and understandable way.

The Main Reasons for Hair Loss

Most of you might already know that the primary reason for hair loss is DHT (dihydrotestosterone) combined with genetic factors. However, there’s another crucial reason for hair loss: PGD2 (prostaglandin D2). In 2012, scientists discovered that high levels of PGD2 in the body can cause hair loss. Therefore, there are two main reasons for hair loss:

1. DHT plus genetic factors
2. PGD2 levels

The good news is that PGD2 is easier to control and handle than DHT. Let’s delve into these reasons in detail.

DHT and Hair Loss

DHT is a hormone produced in the body by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT, a normal process in all human beings. DHT is a very important hormone, especially after puberty. It is responsible for male-specific features like facial hair, sexual potency, genital functioning, and cement production.

Females also have DHT but in much smaller amounts compared to males. When DHT levels increase in females due to certain reasons, they may experience female pattern baldness.

However, hair loss is not solely due to DHT. It is caused by a combination of DHT and a special gene. If you have DHT but not this special gene, you are not going to be bald. But if you have this special gene, it makes the hair follicles sensitive to DHT, leading to hair loss.

Controlling Hair Loss Due to DHT

Since you cannot modify your genes, the only thing you can control is the DHT levels. Lowering DHT can reduce hair loss, delay baldness, and in some cases, even reverse hair loss.

The FDA has approved only one medicine called finasteride to lower DHT levels. There is another medicine called dutasteride, which is similar to finasteride but more effective and potent. However, dutasteride is not yet FDA-approved for hair loss.

Some herbs, like saw palmetto, function similarly to finasteride in lowering DHT levels. Before taking saw palmetto or finasteride, it’s essential to discuss it with your doctor because DHT is crucial for male-specific characteristics and potency. Lowering DHT levels may cause sexual side effects.

Natural remedies like pumpkin seed oil and rosemary oil can also lower DHT levels topically, but more studies are needed to prove their effectiveness.

PGD2 and Hair Loss

PGD2 is a lipid compound that binds to the receptors of hair follicles. When PGD2 levels are high, they inhibit hair growth. Bald people seem to have higher levels of PGD2, making it a significant reason for male and female pattern baldness.

The good news is that lowering PGD2 levels is simpler and easier than controlling DHT. You can do this by eating foods rich in quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables that give them their strong color. Scientists have found that eating foods rich in quercetin can lower PGD2 levels, reducing hair loss and treating pattern baldness.

Foods like onions, broccoli, kale, cranberries, and sweet potatoes are rich in quercetin. Quercetin is also available as a supplement.

Other Minor Reasons for Hair Loss

While DHT and PGD2 are the main reasons for significant hair loss, there are other minor factors that can contribute to hair loss. These include:

• High sugar and high salt consumption
• Iron deficiency
• Thyroid issues
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Chemical-based shampoos and topical applications
• Stress
• Hormonal imbalances, especially in females
• Chemotherapy and other treatments
• Chlorinated or fluoridated water

Hair loss due to these minor factors is usually temporary and reversible. However, if you are experiencing significant hair loss and approaching baldness, it’s essential to focus on the major reasons (DHT and PGD2) rather than worrying about these minor causes.