Advecia can help with Hair Loss - Advecia

Hair loss affects nearly 40% of all men and women in their respective lifetimes. The view of hair loss and its social impact varies between the two sexes. Men often view hair loss as a fact of life, while women view it as a cosmetic tragedy. Regardless of individual opinion, it is important to understand why this condition occurs and the treatment options (both medicinal and natural) that currently exist.

Hair loss can range from mild thinning to complete baldness. When the loss of hair is constant, it can negate personal coping strategies for self-acceptance. Despite what many experts say, in our appearance-laden culture, your personal value or self-worth is (sadly) often defined by your outer appearance. In fact, its been reported that:

• 93% of men and women think about hair loss
• 88% of these persons feel frustrated and helpless about their condition

However, this does not mean that individuals should let intimidation and helplessness keep them from taking steps to prevent future hair loss. Instead, hair loss sufferers should address the cause through the approaches of modern medicine and nutritional supplementation. Concerning those with hair loss issues: individuals who take the initiative to understand and manage their condition are often the ones that feel best about themselves.

Hair Loss; Defined:

Hair is cyclical, and goes through a pattern or number of distinct phases. The anagen phase is the growing phase; catagen is referred to a transitional phase between growth and follicle resting; and lastly, the telogen phase is the cessation of growth. The telogen or latent phase is when hair loss occurs.

Over the course of our lifetimes, a single hair follicle may undergo as many as 10 to 20 of these anagen-catagen-telogen cycles. This may seem excessive, but keep in mind that the telogen phase only encompasses 10-15% of hair follicles and lasts only 100 to 200 days. On the other hand, 85-95% of our body hairs are in a constant growth (anagen) phase. So how does hair loss occur amidst all this growth?

Normally, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day as a result of our normal hair cycle. However, when this cycle is abnormal and hair loss is no longer falling out in a natural, random pattern, you may develop a condition known as Alopecia. Unfortunately, certain individuals are predisposed to the types of hair loss which progress into this state. Physical harm to the scalp, excessive use of styling products, eating disorders, and certain medical and physiological conditions are other causes of temporary or permanent hair loss.

"People with hair loss may be more likely to have
a negative body image than those without hair loss."

Primary Cause of Hair Loss:

The top influences for hair loss are genetic in nature. For instance, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is thought to result from such genetic predisposition. Scientists are still trying to discover the exact mechanisms, or genetic blueprints, that influence hair loss as a whole; but most agree that hair loss is polygenic, or is caused by several genes rather than one specific genome. In addition, the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is thought to be another causative agent concerning hereditary hair loss.

The inhibition of specific growth factors (e.g. TGF-beta2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen, has also been effective in numerous clinical studies aimed at treating hair loss. However, genetic susceptibility, such as hair follicle sensitivity, hormones, and androgens, are still thought to be the main factors influencing permanent hair loss in both sexes.

Types of Hair Loss:

The most common form of hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia, or male pattern baldness. Other types of hair loss include:

• Traumatic Alopecia - results from hair being torn out of the scalp;
  
  
• Drug-induced Alopecia - hair loss caused by the administration of a given medication;
  
  
• Alopecia Areata - or patchy hair loss, is thought to occur from a immunological condition and is usually reversible.

Are you at risk?

There are blood measurements that can be done to define existing levels of enzymes and androgens, but realistically, there is no definitive test to determine if a given individual will or will not lose hair. Although the causes of permanent hair loss are genetic, the likelihood of one developing the disease is not necessarily solely dependent on the genes obtained from your mother's side of the family. It has been clearly established that both parents contribute to a child's risk for developing hair loss. However, some individuals with no family history also develop permanent hair loss. Additionally, Asian men are less likely then Caucasians to develop baldness. On average, Asian men develop balding patterns nearly a decade later than whites. African-Americans are approximately 4 times less likely to suffer from abnormal hair loss than persons of other descent.

Standard Treatment Options:

A doctor will usually diagnose your hair loss on the basis of physical examination and your medical history. This entails evaluating what medications you are currently taking, dietary and nutritional status, and hairdressing/grooming habits. Blood tests and a biopsy of hair is used by specialists to determine the integrity of a given hair follicle. This evaluation is used to establish the underlying cause of the hair thinning/balding, and to decide what treatment options will prove most effective. In addition, hair samples can also detect conditions within the scalp.

Can Advecia Assist in Your Individual Pursuit for Slowing Hair Loss?

Yes. Both diet and nutritional supplementation can provide a positive influence on hair growth and hair health, as deficiencies of specific nutrients can actually promote a loss of hair. For example, B-vitamins and the mineral zinc are common nutrients found in diet that can aid cell renewal and enhance the factors responsible for hair growth.

There is no doubt that an adequate supplement programs is advantageous for hair health. However, Advecia's synergistic blend takes nutritional application one step further, by including specific nutrients that are not easily obtained from dietary sources alone.