The Health | jan/Feb, 2020
22
senior
A crown
of old
age
Study shows that men are
more prevalent towards
baldness than women.
What are the causes of
baldness and how does it
affect the genders differently?
N
ot everyone can pull off the
bald shave. Unless you are Vin
Diesel, or The Rock, or Stanley
Tucci. However, to some of us
– it will come sooner rather
than later. Everything begins
with the growing hairline, then the shedding
begins and it will only end when all of these
precious strands wilt one by one.
Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar, the
founder of PrimaNora Medical Centre
explains that the state of your hair runs in
your blood. “If either of your parents have a
family history of receding hairline, then you
are most likely to inherit the trait. The pos-
sibility multiplies if both of them are bald or
balding,” she explains.
Men and women is a common condition
that affects both men and women. It occurs
more so among men especially those with
chronic conditions. As we grow older, more
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced as the
by-product of testosterone.
Dr Nor explains: “After 40s, men often
start going bald because formation of DHT
in their hair follicles on their head. The DHT
causes damage to hair follicles and can also
weaken the roots of your hair.”
Besides the production of DHT, other
external factors contribute to hair loss in both
genders. For women, it happens when they go
through the different phases of life.
“The lack of certain nutrients such as vita-
min B, zinc and copper can lead to baldness.
On the other hand, access vitamin A & E can
also contribute to balding.”
In addition, hair abuse will also weaken
the roots. “The way you treat your hair plays a
pivotal role. The chemicals that your hair was
subjected to can also cause hair damage and
you should not be tying your hair too tightly,”
she reminds the readers.
“In addition, compulsive behaviours such
as trichotillomania will damage the roots
of the hair. It’s sort of like a tic, the person
is constantly playing and pulling their hair.
Alopecia: Hair starts
reducing from the
crown of the hair. In
time, thinner hair will
grow and baldness
occur from the spot.
Baldness is a
prominent genetic
trait that is very
common among
Asian countries,
according to Dr
Nora.
Unfortunately, this constant playing and pull-
ing can actually strip your head of its natural
protection: hair.”
Unfortunately, since male pattern baldness
is a genetic trait, there is no way to prevent it.
Worry not men, there is still hope.
According to Dr Nor, “Hair medication such
as Finastride blocks the effect of DHT on hair
follicles, thereby slows down or stop the hair
loss and in some cases it is known to reverse
the genetic trait.”
There are a wide range of conditions that
can bring on hair loss, with some of the most
common being pregnancy, thyroid disorders,
and anaemia. Others include autoimmune
diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
and skin conditions such as psoriasis and
seborrheic dermatitis.
According Dr Nor, one in three women
will notice their thinning hair after the age
of 30. Falling hair is not too big of a deal. An
average person loses 50 to 100 hairs a day.
The lack of certain
nutrients such as vitamin
B, zinc and copper can
lead to baldness. On the
other hand, access vitamin
A & E can also contribute
to balding.” – Dr Nora
That is considered to be ‘normal’.
“By the time you turn 30, you have a 25%
chance of displaying some balding. By age 50,
50% of men have at least some noticeable hair
loss. By age 60, about two-thirds are either
bald or have a balding pattern,” she explains.
— The Health