As we age, some of us experience hair loss or thinning of the hair. However, when it gets severe or highly noticeable, we often turn our thoughts to some type of hair replacement procedure to correct this. In many instances, the replacement of lost or thinning hair results from hormonal changes that happen to both men and women as a result of the aging process. As a result, hormonal hair replacement therapy has become a recent option for people who are experiencing this.
Although it is a recent development where hair replacement methods are concerned, hormone replacement therapy is nothing new and in many instances synthetic hormones have been employed in order to offset hormone imbalance. In recent years, the use of topicals such as Rogaine or taking prescription medications such as Propecia has shown positive results for the treatment of male pattern baldness. However, they will only work as long as you are maintaining the regimen.
One of the more recent hair replacement techniques that was developed by Dr. John Lee is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. He demonstrated how progesterone cream derived from plants metabolized in the body as if it were normal amounts of progesterone. This oftentimes results in a balancing of other bodily hormones when applied to the body in the form of a cream and absorbed through the pores of the skin.
It has been hypothesized that genetic baldness may result in part due to the conversion of testosterone being converted into DHT or Dihydrotestosterone. DHT attacks the hair follicles by causing a waxy substance buildup at the roots which eventually begins choking the follicle. DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone can minimize the effect that DHT has on the hair and act as a hair replacement therapy. Today, you can purchase DHEA online or over the counter.
Some men have benefited from the replacement of testosterone. However, DHEA is capable of converting to either estrogen or testosterone. According to the Life Extension Foundation, the body basically selects which one of these hormones it needs and then proceeds to use it as needed. Women need to be careful when ingesting testosterone as it can cause excessive body hair growth and a lowering of the voice. It should only be taken if your physician prescribes it.
Since their can be other reasons that cause the loss or thinning of hair, bioidentical hormone hair replacement therapy may not always be the best option. Your physician or healthcare provider should make that decision and determine the proper course of action to ensure your safety and well-being.
Photo via advanced_hair_studio
