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. Our goal in this article is to address the most common questions that we receive from our readers and to answer those questions in a very non-scientific manner, and perhaps even answer some questions that might be on your mind too. To follow, is a brief discussion on the known causes of hair loss and how it can be treated medically.

In general terms, some of the most common reasons for hair loss or thinning are:

1. Genetics.
2. Illness.
3. Poor Diet.
4. Stress.
5. Medications.
6. 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 you've got left and possibly restore some of your lost locks.

While it is important to mention what causes hair loss, it is equally important to cover what DOES NOT cause hair loss. Scientists have now determined that genetic male and female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) is NOT caused by poor scalp circulation, 'clogged' hair follicles, microscopic scalp mites, the wrong shampoo or wearing hats or helmets, despite what the late-night infomercials may say. In addition, different hair-care products can effect the manageability and styling of your hair, and even hair breakage, but have no effect on the hair loss process.

Although hair itself may appear simple, just think about the incredible number of combinations of hair on different parts of your own body. For example, your eyelashes are different from your eyebrows, and the hair on your arms is different from the hair on your head. It is this genetic code within each and every single hair follicle (the tiny organ in the skin that produces hair) that determines each hair's individual color, maximum length, curl, shaft diameter, etc. It is also this genetic code that makes hair on different parts of your head react differently in the presence of certain hormones, even though these two types of hair start out 'looking exactly the same.'

It is your inherited DNA, passed on from EITHER parent, that will eventually determine your hair loss. For the purpose of this article, you need only understand that with current technology, your genetic code is beyond your control, although that may change within the next ten to fifteen years. However, you should also be aware that today, like no other time in history, medical science is able to provide safe and effective treatment for hair loss.