What Causes Women’s Hair Loss? A Look at 7 Common Causes of Female Hair Loss
Let’s face it, hair loss for anyone can be a very distressing problem but women’s hair loss can be especially distressing…
Although the causes of women’s hair loss vary from person to person, by understanding the common causes of female hair loss, this can help you find the right potential treatment or solution.
1) Hereditary thinning, or androgenetic alopecia to give its medical name, is the most common cause of women’s hair loss. The tendency to develop female pattern hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family.
Generally this leads to thinning of the hair in women rather than baldness and can start in the teens, twenties or thirties.
Unfortunately, there are no cures for hereditary female hair loss. However, there are treatments which may help some people such as minoxidil, which is a lotion applied twice daily to your scalp.
An alternative solution which women with thinning hair may consider is female hair transplantation. This procedure involves moving hair from areas of your head with normal hair growth to thinning areas.
As with all surgical procedures, you should only undertake this after taking advice from a specialist.
2) Improper hair cosmetic use is another common cause of women’s hair loss. Treatments such as bleaches, tints, hair dyes, straighteners or perms rarely damage your hair if done properly. However, overuse can cause the hair to become weak or break.
If chemical treatments cause your hair to become brittle and leads to hair loss, then it is recommended you stop the treatments until the damaged hair has grown out.
3) Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss which can affect women of any age. This usually results in hair falling out and leaving round coin sized smooth patches on the head. In rare cases there may be a total loss of hair.
Although the cause of alopecia areata in women is not clear, in time the hair usually grows back by itself. Female hair loss caused by alopecia areata can also be successfully treated by dermatologists.
4) Thyroid disease can also lead to female hair loss. Where an under or over-active thyroid condition has been diagnosed, any associated hair loss can be usually be successfully treated by your physician.
5) Severe infection, flu or a high fever can be a cause of women’s hair loss. After a bout of illness, even as much as four weeks to three months afterwards, you may be taken aback by seeing a lot of hair falling out.
This is caused by your hair going into a resting phase to redirect energy at healing. Any hair loss usually corrects itself though.
6) Some medications can also lead to women’s hair loss. For example, prescription drugs used for arthritis, blood thinning, depression, gout, heart problems or high blood pressure may cause hair loss. High doses of vitamin A have also been associated with female hair loss.
7) Inadequate protein in a women’s diet can be a cause of female hair loss. If you go on a crash diet or have extreme irregular dietary habits then you may develop protein malnutrition.
As with severe illness, the body will put hair into the resting phase to conserve protein. Significant hair loss can occur two to three months later and be easily pulled out by the roots.
Hair loss can be easily reversed by ensuring you eat the correct levels of protein in your diet.
In conclusion, we have looked at several common causes of women’s hair loss and suggested some solutions for treating the problem. However, because there are so many different causes of female hair loss you should always consult your physician or dermatologist to correctly diagnose your problem and the best course of action to treat it.
Still looking for more information on women’s hair loss? Discover the 7 other common causes of hair loss for free at: Women’s Hair Loss Solutions [http://www.1-hairlosssolutions.com]
Author: Campbell Forsyth
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Frontal Hair Loss Remedies
The most common cause of hair loss however is androgenetic alopecia (AGA) which causes hair loss due to the influence of male hormones. Androgenetic alopecia causes baldness only on men with genetic tendency for baldness which means that some men are prone to hair loss more than others. Normally, it starts as frontal hair loss but eventually spreads throughout the entire scalp until no hair is retained.
Frontal Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness which affects men who have the genetic predisposition, follows a certain pattern of hair loss hence its name. Fronto-temporal recession or frontal hair loss is a fairly common pattern. Even as teenagers, Caucasian men are already observed with frontal hair loss.
Frontal hair loss is characterized deep frontal recession or vertex balding which starts at puberty but the frequency of frontal hair loss increases with age. Starting with frontal hair loss, hair loss then progresses to end-stage balding wherein 50 to 60 percent of hair would be shed off by age 70. But then again, frontal hair loss that occurs during puberty may not progress and hair loss would be just about 15 to 20 percent.
As frontal hair loss begins, hair in the region becomes shorter and though not always, hairs may become finer as well. Eventually, this results to complete hair loss except at the lateral and posterior margins of the scalp where hair is retained.
The testosterone derivative hormone, dihydrotestosterone is considered as the culprit to frontal hair loss. The frontal region is an androgen-dependent region hence testosterone in this area of the head is readily converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Since testosterone levels are peaking during puberty, DHT levels peak at the same time and thus frontal hair loss occurs concurrent with puberty when males are most conscious about how they look.
Frontal Hair Loss Remedies
Since the males are particular about how other people perceive them, they may seek professional help. The advances in treatment for hair loss are very helpful in preventing progression of frontal hair loss to total hair loss. Since hair loss commonly starts as receding frontal hair line, frontal hair grafts could be done on patients who suffer from frontal hair loss.
Hair loss restoration surgery however can be very expensive. There are a however less expensive, more convenient and highly effective hair loss remedies that allow hair growth and reverse hair loss. Procerin has been proven effective in addressing the problems with frontal hair loss.
Normally, hair loss remedies are more effective when used at the earliest stage of hair loss. When used early, this product prevents progression of frontal hair loss and teenagers could very well enjoy their teens without fear of being judged due to hair loss.
Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention & Treatments
Beautiful shining hair is akin to beauty & health. However, many people experience unjustified loss of hair loss, which negatively affects their social life and self perception. Hair loss can be attributed to several reasons including hormone changes, dandruff, exposure to chemicals, side effects of strong medications, side effects of radiation, etc. Sometimes hair loss can be the most visible aspect of some serious diseases, inadequate nutrition, or serious physical conditions.
Causes of Hair Loss
Stress & associated hormone changes
Side effects of some medicines
Ill health of liver, kidney and other internal organs
Radiation
Dandruff & other skin diseases
Incomplete nutrition – lack of proteins, minerals (like zinc) & vitamins
Exposure to chemicals
Excess use of shampoo, soap
Application of too much or too little oil
Kinds of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be classified into different kinds according to the nature of hair loss.
Alopecia areata is characterized by loss of hair in circles. This is mainly induced by stress and mental trauma. Certain physical conditions like Systematic Lupas Erythematosus (SLE) can also be a cause of this condition.
Alopecia totalis is characterized by total loss of hair from the head, leaving behind a bald head and even barren eyebrows. The skin of head turns smooth.
Diffuse alopecia condition has unhealthy, thin and short hair.
Trichotillomania is another condition, prevalent among children, characterized by the children pulling their hair and eating it. Children do this without their conscious knowledge and the hair they eat can remain in the stomach as a ball of hair, leading to pain.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss found among men. This is caused by excess activity of androgen, a hormone. Women too can suffer from this problem.
Holistic Food to Prevent Hair Loss
Every nutrient that helps in normal body functioning is also required for proper hair growth. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids (fat), minerals and vitamins play important roles in body functioning and hair growth as well. Inadequate nutrition also first reflects on the hair.
The Essential Food Items to Take to Prevent Hair Loss
Include in your diet a good mixture of everything listed below. Take a mix of everything in moderation. Curcuma longa, cumin seed, etc are good spices to prepare food. Similarly, gooseberry (Embellica officinale), dried grapes, pea (small green pea), etc also promote good physical health and hair growth.
Green and colored vegetables
Wholegrain rice and wheat
Carbohydrate rich root items – tapioca, sweet potato, etc
Egg
Milk and dairy products
Fruits – especially orange, grapes, and other slightly sour fruits
However, the quality of the atmosphere, ground, etc under which the plants grow also affect the quality of the food you take. Food crops grown with excess use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc have very limited quality.
Food Items to Avoid
If you care about your hair and physical health, avoid the following items.
Soft drinks
Fast food
Overly cooked food
Processed food (canned, packaged)
Agreed, these items are good for your tongue. However, what is good for your tongue may not be good for your body, blood and hair.
Hair Care Precautions
Note the following points to take good care of your hair.
Gently dry your hair with a clean towel after bathing
Always use a clean comb
Don’t comb wet hair
Don’t comb your hair too often
Comb your hair in the direction of its growth and not against it
Don’t use shampoos that contain chemicals – better option is natural shampoos prepared from hibiscus leaves, henna, grounded small green pea, etc
Apply enough oil on hair 30 minutes before bathing – coconut oil, sesame oil, etc are enough
Be gentle on your hair. Don’t rub your hair violently and use hair dryer sparingly. Shampoos that contain chemicals actively destabilize your hair. You can prepare natural herbal shampoo from materials available from your backyard itself and it is better than any shampoo that you pay big prices for.
Ayurvedic Means of Hair Care and Hair Growth Measures
Ayurveda suggests different hair oils for healthy hair growth. Amalaki (Emblica officinale) is a major component of Ayurvedic hair oils. Massage your scalp with these oils and you can see healthier hair growth.
Treatments for Hair Loss
Allopathy medicine has quite a few treatments for hair loss, which are listed below.
1. Minoxidil – this medicine prescribed for blood pressure is prescribed for hair loss too. Apply the medicine on your scalp. Effectiveness is 10-20%. Hair loss will come back once you stop using the medicine.
2. Finasteride – this medicine usually prescribed for prostrate enlargement is handy treatment against hair loss. Temporary loss of libido and lowered quality of semen are the usual side effects of using this medicine. Women shall not use this, as it can cause the women to give birth to handicapped child.
3. Hair transplantation – hair from one part of the head is transplanted to other parts of scanty hair growth. Strip incision, laser grafting, punch grafts, etc are the main types of hair transplantation treatments. The possibility of hair fall in two-three years and the scars at the areas where hair is taken are to be taken care of.
4. Scalp Reduction – a kind of plastic surgery, where skin of hairless area is removed and the skin from hairy area is stretched. The success depends on hairless area of head and the elasticity of skin.
5. Hairpiece or toupee – wigs are attached to the skin, without being noticed. Can wear and tear in the long run.
In case of hair loss, cure is almost impossible and even prevention is difficult. Put your focus on better physical and mental health than worrying about lost hair. Follow
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Normal Hair Growth and Common Hair Loss
Normal Hair Growth Cycles
Undisturbed, each terminal scalp hair usually grows continuously for about approximately three to five years. Then, the hair transitions into a resting state where the visible portion above the skin is shed. No hair grows from the follicle for 90 days. Once this time has passed, a new hair begins growing through the skin and continues for another three to five years at a rate of approximately 1/2 inch per month.
It is thought that as many as 100 genes are involved in regulating the creation, construction and cycling of scalp hair. To date, very few of these genes have been identified.
Common Pattern Hair Loss
Hamilton-Norwood Hair Loss Scale
For those concerned about hair loss, many myths and half-truths abound, but useful information can be difficult to obtain. Therefore, an objective overview of pattern hair loss is presented herein.
In healthy well-nourished individuals of both genders, the most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as pattern hair loss. The disorder affects approximately 40 million American men. Perhaps surprisingly, the same disorder affects about 20 million American women. The difference between men and women is that a woman suffering hair loss usually retains her feminine hairline and experiences thinning behind this leading edge. In men, a distinct “pattern” of loss manifests where the frontal edge recedes at the same time that a thinning zone expands from the posterior crown. In more pronounced cases, these zones meet and the person is said to be clinically bald.
Three Triggers
Importantly, three things need to occur in order for one to be affected by AGA. First, one must inherit the genetic predisposition. This means that the problem comes from one or both sides of the family. Second, one needs to attain a certain age. Nine year old children do not experience pattern hair loss. And third, one needs to have the circulating hormones that precipitate onset and progression of the disorder.
Typically, the earliest onset of AGA occurs in late puberty or one’s early 20′s. As a general rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more pronounced it is likely to become.
Hormones, Enzymes & Other Factors
Crystallography of DHT molecule
From a susceptibility standpoint, the principle hormonal trigger linked to pattern hair loss is 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone, commonly referred to as DHT. Intriguingly, it has been shown that in persons genetically insensitive to DHT, pattern hair loss does not occur. DHT is synthesized from the androgen hormone testosterone and is useful early in life and during puberty.
In adults, DHT is thought to cause significant harm, but very little good. Disorders as disparate as benign prostatic hyperplasia and pattern hair loss are both triggered by DHT. The synthesis of DHT occurs via two closely related forms of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Hair loss treatment options that efficiently interfere with the interaction between 5-alpha reductase and androgen hormones like testosterone have been shown to offer clinical benefit in treating pattern hair loss.
Because hair growth is regulated by multiple genes and attendant biochemical pathways, the underlying factors are extremely complex. Another challenge to understanding hair loss has been the fact that humans, alone among mammals, suffer from androgenetic alopecia. Thus, no efficient animal model exists that would otherwise tend to shed light upon the key factors at work.
Hair Loss Variations Other Than AGA
In either gender, the differential diagnosis is typically made based on the patient’s history and clinical presentation. The common differentials for AGA include alopecia areata (AA), Trichotillomania, and telogen effluvium. Less often, the cause of hair loss may be associated with disorders such as lupus erythematosis, scabies or other skin manifesting disease processes. Scalp biopsy and lab assay may be useful in ascertaining a definitive diagnosis, but, in such cases, should generally only follow an initial clinical evaluation by a qualified treating physician.
Pattern Hair Loss Treatment Options
It has wryly been observed that the choices for dealing with hair loss are “rugs, plugs, or drugs”. This quip articulates three treatment options that are more kindly referred to as non-surgical hair systems, surgical hair restoration, and pharmacotherapy. A fourth option has recently evolved, which will also be touched on herein. This is non-drug based therapy.
Non-surgical Restoration
Typical Hair Piece
Hair replacement systems have been in regular use at least since the time of ancient Egypt. These products also go by the term hair integration systems, wigs, weaves, hair pieces, toupees and many other names. All have one thing in common—they are not growing out of one’s scalp. Thus, they must somehow be attached either with the bald skin or the fringe of hair remaining above the ears and in the back of the scalp.
Such attachment to the living scalp is almost never permanent, and for good reason. Aside from the fact that the unit itself wears out, basic hygiene dictates that the wearer regularly remove the unit to clean the underlying hair and scalp. There are almost always three basic elements to a hair replacement system. The first is the hair itself which may be synthetic, natural, or a combination thereof. The second element is the base of the unit. Typically, the hair is woven in to a fabric-like base which is then attached in some fashion to the scalp. This brings up the third element; which is the means of attachment. Methods include sewing the base to the fringe hair, gluing the base to the fringe hair, or gluing the base to the bald scalp.
Potential advantages to hair systems include the immediacy of achieving a full hair “look” that can appear, to the casual observer, to approximate a full head of hair. The potential disadvantages of hair systems are many and varied.
In persons who are actively losing hair, vs. those who are essentially bald, the hair system itself may rapidly accelerate the process of going bald. Another disadvantage is the hard leading edge that can give away the fact that a person is wearing a hair system. In the past, this problem has been addressed by using delicate lace front artificial hairlines that look quite natural but tend to be extremely fragile.
Because they are nonliving, hair systems must be serviced and eventually replaced themselves. The costs of servicing and maintaining a hair replacement system are not insubstantial–and such costs can dramatically exceed the initial price of acquisition.
Surgical Hair Restoration
Surgical hair restoration, commonly known as hair transplantation, exploits a phenomenon first described in the 1950′s. This phenomenon, donor dependence refers to the observation that hair bearing tissue, when relocated to a previously balding area of the same person’s scalp, continues to produce viable, vigorously hair that persists in its new location as it otherwise would, had it not been “relocated”. In appropriately selected patients, surgical hair restoration can constitute a positive solution to pattern hair loss
There are important caveats to hair transplantation. The first concerns supply and demand. At the present time, one may not transplant hair from one person to another without causing a florid and destructive foreign body response in the recipient. Thus, both operator and patient are relegated to whatever permanent hair bearing tissue is in place. Accordingly, it is highly important to conserve and strategically place this precious resource appropriately.
The second major caveat to hair transplantation concerns achieving clinically beneficial endpoint results. A hair line that is spotty or too abrupt may look worse than it did before it was restored. By the same token, hair behind the leading edge that is not restored in a fashion that yields meaningful density (e.g. 1 hair per mm/sq) often fails to approximate a full head of hair. Therefore, in selecting a transplant surgeon, artistic excellence is at least equal in importance to basic surgical skill.
The third caveat to hair transplantation refers to a problem known as chasing a receding hair line. Because hair loss is progressive and relentless, it is possible that donor hair restored integrated into an apparently intact area of scalp hair may end up as an island of hair because the hair behind it continues to erode. In this situation, patients are compelled to augment hair behind the restoration zone in order to retain a full appearance. This works reasonably well until either the hair stops thinning or one eventually runs out of donor hair.
Ideally, for persons undergoing transplant surgery, it would be helpful to incorporate a treatment option that safely and effectively arrested the progression of hair loss, allowing the treating surgeon to fill in the thin areas without the concern of chasing a receding hair line.
Drug-based Hair Loss Treatment Options
From a treatment perspective, the two most widely used therapeutic interventions against pattern hair loss have been topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, first sold under the trade-name Rogaine(TM) was initially developed as the oral antihypertensive drug, Loniten(TM). In some patients who used minoxidil to treat blood pressure problems, it was observed that unusual hair growth occurred on the face and scalp. This was somewhat colloquially referred to as the werewolf affect. >From this observation, topical compositions containing minoxidil were successfully tested on balding scalps. Rogaine(TM) (2% minoxidil) was the first hair loss treatment drug approved by the FDA for use in men. Eventually, Rogaine(TM) (2% minoxidil) was approved for use in women. Extra Strength Rogaine(TM) (5% minoxidil) was approved by the FDA for use solely in men.
The advantages of Rogaine(TM) include the ability to arrest, and possibly reverse, pattern hair loss. Based on Pfizer’s own marketing materials, Rogaine(TM) has primarily been shown to be effective in treating hair loss in the vertex and posterior scalp, but not the anterior hairline. Minoxidil is a potent drug with potential side effects that include hypotension and skin irritation.
Finasteride
Finasteride, a selective type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor was originally developed, in 5 mg oral dosage, under the trade name Proscar(TM) to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Because BPH is linked biochemically to the same metabolic pathways that trigger pattern hair loss, it was hypothesized that finasteride could be clinically useful in both pathologies. From this work, Propecia(TM) (1 mg finasteride) was developed. In placebo-controlled studies on men with mild to moderate hair loss, Propecia(TM) was shown to produce clinically relevant benefit in arresting, and in some cases, reversing the progression of the disorder. Propecia(TM) is not indicated for use in women. Noted side effects include reduced libido, as well as reduced ejaculate volume. Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) is another potential side effect. Finasteride can also artificially lower the levels of a key protein (PSA) used to screen for prostate cancer. Finasteride is considered a teratogen (may cause feminizing birth defects) and should not be handled by pregnant women or even those persons who may come into contact with pregnant women.
Dutasteride
Like finasteride, dutasteride was originally developed to treat BPH. Unlike finasteride however, dutasteride inhibits both isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, while finasteride inhibits only type II 5-alpha reductase. Interestingly, a clinical study undertaken by GlaxoSmithKline, the EPICS trial, did not find dutasteride to be more effective than finasteride in treating BPH.
At the present time, dutasteride is approved to treat BPH. Clinical trials for dutasteride as a hair loss drug were undertaken, but halted in late 2002. Potential side effects noted with the use of dutasteride include gynecomastia, changes to PSA levels, teratogenic effects and others that closely parallel the negative side effect profile described by the makers of finasteride.
In December 2006, GlaxoSmithKline embarked on a new Phase III, six month study in Korea to test the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of a once-daily dose of dutasteride (0.5mg) for the treatment of AGA in the vertex region of the scalp (types IIIv, IV and V on the Hamilton-Norwood scale). The future impact that this study will have on the FDA’s approval or disapproval of Avodart for the treatment of male pattern baldness in the United States is yet to be determined.
Other Drugs
On occasion, but specifically in female patients drugs including spironalactone & flutamide have, on occasion been used off-label to treat various forms of hair loss. Each drug comes with a host of potential side effects, and none has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of pattern hair loss.
Non-drug based Hair Loss Treatment Options
Recently, botanically derived substances have come under serious investigation as potentially useful tools against AGA. This effort has been largely pioneered by the makers of HairGenesis(TM). After the creation of HairGenesis(TM) a number of other products came on the market. Some incorporated drugs like minoxidil. Others, used variations on the theme of non-drug based formulations. However, aside from HairGenesis(TM), none has been supported with a third party, IRB monitored, placebo-controlled, double blind study–published in the peer-reviewed medical literature. This makes HairGenesis(TM) unique in the category. For those wishing to see how HairGenesis(TM) is thought to compare to other hair loss treatment options, a review of the HairGenesis(TM) Comparison Page is encouraged.
Inasmuch as the bulk of this website focuses on the benefits associated with HairGenesis(TM), the numerous points in favor of HairGenesis(TM) treatment will not be reiterated herein. Two points are relevant to the present discussion, however, and will be concisely articulated.
First, the complex of naturally derived active substances used in HairGenesis(TM) have been shown to operate through pathways and mechanisms that are unique from one another, as well as separate and apart from those within which drug-based treatments work. Suffice to say that this observation has presented a unique opportunity to develop HairGenesis into a “cocktail” treatment wherein formulation synergy would most likely occur.
In plain English, this means that HairGenesis(TM) has been designed to be greater than the sum of its parts.
The second key point is that research is actively underway by the makers of HairGenesis(TM) to develop new, more advanced and more potent, versions. Such improvements will be reported as appropriate.
Author: Geno Marcovici
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Hair Loss Natural Treatment
Isn’t it paradoxical that inspite of the fact that most of us enter the world as bald as a coot, and sometimes even exit that way, we spend our lifetime trying to maintain our hair through thick and thin. All of us lose between 40 and 120 strands of hair a day, depending on the amount of hair one has and its growth cycle.
Hair growth is not a continuous process. Hair follicles have a growth phase (anagen) and a resting, non-growth phase (telogen). Depending on how we treat our hair there will invariably be a variation in the amount of hair loss too. The lost hair is often so quickly replaced that we almost never notice its departure. But If you start to notice an alarming amount of hair on the bathroom sink or on your brush, if your pillow is covered with scads of loose hair, if your part seems to be getting wider or you’re seeing more scalp, you’ve probably got a problem and its time to take some action before you are fated to join the million men and women suffering from hair thinning or pattern hair loss. Hair loss and thinning can lead to anxiety, depression, and lack of confidence and fear too.
Why on earth did it happen to me?
Hair loss begins when a certain enzyme converts the hormone testosterone into another hormone called DiHydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgenetic Alopecia, or hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss. Roughly put, the more Androgens or the hormones that affect hair loss you have the faster you will lose hair. Men generally lose their hair in a horse-shoe shaped pattern; i.e. they lose hair at the top of their head. Women on the other hand very rarely ‘go bald’. Here hair thinning takes place with the part getting wider and the hair receding from the frontal area behind the frontal hairline. Telogen effluvium or hair loss due to emotional stress is another major cause for hair loss. What happens here is that hair goes through a synchronized shift from the anagen phase to telogen, the resting phase? This occurs after severe physiologic stress, such as any major surgery, pregnancy, death, divorce, loss of job etc. Usually once the period of stress is over hair growth slowly returns to normal.
Other factors for hair loss include use of birth control pills (relating to the amount of the progestin hormone in the pill), or a reaction to certain medications or even some supplements. Hair loss is also a known reaction to chemotherapy drugs. Thyroid, syphilis and other illnesses will also lead your hair to fall out. Improper care too plays a role in hair loss. Pulling the hair by wearing a very tight pony tail, cosmetic changes like colouring the hair, rebonding too much blow drying , over zealously brushing your hair , can all cause hair to be pulled out prematurely.
Another important factor is diet. Improper diet, iron deficiency, dyes used incorrectly, losing too much weight too soon and menopause can also cause your hair to thin out.
So what can one do to slow down or reverse hair loss?
History tells us of how the Greek physician Hippocrates tried to alleviate his patients’ baldness with pigeon droppings. Aristotle tried goat’s urine to remedy his own baldness. Cleopatra prepared pastes for Julius Caesar made of ground horse teeth, deer marrow and charred mice mixed with bear grease. Its unlikely that any of these remedies bore fruit but the effort in that direction continues. One should however not lose hope as today, more than ever, there are many ways to slow down and even treat hair loss to a large degree.
First check if you are missing out on any of the following:
· Adequate intake of vitamins.
· Balanced diet rich in iron and protein.
· Intake of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables regularly.
· Washing hair twice weekly with a light shampoo.
· Reduce anxiety, stress and sleeplessness.
· Check for infections of scalp.
If hair fall persists meet a dermatologist or a physician who deals with hair loss and ascertain the reason for the hair fall. No absolute cure for hair loss has been found so far, yet not all varieties of hair loss are untreatable. Drugs known to slow the onset of common baldness, minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are available with prescription. These have gained wide popularity but few of its side effects are still coming to light.
Other Options
Surgical treatments are becoming quite popular as they give a very ‘natural’ look. Hair is transplanted from the back of the scalp from where it grows. This is a very expensive treatment and the can be quite invasive. Experts agree that a diet rich in whole foods and irons help promote hair growth. The food we eat shows in the quality of blood, and, therefore, the hair. For men, it has been suggested that a low fat diet may help decelerate the balding process. For women, hair loss could be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem, which needs to be checked. Lack of protein, or an excess or Vitamin A are a often stated cause of hair loss.
According to Chinese Medicine, hair loss is related to a kidney deficiency. The ancient texts caution that too much sweet or salt could cause hair to fall out. Natural remedies such as Aromatherapy, and natural supplements and herbs such as Saw palmetto oil, Folic acid,Silica biotin, and vitamin B5 are also said to help rejuvenate and maintain thickness of the hair. Ayurveda believes in a holistic approach to alleviate hair loss issues. It is based on the use of plant oils, herbs, as well as meditation, diet, exercise and massage to balance a person’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that make up one’s “Prakruti” (mind-body type). According to this ancient science, oils such as brahmi and Bhrigaraj oil reduce Pitta dosha in the hair follicles thereby stimulating hair growth. Mixing either of these oils with some coconut oil and leaving it overnight is a popular solution.
Everyone’s hair loss is different, and with constant care and attention one can reduce hair loss and have a head full of beautiful tresses.
Know Effective Hair Loss Remedy through Natural Treatment. Also read some Home Remedies for other common ailments.Learn more on Ayurveda ? through World’s Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies.
Hair Loss: a Cause for Concern
The thinning of hair on the scalp is known as hair loss. In medical terminology it is referred to as alopecia which can be temporary or permanent. The most common form of hair loss occurs gradually and is known as androgenetic alopecia, a combination of hormones and heredity.
Other types of hair loss include alopecia areata, telogen affluvium and traction alopecia. Age is the most prominent cause of hair loss in both men as well as women, but is generally found to be more prominent in men.
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. A single hair comprises of a hair strand, a root below the skin and a follicle from which the hair grows. The hair bulb is located at the lower end of the follicle which produces the hair’s pigment color or melanin.
It is normal to lose an average of 50-100 hairs a day as they tend to grow back in the same follicle. But if you are experiencing unusual or more hair loss accompanied by visibly thin or balding patches you need to visit your doctor. It is necessary to take sound medical advice and determine the exact reason for hair loss. Correct diagnosis will lead to the correct treatment and can aid in rectifying any underlying causes for the loss of hair.
Causes for Hair Loss:
There are several reasons for hair loss ranging from genetic tendencies and hormonal imbalance to ill health and poor nutrition. Some of the causes of hair loss are:
Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune skin disease which triggers the damage of hair follicles by a person’s own immune system. It causes hair loss on the scalp as well as elsewhere on the body. Research shows that over 4 million people are affected by alopecia areata in the United States alone. The disease is said to affect 1.7 per cent of the population at the global level.
Alopecia areata begins as a single or multiple round bald patches on the scalp and can lead to complete hair loss. It can affect both men and women and often begins in childhood. The hair usually grows back in a period of 6 months to 2 years, except for a few cases.
Androgenetic alopecia: This is also called male-pattern baldness and affects the majority of men. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a number of factors including hormones called androgens and genetic causes. Some males begin to show signs of hair loss in their mid teens. This type of hair loss can also occur due to intake of steroids like testosterone used in body building.
Medical conditions and hormonal imbalance: Hair loss can also be triggered by endocrine (hormonal) conditions affecting the body such as diabetes or thyroid. People with kidney and liver disorders can also experience excessive hair loss. Young girls and women might experience hair loss due to the hormone imbalance that occurs in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Telogen effluvium: Women often experience excessive shedding of hair after childbirth. Hair loss can also result after fever, a long term illness, surgery, intake of anesthesia or sudden weight loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and corrects itself with time.
Medications: Certain medications also have hair loss as a side effect like lithium, isotretinoin, diet pills and chemotherapy drugs. Prolonged intake of these drugs can lead to total hair loss.
Trichotillomania: It is a psychological disorder where people repeatedly pull their hair out. This results in bald patches and hair damage. People suffering from this disorder need professional help and medication.
Poor nutrition: A poor diet can also result in hair loss. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are known to initiate hair loss. It is important for the body to get sufficient proteins, vitamins and minerals in order to sustain hair growth. A balanced diet is essential for hair growth along with the correct amount of supplements.
Hair treatments: Regular hair styling and exposure of hair to harsh chemicals such as hair dyes, bleaching creams, hair gels, hair straightening and perming ingredients can result in temporary or permanent hair loss. This can also result in permanent baldness in some cases. Wearing your hair pulled back extremely tightly that it places tension on the scalp is called traction alopecia and can result in permanent hair damage if the style is worn for a long period of time.
Hair Care Tips:
· It is important to take good care of your hair in order to avoid hair loss. It is necessary to intake a healthy diet rich in all the essential vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for hair growth to sustain beautiful hair for a longer time.
· Use shampoos that are mild such as baby shampoos as they are less harsh on the hair in comparison to the stronger ones. Do not change your shampoo on a regular basis. Shampooing more than once in a day leads to hair damage. Lather your hair gently and do not dry it vigorously with a towel.
· Let your hair dry naturally; avoid using a blow drier every now and then. Regular use of blow drier results in hair damage and the hair loses most of its natural luster.
· Style your hair only when it’s dry. Brushing or combing wet hair can cause it to stretch and break.
Everyone wants to have beautiful hair. Thus, it is essential to take proper care of it and consult a good doctor in case of excessive hair loss. The secret to having a well nourished mane lies in a healthy diet, keeping fit and going low on chemicals.
Read Home Remedies. Also Read about Male Sexual Enhancement and Low Libido and Breast Enlargement Enhancement Pills
Hair Loss Remedies – Conquering Hair Loss in Natural Way
What Causes Hair Loss?
Many people suffer from hair loss – and there are several causes for hair loss. Alopecia is the general word that is used to refer to any type of hair loss. The most common type of hair loss is male or female pattern baldness – or androgenetic Alopecia – which is caused by genetics. A number of other circumstances – from environmental to medical can also cause hair loss.
Before you begin any treatment regimen, you should consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of your hair loss. Hair loss is a common symptom for hundreds of medical conditions – and determining whether or not your hair loss is a symptom of a medical condition will determine the route you need to take – your medical condition will need to be taken care of before treatment for hair loss. Knowing the cause of the hair loss is the first step to finding a successful hair loss remedy.
Hair Loss Remedies
Once you have determined the cause of your hair loss, you will find there are a variety of hair loss remedies – some natural, some medical, and some cosmetic. Your dermatologist can help you find the right solution. Over the past few years, medical treatment of hair loss has grown tremendously – in some cases, learning what causes the hair loss enables drugs to be made that can stop the hair loss before it happens.
Drug-related hair loss remedies do not work for everyone and the success of this type of hair loss treatment depends on the reason for the hair loss. Cosmetic remedies have also become a popular way for people to combat hair loss – and is sometimes an option for people who are not successful with other types of hair loss remedies. But, cosmetic hair replacement can be quite expensive.
Many people have found natural remedies for hair loss. The premise behind natural hair loss remedies is that hair loss is a natural condition and can, in some cases, be dramatically decreased by using natural remedies. There are many types of natural hair loss remedies including exercise to increase blood flow, massaging the scalp, and herbal hair loss remedies, which involve the use of natural herbs.
Herbal Remedies For Hair Loss
There are many types of herbal remedies for hair loss – some are used to stimulate hair growth and others are used to keep the hair and the scalp healthy in order to prevent hair loss. Let’s explore some of these natural hair loss remedies.
1. Henna can be used to condition and maintain healthy hair – thus, decreasing the chances of hair loss. Henna is a traditional herb that has been used for a number of years to maintain healthy hair.
2. Aloe Vera is another traditional herb that has been used effectively in the prevention of hair loss. Native Americans, as well as people in the Caribbean and India have used Aloe Vera to maintain healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Combined with wheat germ oil and coconut milk, Aloe Vera can be made into a shampoo that cleanses and heals the scalp.
3. Jojoba Oil is an herbal remedy for hair loss that has been used successfully in people who suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and has been used successfully in the treatment of dandruff.
4. Aromatherapists use lavender and bay essential oils to massage the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
5. Horsetail can be used to stimulate hair follicles. This herb can be used to help conquer pattern baldness by strengthening weak hair and promoting hair growth.
6. Rosemary is another herbal remedy for hair loss that can be used in oil for massaging the scalp and stimulating hair growth.
7. Saw Palmetto can be used to block the hormone DHT, which is part of the cause of hair loss. Saw Palmetto can be used in oils, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.
8. Ginseng can be used as a stimulant and helps improve circulation. Ginseng can also be used to remove toxins clogging the hair follicles, increasing the chance of healthy hair growth. Like Saw Palmetto, Ginseng can be used as oil, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.
These are just a few of the many herbal remedies for hair loss. Other herbs used to prevent hair loss or stimulate hair growth include green tea, ginkgo biloba, licorice, nettles, and sage. There are many other herbs that can be used for the prevention and treatment of hair loss in many combinations of shampoos and oils – some even used as teas to stimulate blood flow, thus stimulating the natural growth of hair. As with any treatment, be sure to check with your dermatologist to find the cause of the hair loss so that you can make an informed decision on the right hair loss remedy for you.
Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Hair Loss Solution and Female Hair Loss at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/hair_loss_remedy.htm
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