The Causes of Hair Loss in Women
You’re not alone if you’re experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.
Hair loss in women is most often very gradual and is more easily affected by hormonal changes, medical conditions, and external factors. Hair loss in women is no less distressing than in men. More often women s hair loss is limited to the thinning of the hair especially around the crown area. A receding hair line is rare in women. It usually starts with the hair follicle becoming thinner, revealing more skin.
Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a daily basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.
Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Society unfairly identifies dry, lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.
Reasons for hair loss include physical, emotional, and genetic conditions. Hair loss can occur from many common causes that most women do not even think of. The number of women who suffer from stress and hair loss is growing. Stress leads to various health conditions which cause hair loss.
A woman’s hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image.
Female pattern baldness or Androgen tic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage.
Coming off birth control pills and pregnancy can cause hair loss. Women may experience hair loss 2 – 3 months after having a baby.
Progesterone is another hormone that precisely targets the hair during menopause. It compensates by producing extra androstenedione, which prevents hair growth. Usually hair will return to its original thickness following menopause.
A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.
Nutrition
Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.
Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum balance of the scalp.
Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care.
Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.
Harsh hair treatment such as pulling with brushes, tight braiding and styling with irons and strengtheners can be a cause of female thinning hair.
Sun worshippers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging affects of UV rays.
Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. Remember, that for some hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared
Finding what has caused your hair loss will greatly increase your chances of finding the right treatments to help re grow your hair.
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Hair Loss in Women: Myths and Truths
Hair Loss: one of the most confounding conditions men and women have ever struggled with. People consider their hair as kings consider their crown; an important part of one’s identity, an important part of one’s self. Hair and hair loss are often considered as indicators of one’s youth. That is why people are always appalled whenever faced with the possibility of hair loss. Hence we often do whatever they can and believe whatever we hear just to make sure that we get to keep that precious hair of ours as thick and as healthy as can be.
Hair loss can be common in females and is more common following the menopause; however, alopecia will not manifest in all cases. In many cases the sufferer will simply notice increased hair loss and thinning of the hair; early treatment can improve the outcome. Although alopecia tends to be socially accepted in males it is unacceptable in females and in many cases it can have devastating effects on the sufferer’s emotional state and confidence. But you should not despair – hair loss can be prevented and stopped once you know what causes it and what you should do.
The real causes of hair loss or alopecia, as it is clinically known, have already been explained by science, however, before we proceed to know the real causes of hair loss, let us first see and examine the prevalent myths about why hair loss occur in women.
There are many websites that try to dispel the “myths” of womens hair loss but some of these so-called “myths” do have a basis for truth. Let’s now examine many of these popular “myths” and provide a balanced response.
Myth Number One: Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss. Many websites say this is “rubbish”, however, in textbooks of trichology it is recommended that “extra care” should be taken for fragile and thinning hair. These measures include using gentle shampoos as heavily medicated shampoos can affect the scalp and brushing should be gentle as well. Any tangles of hair should be separated without pulling of the hair. So, it’s not so much how frequently you wash your hair but what you wash your hair with!
Myth Number Two: We often hear that bad blood circulation starves the hair follicles which make them fall out. Although patients with poor blood circulation do not appear to be more likely to suffer from alopecia, tight fitting hats and wigs may cause hair loss in a very small minority of people. The mechanism is still unclear but if it occurs, this may be due to the impairment of blood flow in the scalp. That is why extreme care should be taken by alopecia sufferers who wear these garments on their heads.
Myth Number Three: Hats and wigs cause hair loss. This is untrue on the whole, all hats and wigs do is just cover your hair. Hats may even help shield your hair against the damaging causes of direct sunlight. However, if you are a sufferer of alopecia you should avoid tight fitting hats and wigs in our opinion.
Myth Number Four: 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair. Brushing your hair does stimulate the glands on your scalp to produce oil that will keep your hair healthy. However, a hundred brush strokes does more damage to your hair than what you wish intend. A hundred brush strokes on thinning and fragile hair will be more devastating than helpful. It is important to look after thinning and fragile hair and gentle brushing should be sufficient to maintain the condition of your hair and can be of benefit. Tangles should be separated by fingers without pulling the hair.
Myth Number Five: Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments. Whilst treatments on hair can damage the nutrients and make it less healthy it will not lead to permanent alopecia. However, should hair loss be experienced after perms etc. then you should avoid them. That is why you have to scrutinize whatever you use in your hair since improper use of products may cause potential hair loss.
Myth Number Six: Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy. Utter rubbish.
Myth Number Seven: Shaving one’s head will cause the hair to grow back thicker. This is just not true. In fact, if you are suffering from androgenetiic alopecia, this will actually severely quicken your hair loss.
Myth Number Eight: Standing on one’s head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth. We’re afraid not; although poor blood circulation may cause some hair loss, increasing blood circulation just does not stimulate hair growth either.
Myth Number Nine: Dandruff causes permanent hair loss. This is simply not true. Dandruff is a condition of the scalp, not the hair. Dandruff occurs because of the excessive shedding of cells on your scalp skin. For dandruff sufferers, the natural process of scalp-cell renewal is accelerated when fighting off P. ovale, a normal fungus found on every human head.
Myth Number Ten: We often see TV personalities and even some doctors say that stress makes your hair fall out! Although it is unclear whether stress coming from severe life events can cause alopecia, there are case reports indicating that this may be so. It is however very rare and frequently no cause can be found for severe and rapid developing alopecia. Patients who have suffered hair loss following a stressful event may still benefit from specific treatment to assist in hair re-growth.
Myth Number Eleven: Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties. Whilst fairly rare this is not true. Alopecia or hair loss may happen to anyone regardless of their age.
Now what really causes androgenetic alopecia or hair loss in women?
The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced by the mechanisms in the body. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not re-grown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents’ side of the family.
There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as Anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium or loss of hair that is in the anagen or growing phase is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicles. Telogen effluvium on the other hand, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. The most common causes of Telogen effluvium are: (1)Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change; (2)Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member; (3)Thyroid abnormalities; (4)Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure medications, Gout medications; and (5)Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause. When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.
Hair loss in women: androgenetic alopecia, anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium can be lessened and reduced, even stopped. All you need to do is know the right information about alopecia and do the right things to combat these conditions. There are lots of hair loss treatment medicines available out there; all you need to do is to know which one is the right one for you, depending on the extent of the hair loss. Remember, that the longer you wait to treat your hair loss, the harder it will be to achieve good results. So if you want to win this hair loss battle, stand up and do it now! The quicker you take action the easier it’s going to get.
The Author works for www.combat-hair-loss.co.uk. A site dedicated to fight what ever forms of hair loss or alopecia through proper knowledge and medicine. The site also gives you several tips on how to prevent and combat hair loss as well as charts and drawings to properly evaluate your hair loss and treat them accordingly. The site also recommends some of the best hair loss treatment medicines and alternatives available out there.
Hair Loss in Men And Women – Is It A Real Nightmare
Male Hair loss generally refers to the male pattern baldness. It is medically referred as “Androgenic Alopecia”. Male hair loss affects a person at any time after puberty. The hair usually recedes the letter “M” and the crown hair becomes thinner as age advances. Hair loss is common in men and women. But a lot more men suffer from hair loss than women.
Treatment of male hair loss differs a lot from female hair loss treatment. Propecia is a good example for
a male hair loss product that should not be used by women.. If a women is pregnant Propecia may injure the baby in the womb.
Propecia will also cause hair growth on parts of the body where women do not like to have hair (body, face)
Hence Propecia is not recommended for women. Male hair loss can be treated with propecia but with some side effects. The side effects include impotency and lack of sex drive. So you should consult your physician before taking this medicine.
In early days, Rogaine was used to treat high blood pressure, but now it is primarily used to stop hair loss. Rogaine should be used continuously for three to four months to have some fruitful results.
The reason for male hair loss is mainly due to the levels of DHT (Dihydro testosterone) in the scalp. The DHT is present in a person immediately after his puberty and the purpose of DHT is to develop secondary sexual characteristics. DHT gets attached to the hair follicle and prevents the assimilation of nutrients to the follicles which in turn cause thinning out of hair and finally shedding of hair which results in hair loss.
In order to prevent hair loss there are many products available on the market. The most important igredients, which prevent hair loss is saw palmetto. It is clearly evident that saw palmetto blocks DHTs and is a natural medication. A product called Hair Genesis consists of saw palmetto and is extensively used to cure hair loss.
Hair energizer hair products by Ferm-T are also being used for treating hair loss. Even women can use this product without any side effect. The Hair energizer helps to stop hair thinning and hair loss. The Hair Energizer kit comes with a bottle of Follicle spray, 15 ml tube Jojoba oil, a bottle of shampoo, and 60 tablets of vitamins & minerals. Advecia, another product helps a lot to treat hair loss. It is essential for revitalizing the hair follicles. This is useful in treating the follicles, which are deprived of nutrients.
In contrast generaly Women’s hair loss does not result in total hair loss as like that of men. Even though women’s hair loss is partial, it is devastating for the individual when it does happen.
The psychological impact of women’s hair loss is extensive when compared to men since women consider their hair as a vital part of their beauty and find it to be an important part of their outer appearance.
Women’s hair loss has different reasons. Heredity is one of those. Moreover the treatment of women’s hair loss is entirely different than that of men, because the medication offered for re-growth of hair may cause the growth of hair on other parts of the body such as chest, back, and face. Most women don’t like facial hair growth.
Women suffering from hair loss need to consult a doctor to find out what causes the hair loss. Once the cause has been ascertained, the physician will be able to prescribe the suitable medication. For women’s hair loss, many physicians prescribe estrogen to correct the condition.
Women’s hair loss can be treated with lucocorticoids. Topical application of Minoxodil or Anthralin is the only recommended treatment available for women’s hair loss. Women’s hair loss in the initial stage can be treated well and the response to the treatment is also extremely good. So if you are losing hair, see a doctor as soon as possible.
An important condition called Androgenic alopecia is found to be affecting about 2% of the population. This condition causes complete hair loss all over the body. Women’s hair loss falling under this category is found to be difficult to cure. Doctors may prescribe certain medicines to reduce the symptoms of Androgenic alopecia.
Women who have just given birth to a child also suffer from hair loss very often. This type of hair loss is temporary and may stop within 6 months after birth. This is mainly due to the fact that there is a higher estrogen level during pregnancy, which might result in keeping the hair follicles in the growth phase. Immediately after childbirth, there is a sudden withdrawl of estrogen, which may cause the hair to enter into the hair loss phase. Hair may grow again after 6 months, but applying hair tonic may hasten re-growth of hair.
Sometimes crash diets may lead to women’s hair loss and also rapid weight loss over a short period. In addition to this, emotional and physical stress may also result in hair loss. Immediately after the alleviation of the stress, the hair falling will be stopped.
Frequent dyeing and chemicals e.g. Perming solutions used on hair may cause hair falling. This condition may occur when a woman uses chemicals very frequently. The hair begins to break off. The hair
falling treatment products when applied on the scalp may strengthen the follicles.
Once you have identified the main cause of hair loss, choose the right treatment at the right time to ensure better hair growth. In most serious cases of women’s hair loss, it is always advisable to seek the help of a dermatologist for complete diagnosis and
treatment plan.
Author: David Marowny
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coping with Female Hair Loss
Hair loss is part of our daily lives, whether you realize it or not and is generally more common as people grow older, but can affect younger people as well. Hair loss is a gradual process, some research has indicated that it takes 5 years or more for follicle roots to fully cease. For many patients, hair loss is a major emotional problem and is quite normal after major surgery, so it is important for patients to speak to their surgeon about this possible side effect before undergoing surgery.
Hair loss is quite a likely occurrence for children being treated for leukemia. In male- and female-pattern baldness, the culprit is something called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is derived from androgen, a male hormone.
Women
Women’s hair tends to thin all over and the pattern of hair loss in women is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss that is common in men. Women develop hair loss as frequently as men do, but because of hormonal differences between men and women, women typically lose their hair in a more diffuse way than men. Women rarely experience loss of all their hair. A reasonably common cause of hair loss in women is birth control pills.
Women may be given minoxidil or a hormonal or iron supplement to help prevent hair loss. Women with hair loss due to androegenetic alopecia tend to have miniaturizing hairs of variable diameter over all affected areas of the scalp.
Health
Healthy diet, enough time of sleep, regular exercise, and not worrying too much can prevent hair loss, whereas problems such as lupus, thyroid condition, and diabetes can cause hair loss. Eating habits vary from healthy eating habits on one end of the scale, to serious eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia on the other end. While hair loss is more harmful to the psyche than anything else, some of the causes of baldness may represent serious health problems.
Certainly a good healthy diet will tend to reduce hair loss and it is important to keep your health good, but hair loss can affect the emotional health of both men and particularly women and it can be a rather glib statement to tell people not to worry about their looks. Coping with hair loss depends a lot on your attitude and the support of your friends and family.
Hormones
The thyroid gland is in the front of the lower neck and makes important hormones that keep the body healthy. Hormones called androgens, commonly testosterone, can cause hair follicles to shrink, causing thinning of hair or eventual hair loss. In pregnancy, hormone levels increase in the early stages of pregnancy and cause the hair growth cycle to slow down.
Doctors refer to common baldness as “androegentic alopecia” which implies that a combination of hormones and heredity (genetics) is needed to develop the condition. The hormone imbalance that occurs in polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hair loss in teenage girls as well as in adult women.
Female-pattern androegenetic alopecia is a common condition, its traetment includes minoxidil 2% and antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate) in case of obvious hyerandrogenism; finasteride, not currently approved for women, is however being tested in postmenopausal women.
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