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Female Hair Loss > Hair Replacement for Women >
Female Hair Loss Causes
What Causes Female Hair Loss?
Female Pattern
Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
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. True hair loss
occurs when lost hairs are not regrown 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
is generally due to internally administered medications,
such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing
hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased
number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.
The
most common causes of telogen effluvium are:
-
Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia,
rapid weight change.
-
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a
family member.
-
Thyroid abnormalities.
-
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood
pressure and Gout medications.
-
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.
The Start
of Hair Transplant and Hair Loss Problems for Women
Dietary Considerations
Hair
loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet
programs which are designed or administered under the
direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary
supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular.
Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a
necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss
associated with dieting. From a dermatologists's
standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair
loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss.
Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in
vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.
Physical
and Emotional Stress
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can
cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production
of hair during periods of stress since it is not
necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies
toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases
there is a three month delay between the actual event
and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be
another three month delay prior to the return of
noticeable regrowth. This then means that the total hair
loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly
longer when induced by physical or emotional stress.
There are some health conditions which may go undetected
that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia
or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of
these conditions can be detected by a simple,
inexpensive blood test.
Hormonal
Considerations
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss.
Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after
pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control
pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss
may be delayed by three months following the hormonal
change and another three months will be required for new
growth to be fully achieved.
Myths
Related to Hair Loss
-
Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
-
Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
-
100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create
healthier hair.
-
Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and
other cosmetic treatments.
Women are expected to develop significant hair loss
if they are healthy.
-
Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back
thicker.
-
Standing on one's head will cause increased
circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth!
-
Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
-
There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair
to grow thicker and faster.
-
Stress causes permanent hair loss.
-
Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early
twenties.
-
Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
-
There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.
These
are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians
and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The
American Hair Loss Council suggests that you first have
your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist
who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you
know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding
of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.
Treatment
Options Available for Female Pattern Hair Loss
-
Perms, color and other cosmetic options to give a fuller
appearance to hair.
-
Medical therapy - Rogaine (topical minoxidil). Rogaine
is the only FDA approved medication currently available
for female pattern hair loss.
-
Hair Transplant Surgery - Modern surgical techniques
have made transplantation for females a viable treatment
option providing they are qualified candidates and have
realistic expectations.
-
Hair Replacement Systems - Modern forms of hair
additions have also made recent improvements in
simulating a natural appearance. A consultation with a
skilled specialist to discuss your options is advised.
Female Hair
Loss: What Are Your Options?
New
Look Institute offers the latest hair restoration
solutions for hair loss, baldness and chemotherapy. With
offices conveniently located in San Jose (San Francisco
area), California, we offer the latest breakthrough
technology in non-surgical hair replacement and proven,
state of the art hair loss prevention programs including
the latest FDA approved laser hair loss treatment
procedures.
With
over 30 years experience, we have the experience to
address every type of hair loss. Our professional staff
will help you identify the best approach and answer your
questions.
Take
the first step to a new you. Schedule your
complimentary, confidential hair loss evaluation today
and see how easy it is to be yourself again! With hair
restoration, there are lots of options to consider but
only one phone call you need to make. |
