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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:
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Physical
stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
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Emotional
stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
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Thyroid
abnormalities.
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Medications:
High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
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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.
Diet 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 hair 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
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Frequent shampooing
contributes to hair loss.
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Hats and wigs cause
hair loss.
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100 strokes of the
hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
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Permanent hair loss
is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.
Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are
healthy.
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Shaving one's head
will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
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Standing on one's
head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair
growth!
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Dandruff causes
permanent hair loss.
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There are cosmetic
products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.
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Stress causes
permanent hair loss.
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Hair loss does not
occur in the late teens or early twenties.
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Hair loss affects
only intellectuals.
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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
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Accepting and
learning to live with hair loss. Professional counseling may be of
help.
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Perms, color and
other cosmetic options to give a fuller appearance to hair.
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Medical therapy -
Rogaine (topical minoxidil). Rogaine is the only FDA approved
medication currently available for female pattern hair loss.
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Hair Replacement
Surgery - Modern surgical techniques have made transplantation for
females a viable treatment option providing they are qualified
candidates and have realistic expectations.
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Hair Replacement Hair
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.
Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss
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Male Pattern Hair Loss
Complete Confidentiality
All of our services are provided with careful consideration for your individual
needs and expectations in a totally discreet and absolutely confidential
clinical setting.
We invite you to arrange for
your free, confidential hair loss consultation today.
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