Hair Loss In Women

Hair Loss In Women

Every one of us loses hair every day.   We lose it during our shower, we lose it while we blow dry our hair or when we brush our hair and this loss is all normal.  Typically we lose an average of 50 to 100 hundred hairs per day and normally for each hair we lose, we grow a new one to replace it.  However, at times hair loss may be a sign of a more serious medical condition that needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist for possible treatment.  Here are some possible causes of hair loss in women and how to deal with them.

Alopecia

This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the hair follicles.  This disease affects 4.7 million people in the U.S. and occurs equally between women and men.  The cause is not known for sure, but may be triggered by illness or stress.  The condition can occur in three in three different forms including alopecia areata, alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis.

Skin Conditions of the Scalp

Unhealthy scalp conditions that can lead to hair loss include psoriasis, fungal infections such as ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis which is dandruff.   These conditions cause inflammation in the scalp which inhibits the growth of hair.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

This is a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries produce too many male hormones and if affects almost five million women in the U.S.  The condition can begin in girls as early as age 11 and can often cause infertility.

Anemia Caused by Iron Deficiency

This condition affects women who eat too few iron-rich foods or who have heavy periods.  Their blood produces too few red blood cells which are necessary to transport oxygen to the cells throughout the body and which provides the energy we need to survive.

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Lupus

This condition is an autoimmune disease which is chronic appearing spontaneously as the body attacks its own healthy tissues with its own immune system.  The disease tends to first impact women in their twenties and thirties and affects approximately 1.5 million individuals.

Hypothyroidism

This is a type of thyroid disease which affects mostly women.  This disease is when there is too little thyroid hormone produced by the body.   The thyroid hormone is responsible for heart rate, mood and metabolism.  Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive or producing too little of the thyroid hormone.  When there is too much thyroid hormone produced, it is an overactive thyroid and is called hyperthyroidism.   The thyroid hormone is responsible for everything from the metabolic rate to the growth of your hair, nails and skin.

Hereditary Hair Loss

There is a genetic hair loss condition which is known are androgenetic alopecia and this is thought to be the most common cause of hair loss.  This gene is inherited from either the mother or the father although it is likely that you will have both if both parents have hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

This is a condition that happens after pregnancy, extreme stress, drastic weight loss or major surgery.  With condition large amounts of hair are lost every day, typically when brushing, styling or shampooing.  This condition can also be a side effect of certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, and antidepressants.

These conditions are more common than one might think, so if you’re noticing hair loss and it is more than normal, please see a doctor to see if there is something serious occurring.  Hair loss that is happening because of disease can often be treated, but it should be done under a doctor’s care.

Hair Loss 101: Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Hair Loss 101: Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness affects millions of men all over the world. The process of thinning hair and baldness, can cause men to lose confidence in themselves and feel unattractive. The good news is that if you are losing your hair due to genetic male pattern baldness, there are treatment options available. With proper treatment it may be possible for you to prevent the progression of your hair loss and even grow back some of the hair that you have lost. Read on to learn how to effectively treat your male pattern baldness.

There are only two hair loss treatments that have been medically proven to effectively treat male pattern baldness. If you are experiencing genetic pattern hair loss, you must take advantage of these treatments. Lets examine these two treatments: finasteride and minoxidil.

Finasteride, which you may have heard of as the brand Propecia, is an oral medication that reduces scalp levels of DHT. Available by prescription only, finasteride is a pill that you must take every single day for as long as you wish to see results. Finasteride is much more effective at slowing down male patter baldness and maintaining hair count then it is at growing back already lost hair, so if you wish to see the full benefits of finasteride supplementation, you should start taking the medicine as soon as you begin to notice the early signs of hair loss. There are a few sexual side effects reported by men who use finasteride, so be sure to thoroughly discuss the possible risks with your doctor. Be very patient when taking finasteride, it may take 6 months to a full year before you see results. Hair growth does not occur overnight.

Along with finasteride, the other treatment proven to re-grow hair on men experiencing male pattern baldness is minoxidil. Sold under the brand name of Rogaine, minoxidil was once available only by prescription but it is now sold over the counter. Unlike finasteride, minoxidil is a topical liquid medication that you provide directly to your scalp. To see and maintain hair growth results you must apply minoxidil every single day. Apply it either once or twice per day, morning or not. Minoxidil is typically not as effective as finasteride at maintaining hair count, but as a scientifically proven treatment, you should definitely consider using it. If applying the liquid minoxidil solution is very messy and it drips all over, you may purchase a foam minoxidil solution, which some men find much easier to apply.

If minoxidil and finasteride are ineffective at treating your male pattern baldness, you only have two other options for treatment: wearing a hair piece of getting hair transplant surgery. Hair transplants involve removing hairs from non-balding areas and placing them on balding areas. The look of your hair transplant surgery depends almost entirely on the skill of the doctor performing the surgery.

By utilizing all available treatments it may be possible to win the fight against male pattern baldness and keep your hair. Remember to use only scientifically proven treatments and avoid wasting money on scam supplements.

Hair Loss: Cancer And Chemotherapy

Hair Loss: Cancer And Chemotherapy

Aside from the worry and fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis, one of the most troubling side effects for many patients, particularly female ones, is the hair loss that results from chemotherapy. A great way to cope with this frustrating fact of life is to understand the process and learn the best ways to manage the situation successfully. Keep reading to learn more.

Because women often view their hair as a true expression of themselves and their personal style, hair loss that comes with chemotherapy treatments can be especially devastating. A patient’s sense of identity can be stripped away as the strands start to fall, making the entire cancer journey that much more difficult.

The point of chemotherapy is to kill off cells that grow in rapid fashion. Because follicular cells are of the sort that divide quickly, they are impacted by chemotherapy in much the same way that cancer cells are. This is what causes characteristic hair loss in many, but not all, cancer patients.

Roughly 10 days to two weeks after the commencement of chemotherapy treatments, hair loss will begin in many instances. A patient’s hair may begin to gradually thin or drop off in clumps. Eyelashes, body hair and eyebrows may also be lost in this manner. It is important to keep in mind that this sort of hair loss is typically not of a permanent nature, and that regrowth is likely to begin somewhere between four and six weeks following the end of chemotherapy treatments.

If hair loss is causing a great deal of stress and sadness, there are things that can be done to ameliorate the impact. Proper care of hair during and following chemotherapy treatments can go a long way towards slowing the process of hair loss and making regrowth more certain. Having long hair cut into a shorter look can alleviate the weight on the roots of the hair, helping it stay in place longer. This can also make donning wigs a bit easier in the event that becomes necessary or desired.

Mild shampoos are also recommended during this time, as they are much gentler to the scalp and follicles. Hair should be brushed in a gentle fashion with a very soft brush or a wide comb. It is important not to wash hair on a daily basis, as that can foster additional loss. Ponytails and other accessories that pull at the hair should be avoided entirely.

If hair loss is simply an inevitable consequence of treatment, there are several techniques that really can make the process more bearable. Working to steer attention away from the hair toward something else of visual interest such as colorful clothing or jewelry is a terrific strategy. Furthermore, being straightforward and honest about the situation can make both the patient and those around them much more comfortable and accepting of the situation.

The truth is that chemotherapy is a powerful tool in the battle against cancer and the hair loss that can result should be viewed as a positive thing. The temporary damage done to follicular cells is a sign that more permanent harm is being done to the cancer, and should therefore be welcomed with open arms.

Green Tea And Its Benefits In Treating Hair Loss

Green Tea And Its Benefits In Treating Hair Loss

For thousands of years different cultures have been using teas for the treatment of different ailments. The Asian communities in particular have employed the beneficial qualities of white, jasmine and green tea to aid the progress of treatment and help relieve any stress which they may be experiencing. Nowadays, green tea specifically is used for weight loss, cardiac difficulties and hair loss.

Copious amounts of research have discovered that the anti-oxidants found in green tea can help combat the effects of hair loss in both males and females. It does this by warding off the harmful hormones within the body known as androgens. The function of androgens is to cause hair loss or hair thinning by reducing the appearance of one’s hair follicles and preventing growth. Research indicates hair thinning is the most common form of hair loss among males affecting approximately 70% of the global population. Hair thinning among women calculates to be about 40% of the global population.

While the evidence of the hormone is a common cause of hair loss, the root of the matter is more complex. Many cases are due to genetic influences, meaning there is a familial pattern. However, the presence of stressful life circumstances and high levels of anxiety have become increasingly popular. Furthermore, medical complications can cause alopecia. This is due to side-effects of certain medications or medical treatments. It is only androgenic alopecia which involves the presence of the androgen hormone.

Regardless of the aetiology or cause, many treatments can assist all forms of hair loss. The most popular organic option is green tea. In addition to reducing or fighting the androgen hormone, it also stimulates hair regrowth with the presence of catechins in the tea.

Some individuals are not fond of drinking tea, particular green tea. If this is the case one has the choice of applying the beverage directly to your scalp. Firstly, you must brew a large pot of tea making it strong enough to soak into your remaining hair. Leave it to cool. Once it has cool you can soak your head in it or make a head mask from the liquid.

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In order to create a head mask from the strong green tea, one would require some non-flavoured yogurt. By adding several teaspoons of yogurt to the cooled green tea, you will create a paste of sorts. Mix the paste so the yogurt is fully combined with the tea and finally apply to your head. Allow the paste to set for approximately 30 minutes before removing.

It has been found that this head mask not only assists with hair regrowth but also with redness, itchiness and agitation one may experience. Remember, it is important to create the mask from a concentrated green tea with no additives which means no sugar! The effects will be compromised with sugar.

In conclusion, hair loss is inevitable for most. However, there is a remedy which you needn’t fear – and all it needs is a kettle of warm water.