Until recently, the problem of hair loss in women was believed to be uncommon. However, recent research has shown that it is much more widespread than previously thought. Some estimates say that as many as 25 million American women (or more) experience noticeable hair loss and the troubling effects that often accompany it. Causes of hair loss in women are somewhat different from those typically found in men, and the emotional effects can be quite different as well.
Appearance of hair loss in women
The appearance of hair loss in most women is usually different than in men. Women usually do not or partially go bald and generally do not have bald spots on the crown. In women, hair loss usually manifests as an overall thinning of the hair, both in the amount of hair on the head and in the thickness of each individual hair. Some women do have a receding hairline, but rarely as pronounced and noticeable as what many men experience.
Emotional effects of hair loss in women
A woman’s self-esteem and self-esteem tend to depend much more on how they look than is generally the case for men. Of course men hate losing their hair, but for women the emotional consequences can be particularly devastating.
When you consider how much money and effort is put into advertising women’s hair care products, styling products, cosmetics and hair care products such as blow dryers and curling irons, it is easy to understand why women find it so distressing to experience hair loss. Our society puts so much emphasis on appearance, especially for women, that hair loss in women can lead to a lot of emotional pain, anxiety, and even depressive episodes.
Medical causes of hair loss in women
The most common causes of hair loss in women are related to medical conditions and hormonal changes. While many are similar to those of men, many more are specific to women.
Hormones – Women experience hormonal problems much more than men, and with a much greater frequency. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are all conditions unique to women that can affect the amount and durability of hair loss and cause baldness.
Medication – Several medications can cause or contribute to hair loss in women, including antidepressants, blood thinners, birth control pills, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and chemotherapy drugs.
Illness/surgery – Common diseases can cause hair loss in women, such as diabetes and over- or under-activity of the thyroid gland, as well as conditions that put stress on the body, such as a high fever or major surgery.
Other causes – Anemia, anorexia, bulimia, vitamin A excess, fungal infections and zinc or fatty acid deficiency can also be the cause of hair loss in women.
Genetic causes of hair loss in women
Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is estimated to occur in 15% or less of American women. The chemical process in the body is similar, in that hormones and dehydrotestosterone (DHT) work together to stop hair follicles. Even though the chemical process is the same, the appearance of female hair loss is generally different, with women experiencing thinning hair rather than the bald patches or pronounced receding hairline that are so common in men.
Some experts theorize that differences in hair follicles between men and women may contribute to differences in the appearance of hair loss. In men, hair tends to grow straight out of the follicle, causing oil and other secretions to build up on the scalp and block the follicles. In women, however, hair grows obliquely out of the follicle, allowing oil and secretions to flow out of the follicle more easily.
Everyday causes of hair loss in women
Women subject their hair to a lot of daily stress that can lead to hair damage and hair loss. Some of such causes of female hair loss are:
o Harsh shampoos
o Hair coloring
o Hair bleaching
o Permanent waves
o Frequent use of blow dryers, curling irons and other heated appliances
o Improper or harsh brushing and/or combing
o Frequent wearing of tight ponytails, braids, and other hair restraintsWhile these things generally don’t cause immediate or permanent hair loss in women, they often lead to dry, damaged hair that breaks down more quickly, making it look thinner and more brittle. In women whose hair is already thin due to hormonal changes associated with aging, such actions can greatly affect the appearance of the hair.
Correct diagnosis
Women experiencing hair loss should consult their doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the cause of hair loss. In the case of an undiagnosed condition such as diabetes or thyroid problems, treatment of the medical condition can often stop and even reverse hair loss. If the doctor believes that hormonal problems related to menopause and aging are the cause, then he or she is the best source for information and advice on effective solutions for female hair loss.
Topical hair loss treatment
There is only one topical treatment for female hair loss that is FDA-approved for women’s use: minoxidil. This drug is marketed under the name Rogaine and is available without a prescription in most drugstores, supermarkets, and online.
Rogaine is effective at restoring hair growth and reducing hair thinning in women, but it often takes several months for most women to notice results. It is quite simple and easy to apply in the privacy of your home, but must be continued indefinitely to maintain hair growth. If Rogaine is discontinued, any hair that has re-grown will be lost again.
Surgical hair transplant
Surgical hair loss treatments such as hair transplantation are quite effective for male pattern baldness, but because the nature of hair loss in women is different, women are generally not good candidates for such treatment. Hair transplantation is a process of harvesting hair from actively growing areas of the head and transplanting it to thinning and dormant growth areas. Since females tend to lose their hair all over the head rather than in a concentrated location, grafting usually doesn’t have much effect. For those women who do have obvious bald spots or patches, surgical treatment may be an option. It is best to consult an experienced hair transplant surgeon who will determine the cause and propose an appropriate solution.
Hair Loss in Women – Causes, Diagnosis and
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