Common Treatments For Hair Loss In Women
Much has been said and written about modern day hair loss treatments but this tends to relate almost exclusively to men. Do these same treatments offer solutions to women suffering from hair loss or is there a completely different category of remedies available? It really depends on what is causing hair loss in the first place and as the most common causes of hair loss are the same as those that affect men, the treatments available are pretty similar.
In an earlier article we concluded that the three most common causes of hair loss in women are female pattern baldness, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. We'll now look at each of these in turn and examine the best treatments available, bearing in mind the specific needs of women:
1. Treatments for female pattern baldness.
In most instances minoxidil (Rogaine) is the first treatment used. This is one of only two FDA approved hair loss treatments and it remains the only one approved for use by women. Minoxidil comes in the form of a topical solution that works by tackling the symptoms of hair loss and helping to generate new hair growth. It does not target the causes of hair loss and will not work for everyone. The women's version of minoxidil is a 2% solution but the 5% version marketed for men can be used if necessary.
The most popular drug for treating male pattern baldness is of course finasteride (Propecia). Women of child bearing age should not use this drug due to the severely damaging effects it can have on unborn male fetuses. Any women considering using Propecia should discuss it first with their physician. In some cases your doctor may prescribe a different androgen blocker called spironolactone as a means of stopping the hormone activity that is causing hair loss. Spironolactone is normally used as a diuretic and results may be variable.
There is a bewildering range of commercial products available, most of which are aimed squarely at men but many are also suitable for women to use. Whether they work or not is another question but some products containing ingredients like saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum and green tea have shown their value. You can find out more about these and other poential hair loss solutions by visiting the site listed at the end of this article.
2. Treatments for telogen effluvium
This is a hair loss condition that generally does not require any specific treatment. Once the effects of the trauma that caused hair loss in the first place have subsided, the hair will regrow of its own accord. Some patients like to encourage the regrowth process by using minoxidil but this isn't necessary. Implementing a good nutritional regime and supplementing with B-vitamins may help to create a hair friendly environment.
3. Treatments for alopecia areata.
This is another hair loss condition that may resolve itself spontaneously. In some cases one of the following treatments may prove useful:
- Daily application of minoxidil (Rogaine).
- Injection of cortisone into patchy areas of the scalp (this must be administered by a physician). Creams and lotions containing cortisone can also be used but results are variable.
- Dithranol can be applied to the scalp in mild or early cases.
- Application of 100% aloe vera gel.
- Massage the scalp with rosemary and lavender essential oils in a jojoba base.
- Use of a hair loss product containing the Chinese herb He Shou Wu.
- A product called Calosol has recently generated positive feedback.
Please note, however, that none of these is guaranteed to work due to the unpredictable nature of alopecia areata. It is this uncertainty that offers opportunities for scamsters to make outlandish claims. The fact remains, there are no miracle cures for advanced forms of alopecia areata so sufferers may wish to consider other options such as head coverings and wigs.
This does not mean that patients are without hope because, even in severe cases, hair can spontaneously start to grow again even after years of loss.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Treatments for Women to find out more about the issues covered in this article.
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May 21, 2005 in Hair Loss In Woman | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Women
When you think of hair loss it's natural to assume that it's a condition that predominantly affects men. Some experts however suggest that as many as one in four women will experience hair loss at some time in their lives. So why don't we see and hear more about it? Perhaps the answer has something to do with one or more of the following:
- Women are better at disguising hair loss.
- Women's hair loss is generally less extensive in terms of severity.
- Women's hair loss tends to be spread evenly over the head rather than concentrated in one or two spots.
So why do women lose hair - are the causes very different to those that result in male baldness? There are probably three common reasons for hair loss in women:
1. Female pattern baldness - believe it or not, most women affected by hair loss lose it for the same reasons as men. They suffer from androgenetic alopecia which is a reaction to male hormones in the body, specifically the conversion of testosterone into the hair-unfriendly DHT. In the case of women, pattern baldness may start later and the effects may be less extreme due to the influence of female hormones, but the condition is nonetheless the same as that found in male pattern baldness.
2. Telogen effluvium - this is regarded as the second most common cause of women's hair loss and this is unsurprising given the nature of the condition. Telogen effluvium is characterized by a general thinning of the hair and is usually brought about as a result of some traumatic event causing sufficient stress to interfere with the normal hair growth cycle. Given that pregnancy is a prime example of the type of event that can shock the hair growth cycle then perhaps the high incidence of telogen effluvium amongst women is only to be expected.
3. Alopecia areata - this is the third most common hair loss condition to affect women. It is characterized by patchy areas of hair loss on the head or it can be more widespread over the body. It is thought to be caused by deficiencies in the immune system but much is still not known about the condition. In many cases the hair regrows spontaneously after a variable period of time, but in a minority of cases the problem may be more severe and longstanding.
If you experience any form of hair loss arrange to visit your physician to discuss the treatments that may be suitable for your particular condition.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Go to Hair Loss Treatments for Women to find out more about the issues covered in this article.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
May 21, 2005 in Hair Loss In Woman | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Hair Loss In Women - The Role of DHT & Sebum
Hair Loss In Women - The Role of DHT & Sebum - According to some estimates, Hair loss in women affects one in four women in the U.S.A. alone.
It can be very distressing for a woman, not least because it is so misunderstood and often fails to elicit sympathy from those closest to her. Hair loss in women is usually not so severe as hair loss in men.
Although the numbers of men and women experience hair loss or thinning hair is roughly equal, the degree of thinning is usually less for women.
Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are terms used to describe the hair loss and both conditions are known as androgenetic alopecia.
This term means hair loss caused by sensitivity to male hormones which exist in both men and women. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main enemies in the Hair loss in women war.
DHT is a combination of testosterone and androgen receptors mixed with sebum and dirt particles. DHT has a disastrous effect on the hair follicle so it begins to shut down and the hair eventually falls out. (Sebum is a fatty substance secreted from the sebaceous glands most of which open into hair follicles.)
Sebum buildup in the follicles attacks the hair bulb, the rounded area at the end of a hair strand which is rooted in the follicle. Sebum causes the hair bulb to shrink so the hair is not as well rooted.
After the hair falls out the new hair strand growing in that follicle is weaker and thinner and the process is repeated until the hair follicle is so damaged it dies.
Many products on the market therefore try and address this problem by effectively cleaning out the Sebum and dirt from the hair follicles.
Women often notice their own hair loss much sooner than it becomes visible to others. By the general feel, texture, and body of their hair, they realize it is getting thin.
Often, just behind the hairline, they notice a roundish shaped area that gets very thin. This rings alarm bells and those women then search out the best treatment.
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May 20, 2005 in Hair Loss In Woman | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Six Causes of Hair Loss In Women
Six Causes of Hair Loss In Women are:
#1. Hair loss in women is often connected to pregnancy. Three to six months after delivering a child, many women notice a degree of hair loss as the hair goes into a resting phase because of the physiological impact of the pregnancy on the body.
#2. A woman's body can also be greatly affected by intensive diets and losing a lot of weight in a short period of time.
#3. Severe illnesses and infections can put great stress on the body thus triggering the hair into a resting phase which result hair shedding. Often the body recovers naturally within 3 to 9 months and the hair begins to regrow until it almost resembles its original condition.
#4. Hair loss in women can be aggravated further by improper use of chemical hair treatments such as dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves. Generally, healthy hair can undergo these treatments without showing signs of stress, if they are not done too often. However, if hair is breaking or if it becomes brittle it is best to stop these procedures until the hair has grown out.
#5. The constant pulling of hair with styles such as ponytails and braids can sometimes cause Hair loss in women. Avoid pulling the hair tight with these styles.
#6. Rough combing and brushing of the hair and vigorous rubbing with a towel after shampooing can cause it to break, adding further to the problem of Hair loss in women. Wide toothed combs and brushes with smooth tips are recommended to minimize hair breakage.
Recommendation: The NewHair Biofactors system stops hair loss within 1 week guaranteed! This hair care range from Nisim International, leaders in hair science for over 20 years, also assists in the growth of new hair. Click here for full details: http://www.1bodycare.com/159490-newhair
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May 20, 2005 in Hair Loss In Woman | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Hair Loss In Woman
1. Hair Loss and Its Causes -- familydoctor.org
… Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss. Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related …
2. Hair Loss -- familydoctor.org
… Yes -->, HORMONE CHANGES may cause hair loss in women. If it has occurred gradually with advancing age, FOLLICULAR DEGENERATION may be the cause. …
3. Women's Hair loss - Don't Panic!
An online guide to finding scientifically proven ways to halt and reverse women's hair loss. You DO have options, and they DO work.
4. Consumer Hair Loss Information & Support. Treatments & News
… A new guide for men, women and children looking to stop their hair loss. … Women's Hair Loss Guide Are you of the female persuasion and experiencing …
5. Hair Loss Help Forums
Hair loss treatments and information on hair restoration, baldness, hair transplants, … Post any hair loss issues that are specific to women here …
6. Hair Loss: Prevention Information - iVillage
… If you're a woman coping with hair loss, you already know how hard it can be. But don't suffer in silence. There are things you can do to put a halt to …
7. » Hair Loss Treatment & Hair Transplant Information «
… that 3 out of 5 men will suffer from some degree of hair loss before the age of 50. Women are not immune either and 1 in 4 will experience hair loss and …
8. Female Hair Loss - Causes & Treatment Options : Hair Transplant …
… Hair loss in women can be transient (synonyms = temporary / telogen effluvium … Non-genetic (telogen effluvium) causes of hair loss in women: …
9. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hair loss
… Some women also develop a particular pattern of hair loss due to genetics, age, and male hormones that tend to increase in women after menopause. …
10. Female Pattern Hair Loss
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology skin disease database: The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as …
11. Men W/ Hair Loss - A Woman's Perspective
Men W/ Hair Loss - A Woman's Perspective. >>>> Search Hair Boutique.com … of The Bald Truth and monthly columnist on hair loss for The Hair Boutique. …
12. Hair Transplant Woman, Female Hair Loss: The New York Hair Loss...
Hair Transplant and Restoration. The New York Hair Loss Center is dedicated to the treatment of hair loss, offering the latest in medical hair restoration …
13. Hair Loss
… shows that it encourages hair growth in women with genetic hair loss. Hair Loss Solutions - A Dermatologist's Professional Opinion (advertorial) …
14. Male hair loss
… Women can also suffer hair loss, especially those with many relatives who are … The only treatment licensed for hair loss in women is Regaine Regular …
15. Hair Loss
… Writer, performer and cancer survivor Patricia Wynn Brown is helping women cope with hair loss through a "chit-chat performance" she calls Hair Theater. …
16. Women and Hair Loss: The Causes
Today more women than ever are experiencing hair loss -- and the causes may be quite different that what causes balding in men.
17. Hair Loss: Causes and Cures
… Women's pattern of hair loss is analogous to men's, but has several important … Women's hair loss tends to be an even overall thinning; as opposed to …
18. Imaginis - Steps to Follow to Handle Hair Loss During Chemotherapy
… Some women experience hair loss (alopecia) while undergoing chemotherapy. With recent advances in hair replacement technology, women have a variety of …
19. AskMen.com - Hair loss products
… but roughly one quarter of men in their 20s experience hair loss. … to Hollywood and show the ladies what you've got as Jack Sparrow, Maximus or Neo. …
20. ThymuSkin Hair Loss Products.
ThymuSkin was proven effective to stop hair loss and reverse the loss of hair with a success rate of 67% for men and 95% for women by independent clinical …
May 11, 2005 in Hair Loss In Woman | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack