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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.
-
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.
Dietary Considerations
In relatively rare
instances, 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 six 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.
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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.
-
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
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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.
-
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?
Studio 2 Hair Additions offers
the latest hair restoration solutions for hair loss,
baldness and chemotherapy. With offices conveniently located
in Memphis, Tennessee 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.
Seeing is Believing!
Call us today, or
simply
click here to receive more information or
to request a free, no-obligation consultation.
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