Female Hair Loss
Overview
For most women, hair has a special relationship; it is the
crowning glory, the most impacting of all fashion accessories.
So when women experience hair
thinning, hair loss or female pattern baldness the impact
is both physical and psychological. For more than 30 million
women in the US, hair loss is a growing problem, with thinning
occurring at younger ages and in increasing numbers.
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
According to WebMD, average hair growth is ˝ inch per month
in a two phase process. In the first phase, hair grows for
two to six years and then the second phase or the “resting”
phase begins. After the hair rests, it falls out and a new
follicle is formed starting the cycle all over again.
While it was once believed that DHT
caused hair loss in women as well as in men, the current medical
thinking is that the causes of hair loss in women may be very
different. While there is still evidence that hormone receptors
and blockers may be the cause of hair loss in some women;
there are other causes that need to be examined for women.
This may include hair loss resulting from polycystic ovary
syndrome or autoimmune disorders. Temporary hair shedding
may also be the result of pregnancy, surgery, emotional trauma
or even crash dieting.
Since the causes of female pattern baldness are so diverse
and often tied to underlying medical conditions it is essential
that the first step in treating hair loss in women is to seek
medical diagnosis to determine the cause of the hair loss.
How Much Hair Loss is Too Much Loss
The average woman loses between 50 and 100 strands of hair
a day. Hair styling and products can increase hair loss. If
the daily loss is consistently higher, or the loss is at the
crown or overall scalp area, it is more likely to be female
pattern baldness.
Treatment of Hair Loss in Women
If it is determined that the cause is the DHT hormone, the
best treatment options are DHT blocking products and treatments.
There are a number of DHT
blockers on the market, including natural DHT blockers
like Provillus
for Women.
Women who experience overall thinning, are less effective
candidates for hair transplants than men; which can be an
expensive treatment option.
Proper diet and nutrition, and a reduction in stress both
in life and in the use of hair chemicals and harsh styling
techniques can improve hair regrowth or slow the thinning
of women’s hair. In many cases, hair loss is the result of
vitamin, mineral or protein imbalance in the diet.
Hair extensions, chemical relaxers, chemical perms or hair
coloring can increase hair shedding. It is especially important
to seek medical attention if the hair loss follows a severe
diet or is accompanied by other symptoms. Treating the underlying
cause is the best form of treatment for most women.
Look for hair products that improve root health, foster regrowth
or block any hormone receptor agents (where applicable) to
improve the quality of existing hair and create an environment
to support regrowth and minimize hair loss.
Hair loss in women is a significant problem with more than
66% expected to experience some type of hair loss at some
point in their lives. Medical consultation to determine the
cause, proper diet and stress relieve and gentle hair styling
techniques and products are all part of the foundation level
of hair loss treatment for women.
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