Hair Loss in Women - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (vbenson) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:47:00 +0000

Until recently, the problem of hair loss in women was believed to be uncommon. Recent research, though, has revealed that it is far more widespread than previously thought. Some estimates say as many as 25 million American women (or more) experience noticeable hair loss and the distressing effects that often go along with it. Female hair loss causes are somewhat different than 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 females is usually different from its appearance in men. Women usually do not go bald or partially bald, and they generally do not have bald spots on the crown of the head. In women, hair loss typically shows up as overall thinning of the hair, both the quantity of hair on the head and 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 sense of self are typically much more dependent on the way they look than is generally the case for men. Of course, men find it distressing to lose their hair, but for females the emotional effects can be particularly devastating. When you think of how much money and effort goes into advertising women’s hair care products, styling products, cosmetics and hair care appliances such as blow dryers and curling irons, it is easy to understand why women find it so distressing to experience hair loss. Our society places so much emphasis on looks, especially for women, that female hair loss can lead to a great deal of emotional pain, anxiety, and even trigger episodes of depression.

Medical Causes of Hair Loss in Women

The most common female hair loss causes are related to medical conditions and hormonal changes. While many are similar to those experienced by men, many more are specific to women. Hormones - Women experience far more hormonal issues than men do, and at a much greater frequency. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are all conditions unique to women that can affect the amount and permanence of hair loss and cause balding.

Medication - Several medications can cause or contribute to female hair loss, including anti-depressants, blood thinners, birth control pills, anti-cholesterol drugs and chemotherapy drugs.

Illness/Surgery - Many common illnesses can cause female hair loss, such as diabetes and thyroid over- or under-activity, as can conditions that put the body under stress such as high fevers or major surgery.

Other Causes
Anemia, anorexia, bulimia, excess vitamin A, 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) combine to cause hair follicles to shut down. Even though the chemical process is the same, the appearance of the hair loss in females is generally different, with women experiencing general thinning of hair rather than the bald spots or pronounced receding hairline so common in men. Some experts theorize that differences in hair follicles between males and females may contribute to differences in the appearance of hair loss. In men, hair tends to grow straight up out of the follicle, causing oil and other secretions on the scalp to build up and block follicles. In women, however, hair tends to grow out of the follicle at an angle, allowing oil and secretions to flow more readily out of the follicle.
Everyday Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Women subject their hair to many everyday stresses that can lead to hair damage and hair loss. A few such female hair loss causes include:

Harsh shampoos
Hair coloring
Hair bleaching
Permanent waves
Frequent use of blow dryers, curling irons and other heated appliances
Improper or harsh brushing and/or combing
Frequent wearing of tight ponytails, braids, and other hair restraintsWhile these things generally do not cause immediate or permanent hair loss in females, they do often lead to dry, damaged hair that is more likely to break off and thus appear thinner and more brittle. In women whose hair is already thin due to hormonal changes that come with aging, actions such as these can have a large impact on hair appearance.

Proper Diagnosis
Women experiencing hair loss should consult their doctor for an accurate diagnosis of what is causing them to lose hair. In the case of an undiagnosed condition such as diabetes or thyroid problems, treating the medical condition can often stop and even reverse hair loss problems. If the doctor finds that hormonal issues related to menopause and aging are the cause, then he or she is the best resource for information and advice on effective female hair loss solutions.

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Think hair loss is just a problem for men?

noreply@blogger.com (vbenson) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:11:00 +0000

Top Seven Health Risks Leading to Women's Hair Loss

Think again. Top national expert, Dr. Alan Bauman, shares seven health risks that can lead to hair loss in women.

Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) June 25, 2007 -- It may come as a newsflash to some, but hair loss isn't just a problem for men anymore.

"Women's hair loss is much more common than most people realize," said Alan J. Bauman, M.D., a leading U.S. hair restoration physician. "Because of this, it's important for women to educate themselves about certain health and physiological factors, like hormonal changes, that are associated with hair loss and thinning."

Women have a 35-percent chance of experiencing hair loss by age 50, but the condition can occur anytime after puberty. Doctors have noticed that hair loss in women often coincides with hormonal fluctuations and is more likely to occur in women with a family history of hair loss.

Dr. Bauman is a top U.S. expert on female hair loss who's treated hundreds of women over the last 10 years. According to Dr. Bauman, the top seven health factors commonly associated with female hair loss are:

(1) MENOPAUSE - Hair thinning is a common complaint of women undergoing menopause. The condition coincides with a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones.

(2) POST-PREGNANCY - During pregnancy, a woman's hair grows faster and feels more luxurious thanks to increases in hormones which keep a higher than normal number follicles in a growth phase. However, after giving birth, the sudden drop in hormones often causes shedding and thinning as the ratio of growing/resting follicles returns to normal.

(3) CRASH DIETING - Unhealthy dieting and/or rapid weight loss may cause hair follicles to go into "shock," resulting in increased shedding and a loss of volume that may last for months - or, in some cases, indefinitely - even after a healthy diet is resumed.

(4) TRACTION ALOPECIA - Over time, certain hairstyles (e.g. tight braiding) and hair extensions can traumatize follicles and lead to permanent bald spots in the scalp, a condition known as "traction alopecia."

(5) TRICHOTILLOMANIA - Compulsive hair-pulling, or trichotillomania, can also lead to permanent bald spots in the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes.

(6) PLASTIC SURGERY - Browlifts and facelifts can alter the appearance of the frontal hairline and may lead to both decreased hair density and scarring in those areas.

(7) STRESS - Severe emotional stress and trauma can also take a toll on the body, often leading to excessive shedding and thinning that can last for weeks.

For more information about the causes and treatments of female hair loss, visit Dr. Bauman's website at www.baumanmedical.com.

ABOUT DR. BAUMAN
Alan J. Bauman, M.D., founder of Bauman Medical Group in Boca Raton, Florida, is a top U.S. medical expert on hair loss and restoration for men and women, including eyelash, eyebrow and scalp transplants, and laser therapy. Dr. Bauman is a diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and a featured lecturer at major medical conferences. Websites: www.baumanmedical.com -- www.baumanblog.com -- www.youtube.com/alanbauman

Victoria's Hair Loss Blog for Woman

Hair Loss in Women - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

Think hair loss is just a problem for men?

Top Seven Health Risks Leading to Women's Hair Loss