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[H15]Hair Loss Female Causes

by Juliet Cohen, Jul

Hair loss in female occurs in more than one pattern. Hair Loss is caused by the actions of two enzymes; aromatase (which is found predominantly in women) and 5-a reductase (which is found in both women and men). The reason that women experience hair loss during and after menopause is that their estrogen levels decline. Female pattern alopecia affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause. Common or "hereditary" baldness in women, also called female pattern alopecia, is genetic and can come either the mother's or father's side of the family. Various forms of estrogen can "oppose" androgens and thereby reduce their availability to the cell, by blocking androgen receptors. A woman who notices the beginning of hair loss may not be sure if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent - for example, if there has been a recent event such as pregnancy or illness that may be associated with temporary hair thinning.

In women more often than in men, hair loss may be due to conditions other than androgenetic alopecia. Because beautiful hair is a sign of youthfulness and longevity, hair loss can leave you feeling confused, helpless, frustrated and angry. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body. Alopecia means baldness, but just as in men, it does not have to be complete hair loss. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head. Treatment of this type of hair loss includes immunomodulating therapies such as glucocorticoids, topical immunotherapy, or anthralin, or biologic-responce modifiers such as Minoxidil. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age, as well as the extent of hair loss.

Causes of Female hair loss:

The most common causes of hair loss in women are not related to inherited genes, but to temporary metabolic problems associated with pregnancy, unusual stress, thyroid hormone deficiency, chemotherapy, crash diets, major surgery, severe infection or high fever. A possibly autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss that can range from diffuse thinning to extensive areas of baldness with "islands" of retained hair. Hair loss due to trichotillomania is typically patchy, as compulsive hair pullers tend to concentrate the pulling in selected areas. Hair loss due to this cause cannot be treated effectively until the psychological or emotional reasons for trichotillomania are effectively addressed. Certain drugs can also take their toll on once lush and healthy tresses.

Symptoms of Female hair loss:

The main symptoms are:

1. Thinning of hair over the entire head.

2. Mild to moderate hair loss at the crown or hairline.

Treatment of Female hair loss:

Treatment options for women are more limited than those available to men. A consultation with a skilled specialist to discuss your options is advised. The popular topical treatment Rogaine for women (minoxidil) can be used by women. And many women do hair restoration surgery to restore their hair. Hormone replacement pills, such as Prempro, plus Aldactone are better after menopause. Experienced hair transplant surgeons can often achieve excellent results in women with the new follicular unit and minigraft techniques. If treatment fails, or is not desired professional counseling might be of help. Perms, dyes and other cosmetic options can be used to give a fuller appearance to hair.

Hair Loss in Females and Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in females. It begins with noticeably hair thinning especially at the top and side areas of the scalp. An estimated one-third of susceptible females suffer from female alopecia or female-patterned baldness. This type of hair loss occurs usually when women are in their postmenopausal stages but there are unfortunate instances when they take place at puberty stage.

With female alopecia, the only time you should start worrying is when hair shedding has exceeded 125 hair strands per day or when your body stops reproducing hair strands to replace what has fallen out. With regard to genetics, loss of hair in females may come from either parent.

Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium refers to the type of female hair loss wherein hair strands haven't yet reached the final stage of their life cycle. Nevertheless, certain agents, usually medications that are administered internally, poison and eventually cause the death of still-growing hair follicles.

Telogen effluvium, on the other hand, refers to the type of female hair loss wherein there are more hair strands reaching the telogen stage than what's usual. Telogen effluvium may be caused by a number of things:

Stress

Stress is not only caused by psychological factors. It may be caused by an unnatural physical condition as well such as having just undergone surgery and experiencing the changes it wrought on your body. Stress can also be a symptom of crash dieting, anemia, and various kinds of illnesses.

Of course, emotional and psychological factors inducing stress can also lead to excessive loss of hair. Grieving over the death of a loved one or experiencing a mental illness can both make the problem worse.

Medications

There are a number of medications and treatments that may require the individual to lose their hair albeit only temporarily. If you are suffering from high blood pressure, medications for your condition may also be a cause and medications for gout also have the same symptom. Lastly, take extra care with medications containing great quantities of Vitamin A as these can also induce hair loss.

Hormones

Women who are undergoing menopause - or experiencing pre-menopausal or postmenopausal symptoms - as well as those who are taking birth control measures and are pregnant are all vulnerable to hair loss. This is due to the hormonal changes or abnormalities their bodies are being subjected to.

Of course, once the underlying cause of telogen effluvium is addressed and effectively resolved then hair will generally start to return to normal.

Frequent Shampooing as a Mythical Cause for Hair Loss in Females

Although harsher or stronger chemicals in shampoo products are sometimes blamed for loss of hair, frequency of shampooing is generally not a problem and cannot cause hair loss. Shampoos may loosen up some of your hair strands and cause you to shed more than usual, but affected hair strands are those already in the telogen stage and would have fallen out eventually. Either way, they will still be replaced by your body.

Article Source : Pg. 6

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Both Juliet Cohen & John Tulley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Juliet Cohen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Cream, Alternative Medicine and Abdominal. Juliet Cohen writes for .. Juliet Cohen's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.

John Tulley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Site Promotion, RSS and Hair Care. About the author: John Tulley manages the: Blog. This Blog is updated on a regular basis with advice and information on the. John Tulley's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.