Hair loss in women difference as hair loss in men

Understanding Hair Loss In Women.Its Causes And Treatment.

Hair loss in women are on the rise today and statistics have shown that More than 20 million American women,as they age ,experience some kind of hair loss .For most of them this is just about one of the scariest things that can happen because it is unthinkable that this happen to them. Baldness and hair loss is mostly associated with men. But the sad truth is that female hair loss, which is rarely talked about happens, usually after menopause when the hormone levels decline and also after pregnancy.

Losing hair after menopause will differ from women to women. Some may lose a noticeable amount of hair and other may experience some thinning. But people who naturally have curly hair for instance black or African American women tend to shed more hairs per day than people with straight hair because curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair.

The main conditions associated with hair loss in women and female baldness are:

Alopecia Areata: This is confined to a few areas of the scalp in round irregular patches and mat be caused by stress or autoimmune diseases.

Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and affects 95% of those who have hair loss problems.

Traction or Traumatic Alopecia:This patchy or scattered type of hair loss is due to repetitive hair pulling or twisting or due to the use of hot combs and dryers

dryer and hair loss in women

Triangular alopecia is a thinning or complete hair loss in area of the scalp around the temples

Scarring alopecia occurs when the skin may be damaged from physical injuries burns or even x-ray therapy

Telogen effluvium is when a hormonal or physiological stress triggers many hair to move to the anagen phase.

Alopecia Totalis is the loss of all hair on the head.

Alopecia Universalis is the most severe form of alopecia totalis

Postpartum Alopecia:It mainly occurs at the end of pregnancy

Hair loss in women can de due to:

Medical condition such as lupus, thyroid problem , hormonal imbalances ,
polycystic ovary syndrome, anemia and blood pressure medications

Drugs which include antidepressants, anticoagulant, ibuprofen,cholesterol lowering drugs such as lipitor , hypertension drugs and also chemography.

Many women most of the time experience temporary hair loss or hair shedding problems are termed as 'telogen effluvium'. There are many causes that can lead to such a situation,namely:

Seborrhea, ringworm or fungal infection of the scalp and even household mold
Diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorder and lupus
Childbirth and post pregnancy change
Poor nutrition guide
Selenium sulfide found in many dandruff shampoos.
Severe dieting
Severe stress
Starting or stopping birth control pills
Zinc deficiency
Low ferritin levels or iron deficiency
Too much vitamin A
High fever, illness or surgery
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Acute trauma such as psychological trauma or physical injury
Styling of hair including tints, dyes, permanent waves, bleaches and straighteners

woman hair loss

There are cases where young women in their mid twenties and thirties and even in rare cases hair loss in older women over 60 years old who also experience. This may be due hereditary factors which is responsible for 75% of hair loss in people. Contrary to popular belief,female hair loss can be genetic. But it is worth noting that the big difference is that women rarely go completely bald as men do.

If you have been able to know the causes of your hair loss and that you are quite sure that it is genetic then to have some peace of mind it is recommended to go to a hair loss clinic and and have a biopsy of the scalp before considering any treatment. This procedure will thus determine if your hair loss is genetic, temporary etc. This may be quite expensive but it is important for you to see a doctor if you experience hair loss that continues for more than 3 months.Apart from biopsy there are other tests for female pattern hair loss that you may also consider.

For most cases hair loss may respond to simple changes in health habits such as eating a balanced diet managing stress and getting enough sleep.

Vitamins for hair loss

Minerals and vitamins are necessary to have a healthy hair. You must eat more whole grains,fish and beans, fruits, chicken and dark leafy vegetables.Therefore following a good nutrition guide will greatly benefits you.

There are some Myths about hair loss in women you should be aware of:

It is caused by the regular washing of your hair.

It is caused by too much combing and brushing.

Permanent hair loss can be caused by hair dyes and perm.

Wearing hats and wigs may cause loss of hair.

Having your hair shaved will make it regrow thicker.

Standing on your head will promote hair growth.

It is a sign of an overactive brain.

There is a miracle treatment out there waiting for you.

Apart from the above Proper hair care can also greatly help women improve their appearance after hair loss by keeping the hair short and conceal thin spots with a layered cut. It is good to use a natural bristle brush. And avoid using chemical treatments on hair like dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves to prevent unnecessary loss of hair

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