Female hair loss questions and treatment options
While most commonly associated with men and branded as male pattern baldness, hair loss is also a problem that many women experience. The clinical definition for hair loss in women is Androgenetic Alopecia. Like their male counterparts females can be subjected to a decline in the amount of hair above the top and front of the head. This particular example of hair loss affects approximately one-third of all at risk women. This particular pattern of hair loss most frequently occurs following a women reaching menopause.
In situations of female pattern hair loss where excess loss of hair is observed, it is the ongoing thinning that usually causes a woman to seek out the aid of a dermatologist. Normal hair loss is defined as being between 100-125 hairs per day. Problematic hair loss occurs when the daily loss of hair surpasses 100 hairs. In the case of female pattern hair loss, the loss off hair is further exacerbated by the shorter root structure of the replacement hair follicle. Over time this results in an individual experiencing a hair growth that more closely resembles that of facial hair.
What is the cause of female hair loss?
The cause of female hair loss varies among individuals. Female pattern hair loss can start as early as adolescence. The origin of Female Pattern Hair loss can derive from either parent side of the family, and is not specific to one family’s genetic makeup.
In situations where there are signs of hormone imbalance, it is advisable that an individual should seek out testing and evaluation of their bodies hormone levels. Signs of hormone imbalance often include excessive facial hair and excessive body hair. A significant variation in hormonal levels may play a role in an individual’s loss of hair.
Pregnancy and the cessation of birth control pill use can also impact hair loss in individuals. In either of these two situations the body undergoes a similar hormonal change that could impact hormone levels. It is possible for hair loss to occur after either one of these events occur.
Many individuals may experience a temporary loss of hair following a stressful event or circumstance. In cases such as these the loss of hair is temporary in nature, but often may not be manifested until several months after a stressful event While temporary in its duration, it may take up to 9 month before a complete re-growth of hair is realized.Female hair loss treatment options
Female hair loss treatment options follow a similar approach to that of male hair loss treatment in that a medication based approach is often utilized. The current medications that are being used to treat hair loss are Rogaine and Propecia. Of the two medications Rogaine has a higher level of effectiveness in women. In addition to Rogaine and Propecia, the drug Aldactone is being used to treat women who have experienced hair loss prior to reaching menopause. For women having undergone menopause Aldactone in combination with hormone replacement medication have resulted in better outcomes in their combined usage.
In addition to medication based treatments, female hair replacement procedures can result in the significant outcomes as witness in male hair transplants.
For individuals seeking alternatives to drug and surgery based options, many choices exist that will help to mask the loss of hair. The utilization of perms, dyes, and natural hair options can help to minimize the effect of loss hair and often can serve as an intermediate process if an individual is pursuing a drug based approach. The same methods that are currently provided by Natural and Ethic hair salons for beauty purposes can be adopted to provide a temporary option to those facing hair loss. In a Natural hair salon techniques are utilized in the way of hair additions, hair weaving, and hair braiding, to impart a result that gives a more natural appearance of the hair.
For individuals encountering female hair loss, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle regardless of the cosmetic appearance. Physical health should be a priority regardless of any condition, and the pursuit of physical health is an excellent method of reducing levels of stress. Above all it is important to keep a positive outlook and a realistic level of expectations if pursuing a treatment option.
