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FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS
(Androgenetic Alopecia)

 

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic
alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is
seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the
head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but
is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early
as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day.
Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost
hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs.
Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the
family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as anagen
effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to
internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that
poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an
increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.
The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout
medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you
should see the return of normal hair growth.

DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs
which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician
with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have
become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a
necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with
dieting. From a dermatologists's standpoint, however, the vitamins
cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight
loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A
which can magnify the hair loss.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss.
The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress
since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its
energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there
is a three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair
loss. Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to the
return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total
hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when
induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health
conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss.
These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities.
Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive
blood test.

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do
not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following
discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember
that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the
hormonal change and another three months will be required for new
growth to be fully achieved.

MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS
• Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
• Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
• 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
• Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic
treatments.
• Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are
healthy.
• Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
• Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby
stimulate hair growth!
• Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
• There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker
and faster.
• Stress causes permanent hair loss.
• Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.
• Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
• There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.

These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other
hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The AHLC suggests that you
first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who
sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the
diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which
treatment option may be best for you.

Other causes:
• Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss
• Male Pattern Hair Loss

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TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS

1. Accepting and learning to live with hair loss. Professional
counseling may be of help.

2. Perms, color and other cosmetic options to give a fuller appearance
to hair.

3. Medical therapy-- Rogaine (topical minoxidil). Rogaine is the only
FDA approved medication currently available for female pattern hair
loss.

4. Hair Replacement Surgery- - Modern surgical techniques have made
transplantation for females a viable treatment option providing they
are qualified candidates and have realistic expectations.

5. Hair Additions -- Modern forms of hair additions have also made
recent improvements in simulating a natural appearance. A consultation
with a skilled specialist to discuss your options is advised.

To find out more contact the American Hair Loss Council for consumer's
guidelines to finding qualified specialists.

AHLC.ORG VERSION 1.0  COPYRIGHT AHLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  DESIGNED
BY E-ZIGN

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