photo: webmd.com
Men might be more likely to face baldness but women deal with this too. Women make up approximately 40% of American Hair loss sufferers. For centuries, the medical community has seemed to neglect the topic of women’s hair loss leaving millions of women to suffer in silence. Finally, with in the last few decades, women’s hair loss has come to the forefront and is a topic that is well researched and taken seriously. Hair loss in women is a serious life altering condition. Women are affected both psychologically and emotionally from hair loss.
There are several reasons why a woman may suffer from hair loss. The main types of hair loss are Androgenic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, Anagen Effluvium, Traction Alopecia and Alopecia Areata. There are also some underlying medical conditions and medications which may initiate hair loss and therefore if one is experiencing hair loss they may want to contact their physician to rule out any underlying causes. Androgenic alopecia is also known as male/female pattern baldness and is thought to be hormone mediated.
While there are treatments that are FDA approved for males, not much has been done specifically involving females. Current treatment options are a topical Minoxidil available over the counter and a few systemic medications that must be prescribed by a physician. Telogen Effluvium is caused by a traumatic life event. The event may be physical or psychological. For example, many women who have lost a loved one or have a stressful job, are pregnant or have recently given birth, or have had major surgery have suffered from Telogen Effluvium. Anagen Effluvium is a specific type of hair loss that is caused by chemotherapy. Traction alopecia is caused from hair that is styled too tight and therefore the trauma to the hair follicle causes the hair to break off. For example, someone who wears their hair in tight braids or corn rolls or pulls their hair back in a tight ponytail daily may experience traction alopecia.
Finally, there is a condition called Alopecia Areata which is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own hair follicles. But, whatever the cause may be, there is one underlying common culprit which is inflammation. The earlier the treatment is initiated the earlier new hair will regrow.
When to call a doctor about your hair loss, (according to WebMD.com). Your hair loss is sudden, rather than gradual. You notice hair shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, or if your hair becomes thinner or falls out. You are concerned that a medicine may be causing your hair loss. Your skin is scaly or has a rash, or you have any change on your skin or scalp with hair loss. Your hair is gradually thinning and balding, and you want to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
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