HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN

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.

(50% of women will experience female pattern baldness by the age of 50)

Up to 50% of Women Experience Hair Loss at Least Once in their Lifetime 

Hair Loss Can’t Be Reversed, but it Can Be Covered!

“Hairpieces look quite natural, sometimes better than your own hair,” says Dr. Wexler, a dermatologist and past-president of the Canadian Dermatology Association, (Reader's Digest, Best Health). "Hair extensions are lighter in weight than hairpieces and a good option if there is enough existing hair to work with. Women can also fill in thin spots with a hair-fibre powder or thickener, available in some drugstores, online and from salons. Shake or spray the fibres over your scalp and they are supposed to stay in place until the next shampoo."

COMMON CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

Genetics: The most frequent cause of female pattern baldness is genetics, a predisposition for hair loss inherited from both biological parents. It is not uncommon to see hair loss or thinning in women as they enter their 50's. The medical term for genetic hair loss is androgenetic alopecia.

Over-styling: Vigorous styling and hair treatments, including use of hot styling tools over the years can cause hair to fall out. Examples of extreme styling include tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows as well as chemical relaxers to straighten hair, hot-oil treatments or any kind of harsh chemical or high heat. These practices can affect the hair root and hair may not grow back.

Hypothyroidism: Or underactive thyroid. When your thyroid is not working properly and pumping out hormones you can experience hair loss.

Autoimmune-related Hair Loss: This is also called alopecia areata or alopecia universalis (total hair loss on body) and basically is a result of an overactive immune system. “The immune system sees that hair as foreign and targets it by mistake.”

Lupus: Other autoimmune diseases such as lupus can also cause hair loss. Unfortunately, hair loss of this type is “scarring”, meaning the hair will not grow back.

Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania, classified as an “impulse control disorder” causes people to compulsively pull their hair out, resulting in alopecia. The mean age of onset is 12 for girls and 8 for boys. This condition is 7 times more common in children than adults. But among adults, it is ten times as common in women as in men. The prevalence of trichotillomania is estimated to be approximately 2% of the population.

Anabolic Steroids: Anabolic steroids, used by some athletes to bulk up muscle, can have the same impact on the body as polycystic ovary disease.

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.

Chemotherapy: Some chemotherapies and radiation therapies cause hair loss. The drugs destroy rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells and also hair.

 

The Ludwig Scale

Designed to categorize female pattern baldness. There are 3 categories of hair loss:

MYTHS ABOUT 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 American Hair Loss Council 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.

Right Hair Piece for Hair Loss

Level 1:

• Thin or fine hair: Women’s Toppers
• Thinning at the front or templates: Clip-in Bangs and Fringes

Level 2:

• Moderate Hair Loss at the Part or Crown: Small or Large Base Toppers

Level 3: