 Hair Loss And Women
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Sometimes even the
tops of our heads agree that it's a man's world. It is acceptable and even expected for men to go bald, but it seems
like a cruel joke whenever women get thinning hair all over the scalp or even bald patches. At least women are spared
the receding hairline that men often get. Know that you are not the only woman with male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). It's more common than you may have thought. According to WebMD and some studies, female hair loss happens to 13% of women before they get their menopause and about 75% of women after they get their menopause. DOES HAIR COLOR AFFECT HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN? There have been some old wives tales (pardon) about blondes having more of a problem with hair loss. Women of all hair colors can get male pattern baldness – no matter if you are blonde, brunette or a redhead. But, in a way, hair color can play a role in hair loss. Women have a tendency to dye, color or tint their hair in order to suit the fashion, their work dress code or to fit into society. All kinds of hair styling products can give a woman bald patches. All of those chemicals can cause the natural hair to wear out and irritate the scalp. The natural hair follicle doesn't get enough nourishment to remain pliant and thick, so it is more prone to breaking or not growing at all. CHEMICAL REACTIONS FOR BALDNESS There are a lot of complex chemical reactions that happen in the body in order to keep hair in place. There are just about an equal number in order to cause hair loss. Women produce testosterone as a normal bodily function. Some women bodies' make more testosterone than others. Testosterone and an enzyme in your hair's oil called Type II 5-alpha reductase combine to make a chemical called dihydrotestoterone (DHT for short). The latest theory is that DHT is responsible for hair loss, women or men. The DHT interferes with the scalp getting nutrients to hair follicles. The DHT fixes to the scalp, pushing the follicles aside and causing them to get smaller and smaller. The hormonal roller coaster of menopause can cause testosterone and DHT to get out of control. HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR THINNING HAIR AND FEMALE HAIR LOSS Topical ointments and creams have been developed to help even out the chemical imbalance that is thought to cause female hair loss. Even over the counter products containing Minoxidil can help. Ideally, you should go see your doctor whenever you have strange hair loss. Women with sudden hair loss (it falling out in handfuls) is a sure sign of illness. But even if you just have thinning hair, your doctor should be able to help you out with advice and perhaps a prescription. HOW WOMEN ARE DEALING WITH HAIR LOSS Minoxidil is not an overnight cure. It can take several weeks before you notice any significant increase in hair growth and thickness. You can certainly help the Minoxidil along by not using harsh styling products on your hair, using gentle shampoos and cleaners and eating a healthy diet. Diet is important for your overall health, but also for your hair. You want to be sure you are drinking enough water, fruit juices or herbal teas. These rehydrate your body and charge up your circulation system so that all of the parts of your body get all of the nutrients and blood flow they need. |