Which Type Of Hair Loss Is This
If youre hair is thinning or falling out during peri-menopause or after menopause the first thing to figure out is whats causing it.
80% of the time peri-menopausal and postmenopausal thinning hair is caused by EFFLUVIUM. This is by far the most common type of hair loss in women, and its related to hormones and menopausal changes.
Were going to dive deeply into what you can do about this type of hair loss.
But if youre not sure, check with your doc or healthcare practitioner to rule out other less common causes of hair loss like fungal infections or a thyroid disorder.
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Supplements For Supple Hair
You can make sure youre getting your nutrients in with a whole-food diet of colorful fruits and veggies . But, you can also consider taking a multivitamin specially designed for hair, skin, and nail health.
Getting your vitamins and minerals is crucial for healthy hair. The most important nutrients for hair growth include:
Noticeable Hair Loss In Women Can Be Deeply Distressing Here Are Some Medical Treatments That May Help
About one-third of women experience hair loss at some time in their lives among postmenopausal women, as many as two-thirds suffer hair thinning or bald spots. Hair loss in women often has a greater impact than hair loss does on men w, because it’s less socially acceptable for them. Alopecia can severely affect a woman’s emotional well-being and quality of life.
The main type of hair loss in women is the same as it is men. It’s called androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. In men, hair loss usually begins above the temples, and the receding hairline eventually forms a characteristic “M” shape hair at the top of the head also thins, often progressing to baldness. In women, androgenetic alopecia begins with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss radiating from the top of the head. A woman’s hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald.
There are many potential causes of hair loss in women , including medical conditions, medications, and physical or emotional stress. If you notice unusual hair loss of any kind, it’s important to see your primary care provider or a dermatologist, to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. You may also want to ask your clinician for a referral to a therapist or support group to address emotional difficulties. Hair loss in women can be frustrating, but recent years have seen an increase in resources for coping with the problem.
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Expert Q And A: Fighting Hair Loss In Women
An interview with Mary Gail Mercurio, MD.
Many women with hair loss suffer in silence, altering their hairstyle to hide thinning or patches. But the sooner you seek care, the better the chances of successfully treating it, says Mary Gail Mercurio, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y.
It’s not as uncommon as you may think: As many as 5% of women under 30 and 60% of those older than 70 are affected, she says. At the recent meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Miami Beach, Fla., Mercurio discussed common forms of hair loss in women and treatment options.
Hair Loss & Thyroid Diseases
Both Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss because the irregular function of your thyroid causes the testosterone in your scalp to convert more easily to DHT. It is usually easy to spot as the hair thins equally over the whole head. With proper thyroid treatment the hair usually goes back to normal and regrowth will occur but not always to full capacity. If the thyroid condition is not diagnosed and left to progress the hair loss will continue. Because the hair cycle is so long however, thyroid medications many times get blamed for the hair loss as the timing can coincide with the shedding stage.
The following are autoimmune conditions that can cause hair loss due to Thyroid diseases: Hypo & Hyper thyroidism, alopecia areata, lupus & polycystic ovarian syndrome. Most cause overall thinning however alopecia areata is associated with circular areas of hair loss causing significant baldness in the areas it affects. See your Doctor if you are experiencing hair loss. It can be a sign of thyroid disease, an iron deficiency or other illness. Hair loss is usually not the only symptom so it is important to discuss all your issues in order to get a proper diagnosis.
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How To Reverse Thinning Hair After Menopause
3 minute read
Ever since menopause hit, your hair is thinning:
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With each new day, you wake up to more loose strands on your pillowcase.
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With every shower, youre clearing more tangles of hair from the clogged drain.
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With every morning, more hair ends up in your brush.
Nope, its not all in your head. If you’re wondering, “Does menopause cause hair loss?,” the answer is yes. More importantly, can you reverse thinning hair after menopause?
How Is Hereditary Hair Loss Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you questions about your hair loss, including the pattern of your hair loss and whether you have any other medical conditions. Your doctor will also examine your hair. No tests are needed to diagnose hereditary hair loss, but blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause hair loss.
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Male Vs Female Hair Loss
The cause of hair loss in men is due to the hair follicles sensitivity to DHT . DHT is a male androgen hormone that causes follicles to shrink, resulting in a shorter life span and decrease hair production. Normally after hairs fall out another hair starts to grow from this same follicle, but if DHT is high hair growth decreases. Male pattern baldness follows a pattern of a receding hairline that progresses to an M shape and then continues to the familiar U shape.
Female pattern baldness is characterized by thinning on the top or the center of the head. Female hair loss is generally due to high levels of stress, hormone imbalance, thyroid conditions or toxic exposure. Women are actually most likely to suffer from hair loss due to hormones. Think pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills and other hormonal changes that women so commonly go through. Having polycystic ovary syndrome is another hormonally related health problem that can contribute to hair loss from the scalp but unwanted hair growth in undesirable places.
Research also shows that there might be a male equivalent of PCOS related to male hair loss. One study found that men with premature male pattern baldness had hormonal profiles similar to women with PCOS and they also had significantly higher insulin resistance. This shows how proper hormone balance in men is also important to health, specifically hair health.
Why Is My Hair Thinning
It’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day as part of the normal hair growth cycle, according to Dr. Ziering. Under normal circumstances, every strand grows for a few years, “rests” for a few months, and then sheds, before a new strand sprouts from the same follicle, he says.If the growing phase is interrupted, you can start to lose strands at a faster rate and notice hair thinning.
You might also start sprouting finer hair than you used to, which can likewise contribute to overall thinning. “With the most common cause of thinning, which is genetic hair loss, over time the hairs just become wimpier, weaker, and what is called ‘miniaturized,'” says Dr. Ziering. “So they go from being strong what are referred to as ‘terminal’ hairs to wimpy, what are called ‘vellus,’ baby-like hairsHair loss can occur with the absence of hair follicles, but it’s more common to see the follicles become smaller in diameter.”
There are many possible causes of hair thinning, so you may have to touch base with a doctor to understand the cause of your concern, whether it’s reversible, and if so, how to treat it. Most commonly, one of the following issues is to blame for the thinning of hair, according to Dr. Ziering.
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Returning To A Healthy Hair Cycle
The good news about stress and hair loss? The effects can be temporary and healthy hair growth can be restored.
However, you need to know that protecting hair from the ravages of stress has very little to do with what shampoo you use or expensive hair treatments. The secret to your hair looking thick and lustrous again starts with reducing stress and returning cortisol production to its natural balance.
These steps can help
Breathe
Deep breathing is a simple technique for stress reduction that can be used anywhere. Similar to other mindfulness-based practices, controlled breathing helps to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, known as the rest and digest system, which helps to lower cortisol levels.
Eat well and often
Since hunger naturally signals your adrenal glands to release more cortisol, dont skip meals or let yourself go too long without eating. Following an adrenal fatigue diet eating certain foods at specific times of the day can help your body recover its natural cortisol rhythm. Avoid the crash and burn that follows eating sugar, white flour, and caffeine. This spikes cortisol, only making problems worse.
Supplements for cortisol balance and adrenal function
Modify your exercise routine if you feel drained by it
Dont overlook your thyroid
Taking the time to reverse stress-related hair loss comes with another big bonus: not only will your hair look better, but youll feel better too.
First: What Is Hair Made Of
Hair is made of a protein known as keratin. Keratin is also what forms nails and the outer layer of human skin. Hair follicles are what regulate hair growth. They are essentially sacs that surround the root of the hair. Sebaceous glands are attached at the very top of the hair follicle. Hair follicles are found in the dermal layer of the skin, and are made up of 20 cells that perform different functions. The hair bulbs at the base of the hair follicle are where hair cells grow and divide and cause hair growth. Hair cells are nourished by blood vessels and regulated by hormones that determine hair structure during various periods of a persons life for example, thick hair in ones youth and thinning hair as one ages.
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How To Prevent Balding
Unfortunately, there is no way to fully avoid going bald. Family history is one of the most common causes of age-related hair loss and male-pattern baldness. However, taking care of your general health and sticking to a healthy hair care routine can help you avoid making your condition worse. And it can help to use the strategies above as early as possible when you start noticing your hair thinning.
Maintaining healthy hair care and styling habits can help prevent balding, including :
- Avoid using high heat on your hair .
- Dont use hair products that contain harsh chemicals or bleach.
- Dont over-brush .
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When To See A Doctor For Thinning Hair
Although its common to lose hair throughout the day, its a good idea to speak with your doctor if youre losing more than 100 hairs per day.
You should also talk with your doctor if youre worried about persistent hair loss or a receding hairline, or if you notice sudden patchy hair loss. Patches of hair loss could signify an underlying medical condition.
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New Promising Solutions For Pattern Hair Loss
Currently, the two most common and effective medications to combat pattern hair loss are Minoxidil and Finasteride . Neither of these drugs represents a complete hair loss cure, of course, but theyve been shown to stop hair loss in its tracks and even regrow hair in some cases. Additionally, finasteride is only meant to treat male pattern baldness, not female pattern baldness. Both drugs are only effective for as long theyre used, and results may not be visible for several months or more.
Minoxidil is a topical liquid thats either sprayed or dropped and then gently rubbed onto the areas of the scalp where the hair is thinning. This medication originated as a high blood pressure treatment, but doctors discovered that as a side effect it could also promote hair growth wherever applied. While generally safe to use, Minoxidil can irritate ones skin, alter hair color and texture, and lead to hair growth in unwanted places.
Finasteride comes in the form of an oral pill or a topical ointment. This medication lowers the amount of DHT, a natural hormone, which in turn increases hair growth and slows down hair loss. While finasteride can regrow hair where it has receded or thinned, this drug can yield side effects such as loss in sex drive or performance.
Wigs Hair Pieces Or Hair Transplantation
Cosmetics such as hair sprays or hair colouring products, wigs and hair pieces can be effective to hide area with hair thinning. Hair transplantation has become more popular but not everyone is suitable for this procedure and it is expensive. Talk to your doctor to find out whether these treatments are suitable for you.
The Ministry of Health also provides a wig and hairpieces subsidy. Read more about the wigs and hair pieces subsidy to find out if you are eligible.
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Thinning Hair And Hair Loss: Could It Be Female Pattern Hair Loss
For most women, FPHL begins in midlife, when a woman is in her 40s, 50s, or 60s. It can begin earlier for some women.
FPHL is a progressive condition. This means women tend to continue losing hair. But women do not lose all of their hair, as do some men. Instead, your part often gets wider. Hair near your temples may recede. Without treatment, some women eventually develop widespread thinning.
Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss.
Who Should Not Take Finasteride
Do not take finasteride if you:
- are pregnant or may become pregnant. Finasteride may harm your unborn baby. Females who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not come in contact with broken or crushed finasteride tablets. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with crushed or broken finasteride tablets, wash the contact area right away with soap and water. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in finasteride, a healthcare provider should be consulted. o If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby swallows or comes in contact with the medicine in finasteride, the male baby may be born with sex organs that are not normal.
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in finasteride.
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Finding Effective Quality Hair Thickening Supplements
There are several key elements to look out for that can pretty much guarantee the products authenticity.
Monitoring by a Third Party: There are organizations that will independently monitor and track the reputation of a company and assess their customer satisfaction levels. A companys reputation is incredibly important within the health industry, make sure you select a top provider, one that has an impeccable reputation and one that is backed by an independent third party monitoring organization.
100% Money Back Guarantee: Many companies offer you a money back guarantee if their products do not bring the results that you are looking for. Some are better than others. Choose a company who has a solid satisfaction guarantee. A strong guarantee demonstrates the confidence that manufacturers have in their products.
External Testing: This is not the same as a monitoring company. Third party testing substantiates and verifies the quality of the manufacturers product. It can be very expensive for manufacturers to undertake and even disqualify entire shipments of products that dont reach the correct standards. That said, when manufacturers dont have independent quality control and testing, there is no way of knowing if their products are effective, or indeed, safe.
Reverse Thinning Hair With Prp Therapy
For nearly 20 years, orthopedic doctors have used platelet-rich plasma to treat people who suffered with joint injuries and other painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tears. Now the evolving therapy is showing great promise for hair restoration. If youre struggling with hair loss, youre not alone. Nearly 80 million American adults roughly 50 million men and 30 million women are losing their hair.
At Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, a popular dermatology clinic in Coral Springs, Florida, our founder Dr. Alexis Stephens reverses hair loss with groundbreaking PRP treatments. Here she answers questions about the procedure and what you can expect.
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Hair Loss During Menopausal Transition
Hair loss during the menopausal transition can be just as dramatic as menopausal hair loss. The two are both related to the same changes in hormone levels. The menopausal transition is the time leading up to menopause and can last several years. During the menopausal transition, fluctuating hormones can cause some of the same symptoms typically associated with menopause.
Women And Hair Loss: Coping Tips
Losing your crowning glory can be particularly difficult for women. But there are ways to cope.
Losing your hair as a woman, especially if you’re young or at a vulnerable time in your life, can badly affect your confidence.
Hair loss, known medically as alopecia, is fairly common. It’s estimated, for instance, that around 40% of women aged 70 years or over experience female-pattern baldness the most common type of hair loss, which is thought to be inherited.
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