Archive for the ‘Diseases And Conditions’ Category
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Most common type of hair loss in women occurs in a diffuse pattern. One of the commonest forms of hair loss in women is a condition called telogen effluvium, in which there is a diffuse shedding of hairs around the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Another common type of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, which is related to hormone levels in the body. There’s a large genetic predisposition, which may be inherited from the father or mother. Androgenetic alopecia affects roughly 50 per cent of men and perhaps as many women over the age of 40. It is caused by the actions of two enzymes; aromatase and 5-a reductase. Alopecia areata is an immune disease that affects almost 2% of the population in the US. This type of hair loss appears in various degrees of severity from small, round patches of hair loss that regrow without medical treatment to chronic, extensive hair loss that can involve the loss of all hair on the scalp or body hair. Alopecia Areata-This is a patchy type of hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an immune disease that affects almost 2% of the population in the US. Hair loss can be seen to some women as losing their femininity. Women’s pattern of hair loss is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss in men. Instead, androgenetic alopecia causes a general thinning of women’s hair, with loss predominantly over the top and sides of the head. Another important cause of hair loss in women is a condition called alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects more than two per cent of the population. In this, the hair follicles are attacked by white blood cells. Milder cases often see a greater improvement with treatment than severe cases. In no case does treatment restore full hair in patients with 100% scalp or body hair loss. Hair thinning or slight hair loss is bad enough but total baldness can be completely heartbreaking. There is no known cure for the problem and many women with the disorder sadly spend vast sums of money with the so called “hair specialists” on wonder shampoo’s which they claim will restore their crowning glory.
Hair is lost when combing, brushing and washing the hair. Men and women have both male and female hormones, but in different amounts. A male hormone causes androgenetic alopecia. Most women with androgenetic alopecia do not have more of this hormone than other women. However, they are more sensitive to the hormone. Some women with female pattern hair loss, particularly those with other medical conditions, may have androgen – a male hormone such as testosterone-sensitivity causing these problems. Women with this pattern of hair loss should be evaluated with special blood tests to determine their androgen levels. In some cases, female pattern hair loss may be the first sign of an underlying type of diabetes that is more frequent in women with elevated androgens in the blood. Both men and women get alopecia areata. It can begin at any age, but often starts in childhood.
Treatment of this type of hair loss includes immunomodulating therapies such as glucocorticoids, topical immunotherapy, or anthralin. Hair Replacement Surgery – Modern surgical techniques have made transplantation for females a viable treatment option providing they are qualified candidates and have realistic expectations. Hair Additions — Modern forms of hair additions have also made recent improvements in simulating a natural appearance. Minoxidil (Rogaine) – Now sold over-the-counter, minoxidil may help stop hair loss in some people. Medication – Drugs used to treat cancer, blood thinners, antidepressants and high blood pressure medications, as well as birth control pills and high doses of vitamin A, may cause hair loss. Hair transplantation – tiny punch-holes of skin containing a few follicles of hair are taken from elsewhere in the body and implanted into the thinning areas. Scalp reduction – devices are inserted under the skin to stretch areas of scalp that still have hair, then the redundant bald areas are removed.
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What Causes Hair Loss ? What Can I Do?
It is normal to lose between 50-100 hairs a day, this is part of the hair renewal process. However most people suffer from excessive hair loss at one time in their life. There are many reasons for this including medication, radiation, chemotherapy, exposure to chemicals, hormonal and nutritional factors, thyroid disease, generalized or local skin disease, and stress.
Many of these causes are temporary and a few are permanent. These are some of the more common reason for hair loss.
HORMONAL BEHAVIOUR
Since hormones both stimulate hair growth and cause hair loss, hormonal changes by far have the biggest impact on hair loss. These can affect both men and women in the following ways:
This is the most common cause of thinning and affects both men and women. Men generally have hair loss concentrated in a specific pattern from the front through to the crown. Women tend to have thinning throughout their head without being in any specific pattern. This type of hair loss is caused by the androgen DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone. Since everyone has DHT that is produced by their bodies and only some people suffer from hair loss there has to be another factor involved. This other factor is having follicles that have a greater number of Androgen receptors for the DHT to attach to. This is the component that is inherited through the genes. To date the most effective preventative treatments are anti androgens, drugs that prevent the creation of DHT. In the future gene therapy will one day be able to alter the genes to prevent the follicles from being affected by DHT.
Childbirth
After pregnancy many women experience a loss of hair, this is caused many hair simultaneously entering the resting (telogen) phase. Within two to three months after giving birth, some women will notice large amounts of hair coming out in their brushes and combs. This can last one to six months, but resolves completely in most cases. This condition is caused by the hormonal changes that take place after a woman’s body recovers from her pregnancy.
Birth control pills
Women who have a genetic predisposition to suffer from Androgenic Alopecia can have it occur at a much younger age by taking birth control pills. The hormonal changes that occur trigger the onset of the Androgenic Alopecia. If a woman has a history of female pattern loss in her family she should advise her doctor before going on the pill. After the discontinuation of the pill the woman may notice that her hair begins shedding two or three months later. This may continue for six months when it usually stops. In some cases the process cannot be reversed and the woman may not regrow some of the hair that was lost.
DISEASE OR ILLNESS INFLUENCES
Since the follicle is a very sensitive it does respond to imbalances in the body. Most hair loss causes by disease or illness is temporary and resolves itself after the body has returned to a healthy condition.
High fever, severe infection, severe flu
Sometimes one to three months after a high fever, severe infection or flu, a person may experience hair loss, this is usually temporary and corrects itself.
Thyroid disease.
Both an overactive thyroid and an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. Thyroid disease can be diagnosed by your physician with laboratory tests. Hair loss associated with thyroid disease can be reversed with proper treatment.
Deficient diet
Some people who go on low protein diets, or have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. To help save protein the body shifts growing hair into the resting phase. If this happens massive amounts of hair shedding can occur two to three months later. A sign of this is if the hair can be pulled out by the roots fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of protein. Its very important when dieting to maintain an adequate protein intake.
Medications
Some prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding in a small percentage of people. Examples of such drugs include some of the medicines used for the following: gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems, high blood pressure, or blood thinner. High doses of vitamin A may also cause hair shedding.
Cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment will cause hair loss because it stops hair cells from dividing. Hairs become thin and break off as they exit the scalp. This occurs one to three weeks after the treatment. Patients can lose up to 90 percent of their scalp hair. The hair will regrow after treatment ends and patients may want to get wigs before treatment. There are some drugs in development to help prevent this hair loss from occurring.
Low serum iron
Iron deficiency occasionally produces hair loss. Some people don’t have enough iron in their diets or may not fully absorb iron in their diets. Women who have heavy menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be corrected by taking iron pills.
Major surgery/chronic illness
Anyone who has a major operation – a tremendous shock to the system – may notice increased hair shedding within one to three months afterwards. The condition reverses itself within a few months but people who have a severe chronic illness may shed hair indefinitely. A relatively unknown fact is that hair transplantation surgery can actually cause additional hair loss or “shock fallout”. Hairs lost from shock fallout usually don’t regrow.
Alopecia Areata
This type of hair loss is believed to be caused by the immune system reacting to hair follicles as if they were antibodies and shutting them down. The hair loss is usually limited to a coin sized area and all the hair in the area is lost leaving a totally smooth round patch. In a more severe rarer condition called Alopecia Totalis, all hair on the entire body is lost, including the eyelashes. Treatments include topical medications, a special kind of light treatment, or in some cases drugs.
Fungus Infection (Ringworm) of the scalp
Caused by a fungus infection, ringworm (which has nothing to do with worms) begins with small patches of scaling that can spread and result in broken hair, redness, swelling, and even oozing. This contagious disease is most common in children and oral medication will cure it.
Stress
Stress can cause hair loss is some people. Usually it occurs 3 months after the stressful event has occured and it may take 3 months after the stress period has ended for the hair growth to resume. In most cases it is temporary if the person is not predisposed to genetic or Androgenic Alopecia, if they are stress may trigger the onset of genetic hair loss or may worsen existing Androgenic hair loss.
MECHANICAL DAMAGE CAUSES HAIR LOSS
Damage to the hair can be self inflicted either by intentional or unintentional means. Some people going through stress continuously pull at their hair until it comes out. Styling hair by bleaching, braiding and straightening can also cause damage and results in hair being lost.
Trichotillomania or Hair Pulling
Some children and less often adults play with their hair by pulling on it or twisting it. This can be part of a behavioral problem or a bad habit that is often done unconsciously. If the behavior is not stopped permanent hair loss can result from the constant stress on the hair. Its best to seek the help of a mental health professional to solve this problem.
Hair Styling Treatments
Many people change the appearance of their hair by using chemical treatments like dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, relaxers and permanent waves. If correctly done and done using reputable products, its rare to have any damage. However, hair can become weak and break if any of these chemicals are used too often. Hair can also break if the solution is left on too long, if two procedures are done on the same day, or if bleach is applied to previously bleached hair. Some chemical relaxers do contain powerful chemicals and there have been instances of people get chemical burns from these products resulting in permanent hair loss. Only go to qualified hair stylists and if doing it yourself make sure you only use reputable products and follow the product directions.
Hair Braids/Weaves
Many black women and some black men braid their hair or wear hair weaves. Under normal conditions these cause no problems. However if the weave is attached too tight or the braids are wrapped too tight, they put a constant strain on the hair follicle. If this is done for an extended period of time permanent hair loss can result. This is known as Traction Alopecia and is fairly common among people who braid or weave their hair. Make sure the person applying the braids or weave is qualified to do so and don’t wear braids or weaves continuously for extended periods of time.
www.thewestminsterpractice.com
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Leading Products to Stop Hair Loss
Thinking about baldness gives goose bumps to many people irrespective of gender and age. This is the reason why now you can find array of hair loss products available in the market. The new hair loss products are not only the latest but also significantly different to the traditional ones. This means now no more usage of toupees, comb-overs and plugs.
Seeing slight hair fall is a sign of baldness, thus it becomes necessary to consider to best hair loss products available in the market and www.Combat-Hair-Loss.co.uk is the place to find them. Talking about hair loss products, the most widely used is Procerin Capsules. This capsule considerably blocks DiHydro-Testosterone (DHT) from binding to the androgen receptors. This means no more hair fall. The main highlight of this hair loss product is that it simultaneously stimulates hair growth. But for better results it is wise to use Procerin Caps and Procern XT Serum together.
Talking about another leading hair loss product is Revivogen. Revivogen stands tall among all hair loss products as it fights against hair loss and thinning hair using natural DHT blockers. Seeing its power to stop hair fall, Combat Hair Loss aptly advices to use Revivogen Scalp Therapy, Revivogen Combinations Packs, Revivogen Bio-Cleansing Shampoo and Revivogen Thickening Conditioner.
If you think that’s enough on hair loss products then you are wrong as there is the Thymuskin range of products waiting for you. Thymuskin range is backed by the powerful track record with 97% success rate in women and 67% in men. If these hair loss products aren’t able to provide you with the desired results then another effective hair loss product is Tricomin. Tricomin is very popular among females and it includes shampoo, conditioner and conditioning shampoo.
Combat Hair Loss also backs Minoxidil, as it is primarily used to stimulate the hair growth and can also be applied by both and women. But sadly its effects are not permanent. That’s why using HairMax LaserComb is highly recommended by Combat Hair Loss. This hair loss product not only improves the condition and health of your hair but it is also a very good option for hair loss prevention. Thus, now no more worry for hair fall as there are various hair loss products available at the www.Combat-Hair-Loss.co.uk.
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Male Hair Regrowth
Male hair regrowth becomes a hot topic as men age and enter the crucial 18-35 phase so characteristic of hair loss and notorious for balding. The relentless retreat of disappearing hair signals the onset of a lot of emotional and personal battles within oneself. Appearance becomes all important.
Male hair regrowth is no myth. There are products like Procerin out there that put quite a few feathers in the cap (read hair for feathers and don’t read wig for cap) of the hair hunter. But it takes time to get to the right stuff. And it is also true that uneasy lies the head that wears a balding crown.
Before we ponder on male hair regrowth, it is best to know why we lose hair and when. Hair loss usually starts in the 20s in the average male prone to hair loss – either genetically or due to lifestyle and living conditions, testosterone injections and food supplements.
Case studies reveal that 92% of men with hair loss, baldness, receding hairlines and thinning hair suffer from a condition known as Androgenetic Alopecia. Very high levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp characterize this condition. DHT slowss and halts hair growth and also makes hair brittle, lighter in color, and fall out at a much faster rate than considered normal.
5 Alpha Reductase – an enzyme produced naturally in the human body, converts the male hormone testosterone into another hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). So, inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase is the correct way to prevent hair loss and male pattern balding as this enzyme is immediately responsible for the production of DHT.
Male hair regrowth seems more a possibility than ever when you discover that Procerin inhibits DHT production and also helps regrow hair faster. Procerin is a completely natural and easy-to-use product that lets you regrow hair without painful procedures and long drawn out treatments.
Procerin is made of Saw Palmetto, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin B-6, Pyroxidine 5mg, CJ-11 Factor, CJ-9 Factor, and a proprietary blend of Gotu Kola, Nettles, Pumpkin seed meal, Siberian Ginseng, Yohimbe, Muira Puma Root, Uwa Ursi and more. In short, a potent mix of DHT blockers, vitamins and herbal/mineral supplements each with a unique reputation in addressing hair and skin related problems. They halt chemical reactions which transform testosterone into DHT, and reduce levels of DHT present in the scalp. People have seen results within two months with Procerin. So can you.
Procerin – because hair is more manly than unwanted testosterone.
Learn More:
This Article is Originally Published here: Male Hair Regrowth
Procerin – Male Hair Loss Treatment. Procerin Regrow Hair stops Hair Loss and Regrows Hair in Men.
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How Herbal Remedy for Hair Loss Works
Herbal remedies are useful and effective ways to help people suffering from hair loss. Since herbal remedies are natural, they are generally considered safe and free from side effects, although there may be isolated cases once in a while. Each herbal remedy for hair loss are believed to provide hope for people experiencing hair loss. Below is a list of herbal remedies for hair loss that have been proven to be effective.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a potent herbal remedy for hair loss with medicinal properties that showed efficacy in improving blood circulation to the scalp and head and to other parts of the body. It is believed that the increase of blood to the brain and skin provides more nutrients to the hair follicles, causing hair to grow back.
Saw Palmetto (Seranoa Repens)
Saw palmetto is also an herbal remedy for hair loss that is currently the treatment of choice of several men because of its capability to slow down hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Tinctures and extracts from this herb block the receptors on cell membranes for dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main cause of hair loss in many patients. Also, this herbal remedy for hair loss prevents the formation of DHT the way that FDA-approved hair loss treatment medication finasteride does. This ability makes saw palmetto an effective treatment for hair loss.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia)
Stinging nettle is an herbal remedy for hair loss that has long been preferred as a means of curbing balding. This herb slows down loss of hair by preventing testosterone from being converted into DHT, allowing stimulation of hair growth. Stinging nettle is more effective when used together with pygeum and saw palmetto.
Pygeum (Pygeum Africanum)
Pygeum is an herbal remedy for hair loss that has the capability to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that regulates the production of DHT. Pygeum also prevents loss of hair by slowing down the conversion of testosterone to DTH, thereby preventing hair follicles from weakening.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinesis)
Camellia Sinesis is another herbal remedy for hair loss considered an effective cure for male pattern baldness. Green tea contains components called catechins that help in preventing hair loss. These catechins prevent the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting male hormone testosterone to DHT.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum)
He Shou Wu is a Chinese herbal remedy for hair loss. It has been traditionally used as a remedy for hair loss. It has also been used in many commercial preparations that reduce loss of hair. In its processed form, He Shou Wu delivers nourishment to the liver. Blood in the liver nourishes the head and the hair, thus, promoting growth of hair and preventing hair from becoming gray.
Gotu kola
Gotu kola is a herbal remedy for hair loss that works by stimulating and increasing blood circulation throughout the brain and the scalp, which then revitalizes the hair follicles. When hair follicles have sufficient blood flow, they are protected from the harmful activity caused by DHT. Gotu kola extract also purifies the blood and improves the growth and the health of hair. Several herbal products that use gotu kola as a base promote hair growth and fortify collagen and the blood vessels.
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Hair Loss Remedy
What is hair loss?
Most men and women experience some amount of normal hail loss everyday. This happens because after the end of every growth cycle, the hair naturally falls off, resulting in hair loss. But, one needs to start worrying only when the hair loss is excessive.
Different patterns of hair loss
Men and women have different patterns of hair loss. For men it is called the Male pattern baldness and for women it is called the Female pattern baldness.
Though, in some very rare viral infections, men and women may experience extreme hair loss conditions like alopecia universalis, where the whole body is completely devoid of any hair.
Characteristics of hair loss in men
In men, most of the hair loss follows the male pattern of baldness. In this type of baldness, a man finally ends up having hair left in the back and on the sides of the head, which from afar looks like the horse shoe. Typically there is no hair on top of the head.
For some men, the hair loss starts with a withdrawing hairline, while for some the hair loss happens from the top of the head. It is very common for men experience hair loss from the crown as well as have a receding hairline at the same time. Generally the hair at the back of the head falls at the very end.
Characteristics of hair loss in women
In women hair loss happens through the general thinning of the hair from the entire scalp. In most women the entire head is never completely bare of all the hair, but it may be so sparse that the scalp may be clearly visible. But for both men and women the hormone related hair loss is mostly not reversible.
Why does hair loss happen?
There are numerous reasons for hair loss.
1. The most common cause of hair loss is the presence of high quantities of the hormone Dihydrotestrostone in the scalp. DHT i.e. Dihydrotestrostone is a byproduct of the male hormone testosterone. In men and women, hair growth happens during the cycle of growth-dormant-re-growth. When the levels of the hormone DHT is there in high levels in the scalp then the period of rest or dormancy is longer for the hair. Thus each hair follicle produces hair for a limited period and then it finally goes into a period of complete rest and then eventually stops producing any more new hair. It has been observed that in men even though the hormone DHT is present in the whole scalp, the hair loss is most prominent on top of the head. Compared to the crown, the hair follicles in the side and in the back of the head do not experience the harmful effects of DHT.
2. Even high levels of sebum present in the hair are responsible for hair loss. Sebum is responsible for blocking the pores of the hair follicles, and this subsequently leads to undernourishment of the hair and results in hair loss. That is why it is imperative to keep the hair clean by washing the hair so that the blocked pores open up and the hair is nourished all the time.
3. Crash diets, lack of healthy nourishing also cause hair loss. But in such cases, if food intake is improved then the hair loss can be reversed to a large extent. A diet rich in protein and iron helps to arrest hair loss.
4. Lifestyle changes and nervous tension is also responsible for hair loss. Thus it is imperative that men and women try and de-stress their lives as much as possible.
Can hair loss be treated?
Yes, to some extent hair loss can be treated. One of the first steps to treat hair loss is to partake of nourishing, healthy food. Since hair is made up of the protein keratin, men and women require different quantities of protein to keep their hair healthy. While women require about 60 grams of protein daily to keep their hair healthy, men need about 90grams of protein. Many a times even after improving the diet of person hair loss cannot be prevented. In such cases hair loss can be treated through laser, surgical and non-surgical restoration.
There is no miraculous cure to hair loss. No matter which treatment an individual opts for one has to be patient to see the changes. Because, between the growth cycles hair follicles have long periods of inactivity, which could last up to 3 months. It takes several months for any individual to notice any significant changes in hair loss.
Hair Loss Breakthrough: Make An Excellent Choice
The amount of choices we have today is truly a revolutionary breakthrough in the hair loss industry. Powerful hair loss treatments are available today. People want to look and feel good. We are in a generation where looks do matter. More that 50 percent of the population today are been affected by hair loss. Millions of people worldwide suffer from hair loss every day. While it isn’t life-threatening or an earth-shaking situation, it definitely causes emotional distress.
But the good news is that you can do something about hair loss whether you’re a man or a woman.
From natural looking ways of concealing hair loss to the latest technologies in hair transplant surgery, there are millions of options. Diseases, genetic issues, hereditary problems, poor cosmetic practices can all cause hair loss.
It is becoming increasingly evident that poor nutrition and modern lifestyles can have a negative impact on health, and hair loss is no exception. At the same time, we have more options that ever before in history. You can just walk into your local health food or vitamin store and purchase hair-help products containing proven ingredients.
Of course, many useful products are available on the market.
There is growing evidence to support the view that some natural remedies may be effective in curtailing hair loss. At the same time, hair transplantation has worked wonders on many. Whether you want to undergo a treatment or take pills or opt for herbal remedies it’s strongly recommended to do a good research.
Educate yourself on hair loss treatment and related products and make a wise decision to help with your natural hair growth. Do understand what works for your father may not work on you.
You nevertheless end up spending more money, time, energy and above all piece of mind.
A trichologist can tell all about your hair issues, even what kind of hair loss you have, based on the stage of growth the hair or follicle is in at the time of loss or breakage. Apart from that you have the aid of the net to have a fair idea on all products and treatments. You can also visit the forums where people explain their real experiences.
Ultimately you need to make a decision.
My only advice for you is to take a wise decision based on what suits you to have a vibrant and healthy hair. Finally, keep your hair healthy by eating a well-balanced diet.
Hair Loss and Scalp Treatment
In today’s increasingly stressful world, the number of women suffering from hair loss is increasing.We all want to look our best and damage to a woman’s ‘crowning glory’ can be a uniquely upsetting affliction. Hair loss in woman can generally be seen evenly across the scalp, without definite bald patches. If this is happening to you, the following conditions may be affecting you: Diffuse hair loss is a gradual thinning of the hair as opposed to a straightforward bald patch and is the most common type of hair loss in women. The replacement of old hairs by new hairs is slowed down so that the hair becomes sparse and the scalp can be seen clearly through the hair. The causes can be numerous and include stress, restriction of the blood supply, a poor nervous system and hormonal influences. Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness) in women is often linked to hormonal changes with the hair loss following events such as the menopause, childbirth or as a result of stopping or starting oral contraceptive pills. The hair loss is generally more uniform over the scalp than in the male counterpart, but also results from a complex chemical reaction when the
enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydro-testosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be over sensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.Telogen effluvium occurs when the growing phase of the hair is interrupted prematurely causing the hair follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle earlier than normal. Two to four months later,
following the normal cyclic pattern, diffuse shedding of the hair begins. When this happens there are not enough hairs left in the anagen phase, or growing phase, and the result is diffuse thinning of the hair. Pregnancy will also affect hair production. Hormone levels increase as the pregnancy begins and slow down the hair growth cycle. Hairs that should stop growing continue to grow beyond their usual life cycle. Often this means that the hair appears to grow thicker as more hairs are present than normal. Following the birth, hormone levels change very quickly and hairs that were growing beyond their normal lifespan enter the telogen phase at this time and begin to fall out. This can sometimes appear to happen all at once and can be very worrying to the new mother. Late onset thinning can be seen in diffuse hair loss across the scalp as density is reduced gradually. This is due to age-related hormonal changes as the natural reduction of oestrogen/progesterone production results in the hair follicles becoming smaller and smaller. These produce finer and finer hair until there is a general reduction in overall density. If your hair loss is patchy you may be suffering from a form of alopecia: alopecia areata is an extremely common condition and will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. Most sufferers are children and young adults (below 40 years old), though it can affect people of all ages. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. The exact cause is still unknown, although current theories include an A relatively minor auto-immune disease, stress or suggest a genetic basis. If the hair loss injury can result in progresses until all the scalp hair is lost disproportionably this is known as alopecia totalis or as alopecia universalis if all the body severe hair loss. Hair is lost as well. Pseudopelade is characterised by the development of small, smooth patches without any clinical changes other than transient erythema (redness). The initial patch is usually on the crown of the head, but can occur anywhere on the scalp. It is generally regarded as a clinical syndrome, which may be the end result of any one of a number of different pathological processes due to a weakened immune system. Hair loss can also have traumatic origins: Chemical trauma can be caused to the hair by bleaching, relaxing, perming or even dying the hair. The chemicals involved in these processes can damage the hair’s protein structure, making the hair dehydrated and brittle and often causing hair loss. As well as damaging the hair’s protein structure, these chemicals are also not good for the scalp and can irritate it. Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by constant tension on the hair, such as that created by an over-tight ponytail, plaiting or through using too tight rollers to style the hair. The action of pulling on the hair over a long period of time results in the gradual shrinking of the hair follicle and so the hairs produced become finer and finer. Injury to the body or surgery and its associated anaesthetics and medications can also cause an interruption of the normal growth cycle. A relatively minor injury can result in disproportionably severe hair loss. These are just a few of the reasons for hair loss. It order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.
www.thewestminsterpractice.com
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Three Female Hair Loss Remedy Solutions
It has been discovered that up to half of women undergo female pattern hair loss during their lifetime. Women who experience hair loss or thinning of hair can feel embarrassed and anxious. When the problem of hair loss in women is left untreated, it often becomes worse. But with the available methods and treatments specifically developed for the condition, they need not undergo such experiences. Here are three female hair loss remedy options that can help women deal with hair loss problems.
Finasteride
Finasteride (propecia) is a female hair loss remedy that has been approved for hair loss treatment in men. But it has recently been found to help improve hair loss problems in women when combined with oral contraceptives. Propecia has some side effects, albeit only 3%. Often, these side effects subside after constant use.
Finasteride in the female hair loss remedy works by blocking 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, which is the main cause of hair loss, binds to hair follicles, thereby restricting the ability of follicles to generate new and fully grown hair. If not treated, the bound follicles can only produce shorter hair for every growth cycle until such time when it is only capable of generating hair that’s barely visible. What finasteride does is to stop the conversion of testesterone into DHT, thereby stopping DHT from binding to the follicles.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the most commonly used female hair loss remedy. It is a medication typically applied to the scalp to encourage growth of hair. Minoxidil is for daily use. The positive effects of the female hair loss remedy often appear in 2-4 months.
Though not always well accepted by patients, minoxidil is often effective since it is capable of recruiting hair at the follicles. The effect of this female hair loss remedy is more pronounced when it is used together with DHT inhibitors like propecia. When it comes to strength, a study shows that minoxidil 2% is effective for women as compared to 5%. The conclusion was drawn when the female hair loss remedy showed better effects at 2% than in the 5% concentration.
One hair loss remedy that is currently being used is a combination of a high concentration topical minoxidil, retonic acid, a topical spironolactone (or an anti-androgen that diminishes DHT), and a topical azelaic acid. It is recommended that a daily oral dose of finasteride be taken together with the regimen.
DHT Inhibitors
Women with hair loss problems can also opt for a female hair loss remedy with DHT inhibiting capabilities. There are products with DHT inhibitors that are specifically made as a female hair loss remedy for women. DHT inhibitors may be added with active ingredients like phyto-revitalizers that can also help deal with hair loss. DHT is a hormone produced by the body that causes damage to hair follicles. When the DHT is inhibited, hair follicles are able to grow again. Meanwhile, phyto-revitalizers are amino acids that are needed by hair follicles for proper growth. When added to a female hair loss remedy, DHT inhibitors and phyto-revitalizers can have more effective results.
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What is the Hair Growth Cycle?
It is normal to lose 75-100 individual hairs daily. With male pattern baldness, new hair growth is diminishing in taking the place of hairs that are shed.
Hair is constantly growing in cycles. These cycles are as follows:
ANAGEN – This is the growth cycle in which cells divide and elevate to the upper portion of the hair bulb, as dead cells. Hairs in this growth stage become longer and larger. The anagen cycle normally runs in durations of two to seven years.
CATAGEN- During the catagen stage the hair is separated from it’s nutritional source and hair growth stops. The follicle begins to shrink and no melanins, which create hair color, are added. The duration of this cycle is normally two to three weeks.
TELOGEN- During this cycle (which ranges in time from one to four months) the hair either falls out or is forced out by new growth. With a normal growing head of hair the anagen cycle begins again at this stage. Each individual hair is totally independent. The anagen stage normally involves between eighty-five percent and ninety five percent of the total number of hairs on one’s scalp. The catagen stage normally involves less than one percent of the total amount of scalp hairs. The telogen cycle involves five to fifteen percent of total scalp hairs.
When you are losing hair through pattern hair loss, the catagen and telogen stage are not accelerated but instead, the anagen stage diminishes on a gradual basis with the hair growing finer and finer and also shorter until growth is virtually invisible.
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