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Genetic Thinning: The Quiet Epidemic
Brought to you by our friends at VirtualHairCare.com
There is an insidious epidemic affecting the appearance and confidence of women - and it is dramatically on the increase. It is not something openly discussed, nor is it fully understood even by many health professionals. That epidemic is excessive hair loss/thinning hair in women.
Whilst the subject of male balding is now "out of the closet" thanks to a mix of sporting personalities and TV satire, hair loss in women is still being silently endured by its sufferers, with seemingly few options or answers as to treatment. The reality is though that most women's hair loss is readily treatable, at little expense, and with the prospect of excellent outcomes.
The causes of women's hair loss are many and varied. However, unless the hair has been chemically or mechanically damaged, causing the hair to break off or fall out: excessive loss of hair (hair fall) is always a response to an internal disturbance.
This response may be a normal, temporary experience as a result of a high fever, food poisoning, operations (particularly when involving blood loss), commencing certain medications, crash diets, or following child birth. About 2-3 months after any of these experiences, the hair fall will begin abruptly and shed in large amounts for approximately 2 to 3 months before settling. This type of hair loss should return to normal density within 6 months of onset.
When hair loss is subtle; slowly thinning out over many months or even years, then the underlying cause is likely to be a medical or nutritional disturbance. Of these, iron deficiency anaemia, problems of the thyroid gland, diabetes or calcium deficiency are the most common causes. Hair loss experienced from any of the above conditions is termed diffuse hair loss; that is, excessive hair loss from the entire scalp.
Genetic thinning in women (also referred to as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern thinning), is a condition characterised by a progressive thinning-out of the frontal/top areas of the scalp. It differs from male genetic thinning in that the women's hairline is preserved and does not eventuate in baldness.
Female genetic thinning often begins at menopause or after a total hysterectomy. It may also develop after childbirth, although this should not be confused with the temporary diffuse hair loss of post-pregnancy. Trichologists are seeing increasing numbers of younger women with genetic hair loss. Often the cause is the taking of certain oral contraceptives, which can trigger genetic thinning in predisposed women. In many cases, thinning hair from this cause can be corrected by changing contraceptives to one that inhibits androgen activity.
Another possible reason is that we are continually being exposed to new, foreign molecules and androgen-like (male hormone) substances, which in a susceptible person, may trigger a genetic or autoimmune response.
Treatments for female genetic thinning usually mean hormonal therapy in the form of either phytoestrogens or antiandrogens. A phytoestrogen is a naturally occurring oestrogen derived from plants ('phyto' means plant). The herbal supplement 'Dong Quai Complex' is a phytoestrogen, which helps prevent androgens from influencing the hair, thereby preventing further thinning. Phytoestrogens may also be consumed in some food sources such as soya products, tofu or miso.
Prescription antiandrogens include 'Androcur' and 'Aldactone' (spironolactone). The possible side effects of these medications can include weight gain, mood swings, headache and nausea.
The topical solution Minoxidil can also be beneficial. Minoxidil works by stimulating follicle hair growth. It should be used for a minimum of 4-6 months and ideally for 12 months. Depending on the strength, it is obtainable 'across the counter' or on prescription.
Although hair loss/thinning does not constitute a health problem itself, it can be psychologically distressing for the sufferer. However hair, because of its rapid growth, is extremely sensitive to internal changes within the body. For this reason hair loss may be one of the first indicators that an internal problem is developing; for example, underactive thyroid or 'lupus'.
Reproduced with the kind permission of Tony Pearce, RN, RPN. Consulting Trichologist.
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