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 parent's 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 does of Vitamin A -- Blood pressure medications -- 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.

Diet Considerations

Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told the vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologist's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in Vitamin A which can magnify hair loss.

Physical And Emotional Stress
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during
periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead
devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In
many cases there is three month delay between the actual event
and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another
three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth.
This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can
last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or
emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go
undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include
anaemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of
these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood
test.

Hormonal Consideration
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.

Myths Related To 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 back
thicker.
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 AHLC
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.

Treatment Options

Accepting and learning to live with hair loss. Professional
counseling may be of help.
Perms, color and other cosmetic options to give a fuller
appearance to hair.
Medical therapy -- Rogaine (topical minoxidil). Rogaine is
the only FDA approved medication currently available for
female pattern hair loss.
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. A consultation with a skilled specialist to
discuss your options is advised.

The American Hair Loss Council is a nonprofit organization and
does not endorse individual physicians or business firms. It is
advisable to consult with several specialists in order to be a well
informed patient/consumer.

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LAte

Lobo

OOOOOH! Two birds with one stone....

Ok.... I figure an e-mail bomb is on the way

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LAte

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LAte