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Conditions & Diseases: Hair Loss & Hair Loss Treatment (Surgical & Non-Surgical)

Female Hair Loss

In our society, hair is regarded as a symbol of beauty and desirability, particularly for women. Thus, loss of hair can be a devastating experience for a woman, being synonymous to a loss of femininity.

Hair loss in women can be absolutely devastating for the sufferer's self image and emotional well being.Unfortunately, society has forced women to suffer in silence. It is considered far more acceptable for men to go through the same hair loss process. - American Hair Loss Council

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's a growing problem, affecting some 30 million women in the United States. The cause of female hair loss can be divided into 2 main categories: Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic hair loss) and Telogen Effluvium (temporary hair loss).

Androgenetic alopecia is not usually caused by a disease, but is related to aging, heredity, and testosterone. The genetic causes of hair loss in women are generally permanent, while the non-genetic ones are temporary.

The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs and it is natural that 50-100 hairs be lost every day. If one loses more than 125 hairs a day, it is officially called hair loss. The natural hair cycle of each hair implies a growth phase of two to six years, after which the hair "rests" for a period of time and then falls out; the hair follicle from which it sprang soon starts growing a new one within 6 months

Genetic hair loss is caused by the body's failure to produce new hair growth faster then then rate at it which it is being lost to the normal hair growth cycle.

Genetic Hair Loss in Women

The scientific term for genetic hair loss in women is “Androgenetic Alopecia”. It is generally identified by an overall thinning of hair (as opposed to patchy hair loss in men). The end result of such a condition is very rarely complete baldness; in most cases, it is a visible decrease in the density of hair. It is also called “female pattern baldness”, as it follows a specific pattern, which is different from the “male pattern”. Women lose their hair around the top of the head, while men – on their temples and crown. Unlike men, women do not lose their frontal hairline, no matter how advanced the thinning of the hair is. With women, the hair suffers a thinning throughout the scalp.

In people with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, a group of hormones called androgens (testosterone, androsteinedione, dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) interferes with this natural process. These hormones are naturally produced in large amounts by the male organism; this is why they are called “male hormones”. However, they are produced in women’s bodies as well, but in smaller quantities.

When testosterone comes into contact with certain enzymes residing in the hair cell, it is converted into the more potent androgen DHT, which then binds with receptors deep within the hair follicle. "Over time, an excess build-up [of DHT] in the follicle causes it to begin shrinking, which in turn alters the natural resting and growth phases of the hair," states Dr. Michael Reed, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center, and a specialist in female hair loss, quoted by my.webmd.com.

No treatment is required if the person is not dissatisfied with her appearance; women seeking treatment should only consider the options that are medically approved. “The anti-androgen pill Propecia (Finasteride) is not indicated for women. However, your doctor might prescribe other anti-androgen drugs that may include: spironolactone, cyproterone acetate or flutamide” (hairlosslibrary.com). For women, Minoxidil 2% formula (topical solution) is a good option.

Women may also benefit from hair transplant surgery. See Women & Hair Transplants and our Female Hair Loss Chart for more information.

Non Genetic Hair Loss

Non-genetic hair loss includes two types of hair loss, medically known as Anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium, both treatable and temporary. Anagen effluvium appears as a result of a “poisoning” of the growing hair follicle due to internally administered medications (chemotherapy agents, for example). Telogen effluvium is the result of an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. Since Telogen Effluvium is very similar in appearance to female Androgenetic Alopecia, you should consult a dermatologist who should perform the appropriate tests in order to determine which type of female hair loss you have.

The types of medication that can cause hair loss include: high doses of Vitamin A, blood pressure medications, gout medications, drugs used to treat cancer, blood thinners, antidepressants, burns or radiation therapy as well as some birth control pills.

Hormonal changes can also be the source of reversible, non-genetic hair loss in women; they usually appear in the postpartum period, during pre- and early post-menopausal periods or when starting or stopping the administration of a birth-control pill. 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.

Nutritional Factors: Vegetarianism, crash dieting or chronic nutritional deprivation (starvation or alcoholism) may result in diffuse hair loss. Stopping them is usually enough to help hair re-grow. If the diet does not contain enough iron and zinc, it is advisable that supplements be taken.

Other medical causes/conditions that may lead to hair loss include:
- Surgery
- Severe illnesses
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Emotional and/or physical stress
- Birth of a baby
- High fever
- Skin problems on the scalp
- Tumor or serious disorder of the adrenal glands
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders (that usually cause Alopecia Areata)
- Systemic illnesses including Crohn's disease, hepatic disease, late stage syphilis, lymphoproliferative disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Sudden weight loss
- Diabetes

Among the specific hair diseases that cause hair loss, the most widespread are:

• Alopecia areata (a sudden patchy loss of hair, which can occasionally become very widespread and severe; hair will usually grow back on the bald patches);
• Alopecia totalis (severe case of Alopecia, where the patient loses eyebrows and eyelashes as well)
• Alopecia universalis (all body hair is shed)
• Traction alopecia (a thinning of hair caused by tight braids or ponytails or other hairstyles that put pressure on the hair)
• Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
• Trichotillomania, “a compulsive disorder by which hair on the head or face is twisted and pulled until it is damaged and breaks off, leaving patches of uneven hair growth” (hairlosslibrary.com)

There have been a lot of stories and myths going around about genetic hair loss being inherited through the mother’s family. This is simply not true, as it is not true that hair loss can be caused by coloring, conditioning, dandruff or wearing hats.

Should any hair loss symptoms appear, the most advisable approach is to get at the “root” of the problem before seeking treatment. This should only be done by seeing a dermatologis or endocrinoligist, who will decide what tests are necessary to determine the cause of the hair loss and will know exactly what treatment option would work best for you. By no means should you try to treat your hair loss with “miracle shampoos” or products that are not FDA-approved.

Also, see Hair Diseases for more information.

Article by Staff
OmniMedicalSearch.com