Many people take hair for granted just like they take health. One may not miss his or her hair until he or she loses it. Hair loss is representative of different things for many people.
Excessive loss of hair should be investigated through some form of a blood test, examining the scalp, and assessing one’s history. Before visiting the doctor, it is important to take note of the hair loss you experience.
Don’t rush to judge your hair loss as unhealthy without first hearing the opinion of qualified medical personnel. A dermatologist should examine you and exclude any underlying issue before concluding that your hair loss is a health issue. The treatment of hair loss varies from surgery, medication, and topical treatment. Before embarking on treatment, it is critical to first assess the kind of hair loss you have so that you can settle on the correct treatment.
Common types of female hair loss
Female androgenetic alopecia:
This is also called female pattern hair loss. The fame hair loss cannot be attributed to androgens, a male hormone, which causes the male androgenetic alopecia. When women part their hair, they may notice more scalp or the volume of the hair may be halved or reduced drastically. Female androgenetic alopecia is mainly accompanied by decreased hair at the temporal and central parts of the scalp. The hair becomes thinner as a result of the vellus (immature) hair which is caused by miniaturization of the hair follicle.
Chronic Telogen effluvium:
The anagen (growth) phase of hair is reduced and the shedding of hair starts early. However, the shedding of the hair does not result in hair thinning or complete baldness. This type of hair loss is increased or triggered by an event that shocks the system such as weight loss, accidents, illness, death of a loved one, high blood pressure, or child birth. It is critical to note that the majority of the cases have no specified trigger attached to them. Chronic Telogen Effluvium may last from months to years, but it may eventually self-correct itself in many people.
Alopecia Areata:
This condition is similar to the aforementioned two. It is mainly characterized by sudden onset of hair loss or it may be gradual with multiple or single patches on the scalp. It is mainly said to be autoimmune initially and is associated with stressful events, vitiligo, and thyroid disease. Alopecia Areata can recover without seeing a doctor, but stubborn cases may need the attention of a dermatologist.
Female hair loss diagnosis:
Your first visit to the doctor will be characterized by questioning about the period that you have noted hair loss. You will be asked whether you are using any drugs and whether any member of your family has suffered hair loss. The dermatologist will then examine the scalp and check the distribution and pattern of hair loss. This aids in determining the correct diagnosis. Some extreme cases may call for checking of blood tests. The blood tests are done for iron levels, folate levels, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. Other cases require a biopsy to establish the underlying cause of hair loss.
Female hair loss treatment:
Once the correct diagnosis has been done, a dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatment methods:
Spironolactone:
This is a treatment method that has worked for women who have female pattern hair loss. The exertion of anti-androgen is oftentimes off-label and has various side effects such as menstrual irregularities, breast pain, and giddiness. It is recommended for breastfeeding mothers or expectant ladies.
Laser light therapy:
There are numerous devices that apply laser light energy to treat female androgenetic alopecia. The devices could be in the shape of a comb, a hairband, or a helmet. The light laser light energy method is safe and is a complement to many medical applications. The method refreshes hair follicles via the introduction of energy pulses to any inactive follicle. The energy pulses hit the dormant follicles like a spark and cause them to regrow through instigating cellular respiration and circulation.
Topical Minoxidil:
It is the sole approved medication to treat female hair loss and you can get it off the counter. It is manufactured in various forms such as foam formulations, lotion, and spray with varying concentrations ranging from 2 to 5%. Topical Minoxidil could result in increased hair shedding in the initial weeks of applying it, but this should not be a worry. Some of its side effects include facial hair growth especially at the forehead, dandruff, and scalp itchiness. If you are an expectant or breastfeeding mother, don’t use this formula.
Hair transplantation:
It is a common method for people experiencing severe hair loss. The success of this method is dependent on the pattern of hair loss and the site of the donor in your body. The female pattern hair loss has limited donor sites since hair loss is extensive.
Conclusion:
The causes of hair loss are varied and numerous. Most of them can be treated and cured to reduce hair loss. Women who experience incurable conditions can use treatment to hinder the process of balding. Hair in females is of profound aid since it helps in psycho-sexual identity. It is important to beware of individuals who are out to swindle your hard-earned cash under the guise of immediate hair growth or prompt stopping of the balding process. The only defense you have is the knowledge shared here about hair loss and how you can treat it.
Some view it as a reminder that youth is fading away. Hair loss in other people serves as a constant reminder that they need to update the passport photo on the identity documents. It is imperative to note that excessive hair loss is attached to some form of the disorder.