It is important to understand how hair loss is caused before searching for an answer to solving the problem. I noticed lots of companies selling hair loss products do not explain too well how the hair loss is caused, nor do they always explain who can suffer from hair loss. Suppliers, more often than not, can only explain to a select group of people - those that suffer most, such as those at a certain age or men (who suffer more than females in this department). I wrote this piece to aim it at young women who do get the condition too.
Before I begin, I would like to ensure that you consult your Doctor before taking anybody elses advice. Your family Doctor can rule out underlying issues and help you to deal with the problem before it deteriorates more. Please remember that thinning of the hair and hair loss is not dangerous, nor is it life threatening. Please do not be embarrassed if you are suffering from hair loss - the best thing you can do is to see a professional if you are concerned.
What is Female Hair Loss?
Hair loss has a name which you have no doubt heard of a number of times. Alopecia is the loss of hair from the head where thinning or even balding can occur. Alopecia can be inherited, or it can be caused as a result of something else (see next paragraph for listings).
Alopecia can occur naturally as early as puberty, although it is normally a progressive condition that is seen in older women, especially those around the age of fifty. The symptoms are increased as the menopause begins.
The hair loss is caused by an increasing amount of male hormones in the body. We all have both male and female hormones, but when levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increase, our bodies become more sensitive to it, and the body responds by the weakening of the hair follicles. Shedding of the hair usually follows this, and will continue, however there are treatments available that can slow down the loss of hair.
What Can Cause Loss of Hair in Young Women
Although the most common form of hair loss is seen in older women, younger women can suffer from the condition also. Normally hereditary, it can be passed down from parents or grandparents so by looking at hair loss in your family, you can usually see how your hair will respond. Do not forget that it can be slightly different in males than in females as the body reacts differently.
Well known causes of hair loss in young women:
. Pregnancy and child birth
Pregnancy itself slows down loss of hair that occurs naturally (we lose around one hundred hairs every day), but around three to six months after giving birth, this will return to normal. You will see a loss of hair and when you experience this, you will see lots of hair remaining in the bath or shower, it is not cause for concern as the body returns itself to a normal balance.
. Birth control pills
Birth control pills increase levels of hormones in our body. Once you have ended the course of pills, you will see a slight loss of hair. Again, this is not something that should overly concern you.
. Extreme levels of stress on the body e.g. surgery, shock or bereavements
Death in the family is an obvious stress, often accompanied by a change in diet or lack of nutrients, and severe mental distress. Hair can sometimes begin to fall out excessively and even turn grey, but regrowth should occur naturally.
. Illness
. Dieting drugs
Again, dieting drugs and illness can result in a poor diet or lack of essential nutrients. When the body does not receive the daily nutrients it needs, it is seen first in the skin and hair. Thinning will be the result. It is more important to eat a balanced diet which is low in saturated fats. If you have been ill, then returning the body to the normal way of eating will be difficult but improvements will be seen as you recover.
. Therapy - chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Temporary hair loss occurs when undergoing therapy but hair will regrow once the treatment has stopped.
None of the above causes are permanent and the body generally overcomes hair loss caused by those listed above. Concerns about excessive hair loss should be directed to your Doctor, and remember that the earlier you seek help the sooner you will see improvements.
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