Hair Loss Is An Emotional Experience For Women

For most women their hair is a defining style, and it sends them in to fits of panic when they think their hair may be falling out. They have reason to be concerned because hair loss in women is becoming more common than ever before. The American Academy of Dermatology tells us that approximately 30 million women or approximately 40% of the hair loss group, in the United States alone, have a serious problem with hair loss.

Natural hair loss is common in all women. Everyone loses approximately 100 hairs per day. This type of hair loss is perfectly normal, and these hairs are quickly replaced by new hairs so that no baldness is noticed.

When everything is normal, the hair grows approximately one-half inch in a month. Each hair is on a cycle of growth that lasts for two to six years. When it ends its cycle, the hair rests for a time and then falls out. Then a new hair will grow in the follicle in order to replace the old one. This cycle continues throughout the retiring years.

For some people, the androgen hormone interferes with the hair loss and re-growth cycle. Androgen is the root cause of the follicle starting to shrink which, in turn, changes the hair cycle. This causes the follicles to dry up or die, making them unable to grow healthy, new hairs. The result is hair loss. Unlike in men, hair loss can occur in women at any age. Doctors have, of yet, not been able to figure this out.

There are several underlying medical problems that can cause women to lose their hair. An autoimmune disorder can produce a different type of hair loss problem. It causes an inflammation which results in the hair falling out in clumps and leaving bald spots.

Childbirth, surgery, crash dieting or a traumatic emotional event can cause a change in the natural hair growth cycle that will make the hair shed. When a woman brushes her hair, it will often fill the entire brush. Hair loss can also be caused by chronic illness, thyroid problems, anemia or the use of certain types of medication. For this reason, it is very important that a woman have the reason for the doctor to find the root of her hair loss problem.

The first thing a doctor must do is diagnose any medical problem that may be causing her hair loss, and treat it. Specialists in female pattern balding can take blood tests, and if necessary, a scalp biopsy. Once a medical problem is completely eliminated, the hair loss can be treated in a simpler, more normal way.

There are several options for women to choose from. Perhaps the most difficult option is to find a way to accept the change in your hair and learn to live with it. This is a difficult decision for a woman whose hair is very important to her. She can use cosmetic treatments like a wig or a hair thickener, try different medical therapies and as a last resort opt for hair-replacement surgery.

A woman’s hair is her shining glory and is a symbol of her womanhood. For a woman, the thought of losing her hair is difficult to accept. Always consult your doctor, and try to find the root cause of your hair loss before attempting any other remedy.