Hair Loss Causes: What Is Thyroid Hair Loss?

Hair loss often starts undetected and predated on us like a wolf. And then one fine day we look into the mirror and are taken aback by what the mirror reflects back. We are left wondering as to when and how did the hairline, withdraw like cowardly troops!

So, if you are losing hair for no apparent reason whatsoever, the cause could be a thyroid condition. Though the most common causes for hair loss are genetic predetermination, medical treatments, medicines and hormonal changes, but they are not the only ones responsible. Among the other is thyroid condition.

Thyroid hair loss manifests itself in cases of hypothyroidism. This kind of hair loss can be easily distinguished from male pattern balding. Because, unlike male pattern baldness there is no bald patches caused but there is a uniform thinning of hair all over the head.

Those who suffer from hypothyroidism experience dry skin and fatigue. They also become abnormally sensitive to cold and suffer from depression and constipation. Therefore, if you have any of these symptoms and are losing hair, you must have yourself tested for thyroid condition.

Synthroid is the most common prescription medicine used for hypothyroidism. The medicine can cause hair loss as a side effect. So, if you are taking it, you should discuss the possibility of its causing the hair loss.

There are a few supplements available in the market including primrose oil supplements which can help check thyroid hair loss. Aromatherapy too works with some.

Some of the Ayurvedic medicines like brahmi amla oil and bhringaraj oil can also help. These oils are applied on the scalp gently. A regular application of it for three months or more helps hair growth.

If nothing works, the final remedy is hair transplantation. Little hair plugs are taken from the back of one's scalp and are planted on the bald areas. It takes a few months before you see your bald scalp growing your own natural hair. The procedure, however, is quite expensive, but is worth every penny you spend to get rid of the depressing condition.

A good cover of hair is the crown we are too much in love to do without. So, if it goes away, get it back.

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Hair Diseases Resulting Into Hair Loss

Hair diseases and hair loss are interrelated. One cannot be thought about without the other.

Common hair loss causes

No single factor can be marked out as the universal cause of hair diseases. There are several causes varying from person to person.

The two types of hair loss diseases

The hair loss causes can be broadly divided into the following two groups – the temporary effect and the one involving a prolonged action, usually triggered by genetics.

a.)The temporary effect – Usually such cases can be cured by medications and treatments.

b.)Prolonged hair loss diseases – Such cases may require long term treatment. Sometimes the drug treatment might appear to be ineffective. In such circumstances surgery like hair transplantation may be the way.

The causes of temporary hair loss include the ones like child birth, using birth control pills, etc.

Another key factor can be hormonal imbalance. It can have a severe impact by causing pattern baldness. The latter comes in the list of major hair diseases.

Relation between hair diseases and hair loss

It is sometimes found that a particular hair loss cause is more commonly related to a particular hair disease. In this context one can refer to the acquired hair shaft defects. These defects are usually triggered by the excessive use of hair treatments and styling products.

Similarly, infectious diseases have their root in unhygienic scalp.

The common causes of hair loss diseases

The common causes of hair loss diseases include the following –

• Hormonal imbalance

• Ailment

• Faulty hair styling

• Inadequate diet

Hormonal Imbalance

In men – Hormonal imbalance is a major cause of hair loss diseases among men. The male hormone testosterone plays a key role in actuating hair loss. The enzyme 5 alpha reductase in the hair follicles turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The latter is the most potent androgen promoting male pattern baldness, the common hair loss disease.

In women – Imbalance in thyroid hormone is a key cause of sudden hair loss among women. The thyroid gland’s being n the state of overactive and under active might cause hair fall. Thyroid hormones largely influence cellular metabolism of scalp proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and minerals. And the hair matrix cells are highly affected by the thyroid hormones’ excess or deficiency.

Hormonal imbalance also causes hair loss during pregnancy. Pregnancy witnesses a high level of estrogen hormones. This causes hair follicles percentage in anagen growth phase. But post-child birth there is a rapid fall in the estrogen level. Consequently a large number of hair follicles shift to a catagen phase. And gradually hair falls.

Women may also experience hair loss during post-pregnancy period. It is generally temporary in nature. But if it continues for months, then it may indicate hormonal imbalance in the body. And hormonal imbalance for an extended period requires proper treatment.

Ailment

Some of the serous ailments like high fever, severe infection, or flu may lead hair follicles to a resting phase. This condition called telogen effluvium results increased hair fall. But it is a temporary condition soon to be followed by normalcy.

Some cancer treatments also prevent the hair fiber growth. The hair becomes thin and breaks off. And gradually hair loss occurs. The condition starts within one to three weeks after the beginning of the chemotherapy treatment. The treatment may witness the patients losing up to 90 percent of their scalp hair.

Faulty hair styling

It means using certain hair styling techniques resulting in hair loss diseases like traction alopecia. In this condition the hair fibers are pulled out from the hair follicle by a hairstyle that pulls on the roots of the hair fibers. One example of such faulty hair styling is braiding cornrowing. Cosmetic treatments like bleaching, coloring or hair straightening like chemical relaxing can also create problems if proper procedure is not followed.

Inadequate diet

Taking up crash diets for rapid weight loss may lead to hair loss. Such diets are low in protein, vitamins and minerals, thus causing malnutrition.

Abnormal eating habits lacking important nutrients can also result into hair loss.

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What Causes Women’s Hair Loss? A Look At 7 Common Causes Of Female Hair Loss

Let’s face it, hair loss for anyone can be a very distressing problem but women’s hair loss can be especially distressing…

Although the causes of women’s hair loss vary from person to person, by understanding the common causes of female hair loss, this can help you find the right potential treatment or solution.

1) Hereditary thinning, or androgenetic alopecia to give its medical name, is the most common cause of women’s hair loss. The tendency to develop female pattern hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family.

Generally this leads to thinning of the hair in women rather than baldness and can start in the teens, twenties or thirties.

Unfortunately, there are no cures for hereditary female hair loss. However, there are treatments which may help some people such as minoxidil, which is a lotion applied twice daily to your scalp.

An alternative solution which women with thinning hair may consider is female hair transplantation. This procedure involves moving hair from areas of your head with normal hair growth to thinning areas.

As with all surgical procedures, you should only undertake this after taking advice from a specialist.

2) Improper hair cosmetic use is another common cause of women’s hair loss. Treatments such as bleaches, tints, hair dyes, straighteners or perms rarely damage your hair if done properly. However, overuse can cause the hair to become weak or break.

If chemical treatments cause your hair to become brittle and leads to hair loss, then it is recommended you stop the treatments until the damaged hair has grown out.

3) Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss which can affect women of any age. This usually results in hair falling out and leaving round coin sized smooth patches on the head. In rare cases there may be a total loss of hair.

Although the cause of alopecia areata in women is not clear, in time the hair usually grows back by itself. Female hair loss caused by alopecia areata can also be successfully treated by dermatologists.

4) Thyroid disease can also lead to female hair loss. Where an under or over-active thyroid condition has been diagnosed, any associated hair loss can be usually be successfully treated by your physician.

5) Severe infection, flu or a high fever can be a cause of women’s hair loss. After a bout of illness, even as much as four weeks to three months afterwards, you may be taken aback by seeing a lot of hair falling out.

This is caused by your hair going into a resting phase to redirect energy at healing. Any hair loss usually corrects itself though.

6) Some medications can also lead to women's hair loss. For example, prescription drugs used for arthritis, blood thinning, depression, gout, heart problems or high blood pressure may cause hair loss. High doses of vitamin A have also been associated with female hair loss.

7) Inadequate protein in a women’s diet can be a cause of female hair loss. If you go on a crash diet or have extreme irregular dietary habits then you may develop protein malnutrition.

As with severe illness, the body will put hair into the resting phase to conserve protein. Significant hair loss can occur two to three months later and be easily pulled out by the roots.

Hair loss can be easily reversed by ensuring you eat the correct levels of protein in your diet.

In conclusion, we have looked at several common causes of women's hair loss and suggested some solutions for treating the problem. However, because there are so many different causes of female hair loss you should always consult your physician or dermatologist to correctly diagnose your problem and the best course of action to treat it.

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Female Hair Loss Treatments - Why Hair Loss Differs On Venus

Female hair loss treatments often differ to men's, for a number of reasons. The main prescription hair loss treatment for men, the drug propecia, is generally not as effective in women, although an Italian study seemed to show some promise with it.

The study followed the experience of 37 women who were given 2.5 mg of propecia a day, as well as the contraceptive pill. As propecia can cause deformities in the development of a male fetus' sex organs, propecia cannot be given to women who have a chance of conceiving, or who are pregnant.

Results were measured by taking photos of the women's heads, and using a technique called computerized light videodermoscopy to measure the density of hairs. Women tend to have thinning hair when they suffer hair loss, and don't often go completely bald.

After 12 months of treatment, 23 women (62%) had improvements in their hair thickness. Those women who had most hair loss down the middle of the top of the head, showed the most improvement. Only one woman was found to have worse hair loss.

But more studies on propecia as a female hair loss treatment need to be conducted before it is given the green light as a treatment option. Not only is there the issue of fetal damage, making it a risky drug for women, but this study is not conclusive as evidence that it will actually work for all, or most, women.

Generally, women are given topical treatments like minoxidil to encourage hair growth. Minoxidil has drawbacks in that it has to be applied to the scalp twice a day, and some women are allergic to it. Unfortunately, scientists have not come up with a hair loss medication that will definitely work for women.

Another reason female hair loss treatments differ to men's is that the causes of female hair loss often vary. Hair loss in women is often associated with hormonal changes like menopause, discontinuing birth control pills, and after pregnancy. There is a 3 month delay before signs of hair loss will appear, so if you're noticing hair loss now, it was probably triggered 3 months ago. And it can take another 3 months before new growth starts to show.

Another factor in female hair loss is excessive dieting or sudden weight loss. Hair requires nutrients to grow just as any other part of the body does, What we eat can not only affect how shiny and healthy our hair appears, but also hair loss. Whilst men can suffer hair loss from similar weight loss, women tend to be more involved with extreme diets than men.

Female hair loss can also be an indicator of a medical condition, such as an underactive thyroid gland, diabetes, anemia, and PCOS. It's a good idea to get these possible issued ruled out by a doctor first. If they are at the root of the hair loss problem, no amount of hair loss medications or topical treatments or hair vitamins is going to stop hair loss until that is treated.

Hair loss that is caused by physical or emotional stress generally resolves itself when the stressor is dealt with, without any female hair loss treatment. But because of the hair's growth cycles, it can take 6 months before any improvement is noticed.

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Female Hair Loss: Finding A Hair Loss Solution

As a female, if you are facing thinning and losing hair, you are probably pretty stressed by it. However, you will not be worrying and causing more hair to drop once you understand some facts about female hair loss.

You see, in many cases, female hair loss is just a temporary occurance and hence, finding a hair loss solution to it is relatively easy.

Androgenetic alopecia is the hereditary form of baldness that affects 50 percent of men, and some women after 40. Female hair loss usually starts after menopause although it can begin earlier. The main reason for this is that estrogen levels decline. Hormonal changes cause hair to thin.

It is comforting to note that other than androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss in women, is a result of metabolic and hormonal changes. Thus, the hair loss is usually temporary. Also, unlike men, women rarely become totally bald. However, what females generally experience is the thinning of their hair.

For example, in the case of pregnancy, hair loss is temporary and should stop about 6 months after birth. When a woman is pregnant, a large amount of oestrogen is produced causing the hair follicles to go into their growth phase. Once the baby is born, the woman’s hormonal balance is restored. The reverse now happens with the hair follicles going into a hair loss phase.

While nothing much can be done to prevent hair loss during this period, applying hair tonic to hasten hair re-growth can be a helpful solution.

Crash diets leading to rapid weight loss over a short period of time prompts excessive hair loss.

Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs after a prolonged period of time and in extreme cases. Once stress levels are restored to normal levels, hair loss should stop. Thus, a good hair loss solution is to find ways to reduce stress!

Certain drugs can also cause hair to shed. The most common medical treatment that causes hair loss is chemotherapy. The drug medication attacks the hair cells, causing hair loss from the scalp. Certain prescription drugs (for thyroid hormone deficiency, diabetes and lupus) and dieting supplements are also causes of hair loss. Once these drug medications are stopped, the hair loss problem should disappear.

Other stresses to the hair may include frequent dyeing and chemicals eg. perming solutions applied to the hair. Generally, healthy hair can undergo these treatments without showing signs of stress, if they are not done too often. But if hair is not allowed a chance to recover from the constant application of hair chemicals, then it becomes brittle and starts to break off. Hair loss treatment products to help strengthen the follicles should help when applied to the scalp.

Once you understand what is happening to your hair, then seek out the right hair loss solution. In most cases, if the cause is temporary, then you can be assured that your problem will pass with the right remedy actions. However, for the more serious cases, do seek the professional help of a licensed dermatologist for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Female Hair Loss - Checklist For Helping To Determining Cause

Loss of Hair

All people have a normal loss of hair of about 50 to and 150 strands a day. When these strands fall out they naturally grow back. But there is no need to count the hair strands everyday, if you have a condition that is causing excessive loss of hair you will see excess hair in your brush, sink, towel, pillow or even as in my case, your spouse will tell you have excess loss of hair.

If you are losing more hair than normal then there is some underlying condition causing it.

Reasons for loss of hair in women:

Stress - Hair loss from this condition may be caused by an emotional or physical event in your life. An important point to note is that you may not notice your loss from this condition till two to three months after the event. But once you have got past the event that caused your stress, your hair will most likely grow back six to nine months later.

But there is a condition called alopecia areata, caused by stress, which will cause your hair to fall out in patches. This is caused by your immune system attacking your hair follicles resulting in partial or total hair loss. If you have this condition your hair may grow back naturally or you may even need treatment.

Medicines - There are all different types of medicines that can cause you to lose your hair, from birth control pills to acne medication may cause hair loss. Like in stress, your hair will go into sleep mode and you will not notice this loss till two to three months after you start taking a new drug.

Working with your doctor, you may be asked to stop or switch drugs till you find out which one is causing the problem. This may take several months or more, depending on how many drugs you are taking, to determine which drug is causing the problem.

Thyroid - A malfunctioning thyroid is more common in women than in men. When this happens many different conditions such as weight gain, loss of energy, hair loss or your hair becoming dry and brittle are some of the symptoms of a thyroid gone wrong.

If you are diagnosis with a thyroid problem, discuss with your doctor the right drug for you to help with your thyroid problem and ensure it does not cause any more loss of hair.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB) - This is the most common type of hair loss in women. This condition is identifiable by determining if either of your parents have pattern baldness, your hair loss started when you approached or are in menopause, or you have some other condition causing a hormone imbalance in your body.

Hair Loss Guide: What Causes Temporary Loss Of Hair?

Hair loss may or may not be permanent. Temporary hair loss is definitely much easier to deal with and cure than the permanent one. A temporary hair loss is nearly always curable. The remedy, however, depends on the cause of it.

There are several factors responsible for this kind of hair loss. It may have been caused due to illness, in which case the hair come back once the illness is fully cured.

Poor nutrition is another cause. You may be taking a diet that is otherwise fulfilling but may still not be nutritious enough for your hair. So, take a good account of what you are eating and how nutritious it is. You may also visit a dermatologist, who'll surely be able to help you in making a suitable diet chart.

Some medicines also cause hair loss. If you are on medication and feel that you hair loss started after you began taking the prescribed medicines, there is a good chance that they may be the cause of your hair loss. In such a case you need not worry much. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the medicines he prescribed have any side effects that result in hair loss. In most of the cases, once the medication is over, hair loss also stops. Certain medical treatments like Chemotherapy also cause temporary hair loss.

If you have recently suffered from high fever, flu or have undergone surgery, you may also experience temporary hair loss. After the childbirth women lose hair rapidly. Though there is nothing to worry about, because the hair loss is because of hormonal imbalance. This is because during pregnancy a female body produces certain hormones in excess which results in a thicker growth of hair. After the child birth the hormone levels come to normal causing the hair loss. It is perfectly normal and absolutely natural.

Medical studies have shown that hair loss is seen in those who are diabetic or suffer from lupus and thyroid disorders. This kind of hair loss is attributable to the effects of the ailment and poor absorption of the required nutrition by a sick body. Often the hair re-grow automatically once the patient recovers fully.

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Women's Hair Loss: Finally The Solution To Thinning Hair!

An estimated 40% of women experience noticeable hair loss by the age 40. Women rarely lose their hair due to genetic predisposition. However hair loss in women is reaching new high levels. Women's hair loss can start as early as the late teens to early twenties. Most commonly, women experience an overall thinning of hair rather than a receding hair line like men do. It is normal to lose 50 to 150 hairs in a day; however hair loss in women usually occurs when these hairs start to be replaced by shorter, thinner hairs. This can be hard to notice at first, but over time it can become very apparent. Thinning hair loss in women may be caused by many problems:

Hormonal imbalance and other cyclical shifts.

Hair loss related to pregnancy postmenopausal trauma.

Effects of medications including birth control pills.

Nervous conditions including tension and stress.

Medical treatments such as chemo therapy and thyroid conditions.

Harsh chemicals such as commercial shampoos, perms, hair color, and bleach

Iron, vitamin and mineral imbalance.

Severely poor diet including dehydration.

Poor circulation can cut off the nutrients that blood flow delivers to the scalp.

Good News For Hair Loss Suffers:

Women have a higher success rate than men, because they have less testosterone and fewer, more evenly dispersed receptor sites in the follicles. In as little as 3 months you can start to notice fuller, thicker hair and even new hair growth.

* Regenerx penetrates the hair shaft, restoring the follicle, resulting in thicker hair.

* Regenerx improves circulation by increasing blow flow to the scalp.

* Regenerx also acts as a thickening agent that naturally conditions and will not alter or damage color treated hair.

* Regenerx is all natural safe alternative to Rogaine however without the side effects associated with minoxidil which can include scalp irritation, itchiness and dryness. Also, unlike minoxidil, Regenerx does not contain any alcohol or propylene glycol (PPG) which can really irritate the scalp and alter or damage color treated hair.

Regenerx- Finally...the solution for thinning hair.

Regenerx was developed from clinical research work conducted at Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, in Scotland.

Treatment with this formulation in the patients suffering from mild to severe hair loss showed significant improvement compared with the control group. Researchers have concluded that pharmacologically active stimulants for hair growth are present in this formulation of specific essential oils and that these oils can be therapeutic in patients with alopecia and thinning hair. The researchers also point out that the formulation caused no side effects, while steroids and other common agents can cause adverse side effects as described above.

Regenerx contains a unique blend of natural oils like cedarwood, rosemary, and lavender which help stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. More blood flow allows more of the important nutrients and vitamins to reach the scalp. Increased blood circulation can help awaken previously dormant follicles and promote new hair growth.

Regenerx formulation also includes jojoba, grapeseed, thyme, and rosemary oils to help condition and revitalize the scalp. These ingredients contain antioxidants which neutralize free-radicals that can damage cells of the scalp. Natural oils like these moisturize and soften dry, damaged scalp to help restore hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. Jojoba and grapeseed oils are also very effective carrier oils. Carrier oils promote the absorption of other oils into the skin to further increase their effectiveness.

Hair follicles can sometimes become clogged with build-ups of sebum that inhibit hair growth. It's important to clean out this build-up to make way for new hair growth. Lavender, thyme, and jojoba are natural oils that can clear out sebum to make way for new hair growth. In some cases bacteria can inhibit hair growth. These oils also have antiseptic properties that can destroy harmful bacteria and soothe the scalp to create a better environment for hair growth.

Women experiencing hormonal changes often find that their hair starts to thin and becomes brittle. Years of harsh treatment combined with blow-drying and exposure to the sun may irreparably damage hair and decrease volume. Regenerx is a natural way to bring back fuller hair by stimulating hair growth as well as volumizing existing hair using natural essential oils. Whether you are experiencing advanced women's hair loss, noticing a slight thinning of your hair, or want to prevent hair loss altogether. Regenerx provides a unique and effective treatment for women's hair loss that can have you seeing noticeable results just in 3 months or less. You don't have to suffer from the effects of hair loss. Finally there is a effective all natural solution for thinning hair.

Fore More Information Including: clinical Results, Directions for Use and Tips For Healthy Hair see About Author Section.

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More About Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness occurs when hair loss exceeds growth of hair. It is a genetically inherited condition. Some women also suffer from male pattern hair loss and this is because of excessive levels of androgen in their bodies. These women also suffer from irregular menses, acne and more facial hair than others.

There are various reasons for baldness but if you are in the age range of 20 to 40 and you suffer from baldness, there are high chances that you are suffering from male pattern baldness. As the name suggests, this health condition follows a typical pattern of hair loss. You can start losing hair in different areas, but it usually starts around the crown of your head. Your hair starts thinning and over a period of years, you may become totally bald. Almost 50% of the men experience baldness at some point in their life.

Cause of male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness depends mainly on hormones and genetics. Testosterone, a hormone present in males after puberty is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Several tissues in the body, including the scalp have DHT, which affects the hair follicle adversely. It slows down hair production, and produces weak and shorter hair. Gradually, this process depletes your hair totally.

Lupus and diabetes lead to baldness. Fungal infections are also known to cause hair loss. Excessive intake of vitamin A in the form of medicines is also a factor along with intake of birth control pills and antidepressants. Hormonal fluctuations, overactive or underactive thyroid gland, side effects of medications for chronic diseases, and stress are some of the factors that cause baldness.

Hair loss can have a significant psychological impact, depending on the severity of the same. Many men who experience hair loss suffer from low self-esteem and reduced confidence. If you lose hair suddenly, you should visit a doctor and take expert advice. Baldness can occur because of many reasons, and it can be treated successfully using medications such as Propecia.

Propecia

Finasteride, marketed as Propecia, is an FDA approved oral medication that treats male pattern baldness. There are many advantages of using it as a method of baldness treatment. It blocks the conversion of testosterone in to dihydrotestosterone. The reduction of DHT slows down hair loss, and at times, it is even reversed. Since, baldness is directly linked with DHT, this drug works by blocking it. More than 80% of men, who have taken it, experienced a rise in hair growth on their scalps.

Decrease in sex drive, loss of libido, reduced volume of semen, and Gynecomastia are some of the side effects of Propecia. It was found, that men who had taken this drug, experienced mild sexual dysfunctions as a side effect. Side effects of this drug are temporary, and once the intake of this medication is stopped, the situation returns to normal. This drug is not recommended for women and children. Most men who use this drug are happy with the results.

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Hair Loss Is Not Simple Genetics

One of the most commonly suggested causes of hair loss in both men and women is a genetic defect. The fact it may be inherited means it is not your fault when your hair thins and falls out and, perhaps more importantly, the condition is not necessarily something that can be cured. Of course, there is some evidence that hair loss does run in families, but there is more evidence that our lifestyles and medical decisions can be even more important factors in deciding who loses hair and how quickly. We will ignore the cultural effect of changing hairstyles where too much traction in pulling the hair back into a ponytail or comparable style may accelerate hair loss, the effect of a general anesthetic for surgery (curiously, many who undergo gastric bypass surgery often lose the most hair), increased levels of anxiety and stress, and both chemo- and radiotherapy for cancer. The most consistent cause surrounds the level of different hormones in the body.

In women, for example, the level of estrogen drops during and after pregnancy, and during the menopause. This has been directly linked to both the thinning of hair and its loss from the scalp. Some women also lose hair as a reaction to particular oral contraceptives. For obvious reasons, the level of hormones naturally occurring in the male body tends to be more stable. But, in both genders, thyroid problems can affect the production of hormones and produce early baldness in men. Similarly, for a number of reasons, the levels of the hormones may be affected artificially. The most consistent causes stem from the use of steroids which are commonly used for a variety of strictly medical, e.g. to control asthma, and other purposes, e.g. as supplements to promote growth and for strength while weight training. As an adverse side effect, many weight loss products affect the thyroid and hair suffers. Finally, it is not just athletes who discover some diet and other supplements affect the level of testosterone in their bodies. Many who take “natural” dietary and nutritional supplements find out the hard way that some “natural” chemicals affect hair growth and retention.

This should give you pause for thought. Because there are many possible causes of hair loss, you should not guess what is affecting you and self-medicate. The research evidence shows the majority of people are completely unaware that their own lifestyles or the drugs prescribed to them by physicians may be responsible. Always get a formal diagnosis from your regular healthcare professional. If he or she confirms your hair loss is an adverse side effect of drugs or supplements you are using, the remedies will be clear. But, if male pattern baldness is confirmed, propecia is the tried and tested response (albeit not for Olympic athletes like Zach Lund who were banned from competition if they took this drug). Because this drug was developed some time ago, you will now find both the branded and generic propecia (also called finasteride) freely available from most of the online pharmacies. This will save you some serious money while enabling you to both slow hair loss and often encourage some regrowth. However, two small facts should be borne in mind. Propecia works best when it is taken early in the cycle of hair loss. Secondly, hair loss restarts once you stop taking the drug.

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Female Hair Transplant - Confused? What Really Works?

Are you tired of thinning hair? Have you looked at wigs, hair weaves and extensions, topical solutions, so-called "wonder cure" hair loss shampoos and natural treatments but haven't found an answer for your problem? Why not consider a female hair transplant!

New technology and improved surgical techniques have transformed hair transplants. At the same time, more precise instrumentation allows physicians to work faster. This has changed hair transplants from one of the most tedious and labor-intensive surgical procedures into one day surgery. Faster and more effective techniques have made hair transplants an appealing choice to women. Plus, FUE (follicular unit extraction) is a remarkably straight forward surgical procedure and most women recover in several days and return to work. There is some discomfort in the graft areas for a couple of days. Most patients can control this soreness with an over the counter drug like Tylenol. When new hair grows in, the result for a woman is subtle. People notice their hair looks better but they are not quite certain why.

Hair loss can be caused by number of factors like thyroid irregularities, iron deficiencies, or other ailments. Giving birth can cause hair loss too. But the most frequent cause women lose their hair is genetics. Contrary to widespread belief, the genetic characteristic is not passed from your grandfather neither does it skip a generation. The likelihood is passed on from all your relatives. The greater number of bald people in your family, the more your chance is of losing your hair.

Most prospects for hair transplants are those who have typical female pattern thinning. In hair transplantation new hair is not created, but hair is redistributed from the back and sides of the head to places where it is thinning. Men have bald areas in the back or front of their head while women's hair loss usually is more diffuse losing hair from all parts of their head

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Hair And Scalp Diseases - Alopecia Areata

If you were to ask, an individual who suffers from Alopecia Areata what it is you may be surprised at their answer. Instead of giving you the medical terminology that goes with this condition, they will simply tell you that it is a discouraging and disheartening condition. It is a form of hair loss that those suffering from it find frustrating.

As far as the cause of it goes, it is believed to be a malfunction in the autoimmune system of the sufferer. It does just restrict itself to male or female as either can be affected with it. It most often comes on quickly and becomes noticeable rapidly. It seems to affect one side more than the other for reasons unknown. Alopecia areata is not to be mistaken as being male pattern baldness, which is hereditary. Something that is seen throughout the generations amongst the men of the family.

When an individual suffers from an autoimmune disorder is almost as if the body turns on itself and will attack various components of the body. This is what happens in the case of Alopecia Areata. The body simply attacks the hair as if it were a foreign entity. It centers its attack on the individual hair follicles.

When biopsies are taken and conducted on skin that is affected with Alopecia Areata it will show the immune cells within the hair follicle that should not be there. There are several autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis that are autoimmune diseases just to name a few. Sometimes the Alopecia Areata will co incide with this. There has been some evidence to indicate that this condition may be heredity.

There is a pattern to this type of hair loss, which shows patches of hair loss. Then there is a pattern that indicates a thinning that appears to be more general it’s called diffuse Alopecia Areata. In severe cases there can be total scalp baldness technically known as alopecia totalis. It doesn’t happen too often but the entire body can become hairless called Alopecia Universalis. With men, it can affect total hair loss of the beard.

It would seem that the condition alopecia areata affects children right up to younger adults. In very rare cases, it will affect toddlers and it could affect children into their mid adulthood. It is not contagious. Often when estrogen and progesterone therapies are stopped, there will be hair loss but this is very different from Alopecia Areata.

One many wonder how a diagnosis can be made when there are so many varying types of hair loss. Each condition has their own specific characteristics. In this case, when the hairs are looked at closely the hairs seem to form an exclamation point. In some cases, though an actual biopsy of the scalp has to be performed in order to confirm the condition.

As far as treatment goes in about 50% of the cases, the hair will just grow back in on its own. For the other 50% there are various treatments both natural and chemical that are available to them, although the natural treatments are safer.

By: Jane Carter

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