Thursday 23 February 2012

Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Natural Solutions, and Medical Treatments

Hair loss or baldness is often associated with men. But hair loss does affect women too. Since the hair is the woman’s crowning glory, this problem can be potentially devastating to the person. With the use of hair loss treatments for women, this problem can be minimized.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss occurs due to a variety of reasons. Genetics plays a vital role. Women who have a family history of female baldness can suffer from hair thinning and eventually hair loss. The genetic history of both parents is a factor in baldness.

Another possible reason is hormonal changes. Women are prone to hormonal changes especially during menopause. This is when changes in the hair can be noticed. Changes in estrogen levels can possibly affect hair thinning.

Another factor is aging. When a woman ages, hair may start to fall. Other causes of female hair loss include too much use of hairstyling tools, stress, medical conditions, contraceptives, and childbirth.

Natural Hair Loss Solutions for Women

1. Healthy diet. A healthy balanced diet can minimize or prevent the occurrence of hair loss. Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet is very helpful. It is also a good idea to minimize the intake of animal fats. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that can help maintain the health of hair. Vitamin B-complex and biotin counter the effects of fatty acids which can cause hair loss. Vitamin B5 can help maintain the health of the hair follicles.

2. Massaging the scalp. Massaging the scalp can help the blood circulation in the head which keeps the hair follicles healthy.

3. Using hairpieces. Donning a wig can disguise thinning hair. This is one of the cost-effective, though short-term, methods of treating hair loss.

4. Herbal treatments. Taking herbs can help remedy hair thinning or baldness problems. One effective herbal remedy is the rosemary tea. Ginseng, saw palmetto and nettle roots are also found useful in revitalizing dormant follicles.

5. Aloe vera gel. Using topical applications of aloe vera gel can help stimulate hair growth. Aloe vera is known to thicken the hair and stimulate hair growth.

Medical Treatments for Female Hair Loss

It is best to ask a doctor about the best medications to take when suffering from hair loss. This is because hair loss drugs for men may not be appropriate for women. As a matter of fact, treatment for men’s hair may harm women’s hair. This is why it is important to ask the doctor what medications to take as a hair loss treatment for women.

1. Minoxidil. This drug can be used for both women and men. Baldness does not progress quickly when the patient uses this drug. This medication needs to be applied two times a day to see results.

2. Hair replacement surgery. A hair transplant surgery involves the removal of hair-bearing areas of the scalp and transferring them to a balding area of the scalp. Surgical hair restoration is the most expensive means of treating hair loss.

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