Dramatics Of Hair Loss In Women

Have you noticed a gradual and progressive increase in the number of hairs lost when combing or brushing? Perhaps after months or years of vain denial, have realized that the mirror does not lie, visible thinning has occurred. You are not alone if you're experiencing breakage, increased release of hair or hair loss significantly. Many women may cover it with wigs, hair extensions, hats or scarves. Others choose one of several approved medications or surgical procedures are available to treat baldness. Excessive hair loss or balding is mistakenly perceived as strictly that happens to men although women actually make up forty percent of those who suffer the loss of America's hair. In the U.S., one in four, or more than 30 million women will seek solutions and treatment for hair loss every year. First, do not panic! Hair loss, hair loss is consistent within the hair growth cycle and is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has about 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and results of the normal cycle of hair growth in falling or shedding of around 100 to 150 hairs daily. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at an average rate of about one centimeter per month. Hair is composed of two separate parts: the follicle and hair shaft. The follicle lies below the scalp and produces the hair strands that we see more and more out of our heads. The follicle is alive, however, the strand of hair is simply composed of dead cells that lack the capacity to regenerate. For most people, 90% of our hair is always in a growth phase to six years (anagen) while the remaining 10% is in a period of rest (telogen), which lasts about three months. When the dormant period ends the hair falls, which are worrisome hairs we obsess over in our comb, hairbrush, on our pillow or down the shower drain. Relax, some hair loss is perfectly normal. Baldness or Alopecia happens when you alter the normal pattern of hair growth. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. If the growth pattern is out of balance, hair does not grow as rapidly as it falls. A family history of androgenetic alopecia increases your risk of balding. Heredity also influences the age when they begin to lose hair and development, the pattern and extent of his baldness. What worries us is not these normally shed hairs, but the noticeable thinning we face in the mirror. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, vanity visible. A luxuriant full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman and is intricately woven into our own image. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick head of silky hair. Throughout history, images of bright, full-bodied hair are associated with female beauty, youth, desirability and good health. Society unfairly identifies dry lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty. A drastic decrease in self-esteem is evident in women when their hair begins to fall. Hair shedding is not physically painful, however, often causes severe emotional distress. We are obsessed with our thin tresses as fighting depression and self hatred. Women frequently become introverted and withdraw from the world. We avoid intimate contact and make futile attempts to disguise the quality and quantity of hair. Hair loss is especially damaging to those who have professions or careers where physical appearance plays an important role. A young woman is especially vulnerable to the stigma of baldness. Not until we are faced with hair loss not we fully realize how essential hair is to our overall perception of ourselves. The hair of a woman is at its thickest part of 20 years. Once you pass 20, however, the hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than normal 100-150 hairs a day. With aging, hair strands have less pigment and become smaller so that what was once the luxuriant and thick hair of our youth becomes thin, fine and lighter in color. For women, even the elderly, significant hair loss can threaten self-image. A woman's sense of sexuality and femininity, and establish its place in the family and society are often undermined by hair loss. No wonder when a man starts balding. At the age of thirty-five about 25 percent of American men suffer from some degree of significant hair loss and 75 percent are bald or have a balding pattern by age 60. In men, hair loss is often perceived as a sign of virility, a demonstrable sign that his male hormones functioning at maximum capacity. To project strength and masculinity, men often choose to shave their heads. Although many men are quite dismayed by a receding hairline, research indicates that the pain of Phycology of hair loss do not affect men as it impacts negatively on women. What makes dealing with hair loss so difficult is the alarming lack of control, the feeling of inability to do anything to stop hair fall. Causes of hair loss in women As we age, women face a multitude of changes and challenges: wrinkles, an increasing waist, cellulite deposits and thickening ankles. It seems unjust that hair loss that many of us is another blow to our self esteem. Female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. This type of female baldness is caused by the chemical dihydrotestosterone, or DHT which builds up around the air follicle and over time destroys both the hair shaft and follicle. Pregnancy or the onset of menopause can cause a fluctuation in estrogen production. A lack of estrogen sufficient to produce the blockade of the enzymes of testosterone, testosterone is converted to DHT in the scalp. The result is a short cycle of hair growth, thinning hair and excessive hair loss and shedding the tear. Some women experience an increase in hair loss several months after delivering a baby. Genetics aside, there are many other reasons why women lose hair. Surgery, extreme emotional or physical stress, hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy and scalp infections are but a few. Hair loss in women can also be caused by contraceptive drugs, certain prescription drugs or result from the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive styling that can cause permanent damage to the fragile hair follicle. Excess hair shedding can also be a symptom of rapid weight loss dangerous fashion, diet or an eating disorder like anorexia. The use of drugs such as cocaine also exhibit sudden and severe hair loss. Calling your health care Reacting strongly to the physical state of our thinning hair may seem like excessive vanity, but it is not. Baldness is not usually caused by disease, but is more commonly related to heredity, aging and hormone function. However, changes in hair appearance, texture and growth patterns may indicate serious health problems. Hair is one of the first areas, along with skin and nails, to reflect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and disease. It is advisable to pay attention. Women's hair seems to be particularly sensitive to underlying medical conditions it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss properly assessed by a doctor. If your thinning hair is the result of a medical condition, your doctor will treat these ailments and as a result you may experience a significant growth of new hair. Once you and your doctor have identified the cause of your hair loss may be referred to a specialist or hair implant surgeon to learn about available treatment options, such as hair transplant procedures and to promote the growth or hide losses. For some types of alopecia, hair may resume normal growth without any treatment. A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximize the potential of your hair growth cycle. Although medical research is underway, the following have proved beneficial in the growth and keep hair healthy hair. Nutrition Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well-being. Talk with your health care provider your diet, all medications and supplements you are taking. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency of essential fats in the diet, oily hair can be a sign of a deficiency of vitamin B. Recent medical studies have found that a high percentage of women with long hair and are deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. It is difficult to obtain sufficient lysine through diet. Lysine is important in iron transport and necessary to support hair growth. Lysine is found in eggs and red meat for vegetarians must be aware of this potential shortfall in their diets. The amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine is believed to improve hair texture, quality and growth. Low-fat foods that rank high in protein and low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in maintaining healthy hair growth and helps in preventing hair loss. Important essential fatty acids for maintaining hair health are found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, sardines, spinach, soy and canola oil. Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils protect the heart, and your hair so include salmon in your diet regularly. Herbal Remedies offer hope for hair loss Talk with your nutritional advisor or medical professional the benefits of herbs. The following natural plant derivatives have properties to promote a healthy head of hair. Aloe Arnica Birch Burdock Catmint Manzanilla Horsetail Licorice Marigold Ortigas Parsley Rosemary Sage Hair Care Always choose organic natural products to avoid chemicals and toxins found in many products for hair care. The harsh chemicals can strip the natural oils of your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair and follicle, and the delicate balance of sebum in the scalp. Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally instead of using a hair dryer. A natural bristle brush is useful in preventing damage. No style until completely dry. The wet hair is weak hair to handle with care. Avoid or break bad habits that may have to pull or twist the hair. Try not to always run your fingers through his hair, pull hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands to break and pull hair. Minimize use of creams, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair. Avoid salt and chlorinated water when swimming. If exposed, always wash your hair with cold water and an organic gentle shampoo and apply a mild conditioner. Sun lovers should make sure that the hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging effects of UV rays. Remember to bring a hat to prevent sunburn of the scalp. Healthy Lifestyle Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of what we are. I remind myself to keep my obsession with my hair loss in perspective and be happy with all other areas of my life that go well and in balance. Focus on the positive, eat well, rest well and be at peace with who you are. Remember, that for some, hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared.