Hair Loss Information

Common Treatments For Hair Loss In Women


Much has been said and written about modern day hair loss treatments but this tends to relate almost exclusively to men. Do these same treatments offer solutions to women suffering from hair loss or is there a completely different category of remedies available? It really depends on what is causing hair loss in the first place and as the most common causes of hair loss are the same as those that affect men, the treatments available are pretty similar.

In an earlier article we concluded that the three most common causes of hair loss in women are female pattern baldness, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. We'll now look at each of these in turn and examine the best treatments available, bearing in mind the specific needs of women:

1. Treatments for female pattern baldness.

In most instances minoxidil (Rogaine) is the first treatment used. This is one of only two FDA approved hair loss treatments and it remains the only one approved for use by women. Minoxidil comes in the form of a topical solution that works by tackling the symptoms of hair loss and helping to generate new hair growth. It does not target the causes of hair loss and will not work for everyone. The women's version of minoxidil is a 2% solution but the 5% version marketed for men can be used if necessary.

The most popular drug for treating male pattern baldness is of course finasteride (Propecia). Women of child bearing age should not use this drug due to the severely damaging effects it can have on unborn male fetuses. Any women considering using Propecia should discuss it first with their physician. In some cases your doctor may prescribe a different androgen blocker called spironolactone as a means of stopping the hormone activity that is causing hair loss. Spironolactone is normally used as a diuretic and results may be variable.

There is a bewildering range of commercial products available, most of which are aimed squarely at men but many are also suitable for women to use. Whether they work or not is another question but some products containing ingredients like saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum and green tea have shown their value. You can find out more about these and other poential hair loss solutions by visiting the site listed at the end of this article.

2. Treatments for telogen effluvium

This is a hair loss condition that generally does not require any specific treatment. Once the effects of the trauma that caused hair loss in the first place have subsided, the hair will regrow of its own accord. Some patients like to encourage the regrowth process by using minoxidil but this isn't necessary. Implementing a good nutritional regime and supplementing with B-vitamins may help to create a hair friendly environment.

3. Treatments for alopecia areata.

This is another hair loss condition that may resolve itself spontaneously. In some cases one of the following treatments may prove useful:

- Daily application of minoxidil (Rogaine).

- Injection of cortisone into patchy areas of the scalp (this must be administered by a physician). Creams and lotions containing cortisone can also be used but results are variable.

- Dithranol can be applied to the scalp in mild or early cases.

- Application of 100% aloe vera gel.

- Massage the scalp with rosemary and lavender essential oils in a jojoba base.

- Use of a hair loss product containing the Chinese herb He Shou Wu.

- A product called Calosol has recently generated positive feedback.

Please note, however, that none of these is guaranteed to work due to the unpredictable nature of alopecia areata. It is this uncertainty that offers opportunities for scamsters to make outlandish claims. The fact remains, there are no miracle cures for advanced forms of alopecia areata so sufferers may wish to consider other options such as head coverings and wigs.

This does not mean that patients are without hope because, even in severe cases, hair can spontaneously start to grow again even after years of loss.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Treatments for Women to find out more about the issues covered in this article.


MORE RESOURCES:

Low Level Laser Therapy Study
MarketWatch - 7 hours ago
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... of pregnancy (besides having to get ALL new shoes because your feet have grown or ALL new clothes because you can't fit your old ones) is hair loss. ...


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Hair Loss 'Success Stories' Give Hope to Hair Loss Sufferers World ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Oct 9, 2008
The Belgravia Hair Loss Centre launches its 'hair loss success story' blog featuring comments written by former hair loss sufferers reporting their ...


Tackling male hair loss at a young age
Irish Times, Ireland - Oct 6, 2008
A Male pattern hair loss (balding), also called androgenic alopecia, appears as a receding hairline with or without hair loss on the top of the head. ...


Hair Loss - Not Just A Man's Problem
FemaleFirst.co.uk, UK - Oct 8, 2008
Did you know 4.8 million women suffer from thinning hair or hair loss and by the age of 35 almost 40% of men and women show some degree of hair loss. ...


Nutreve International Launches Comprehensive Hair Loss Solution ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Oct 8, 2008
Nutreve International announces the product launch of their comprehensive hair loss treatment system. The Nutreve Hair Therapy System is a complete hair ...


Low Level Laser Therapy Study
International Business Times, NY - 7 hours ago
LLLT has been used effectively to treat hair loss as well asmany other ailments throughout Europe for over a decade. Men or women who have or expect to have ...


Pregnancy and Hair Loss
Blackvoices - Oct 8, 2008
Many women experience post-pregnancy hair loss. This article will outline the cause of this condition and some possible solutions. ...


The fallout of hair loss: Suffering in silence
MSNBC - Sep 29, 2008
Like 30 million other women in the United States, she’s coping with hair loss. “Dealing with it gets really time-consuming,” says Rankin, who started losing ...

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