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:

New "Hair Loss & Replacement For Dummies" Book Offers Timely ...
MarketWatch (press release) - 13 hours ago
Hair Loss & Replacement For Dummies is replete with important information for men and women of virtually all ages anxious to preserve their full head of ...


Big Head, Bald Head- Is Hair Loss Caused by Skull Expansion?
PowerHomeBiz.com (press release) - 8 hours ago
Paul Taylor from Top Hair Loss Remedy.com spent seven years of independent research into androgenetic alopecia following concerns about his own hair loss. ...


Different Types of Natural Cure for Hair Loss
Meadow Free Press, ID - Jan 6, 2009
A natural cure for hair loss includes medicines and treatment products manufactured from natural resources, not those goods that are clinically manufactured ...


Reasons for Female Hair Loss and their Possible Treatments
PWO, France - Jan 6, 2009
Hair loss among men is an ordinary story but in case you don’t know, female hair loss is also a widespread problem. However, women are not as vocal as men ...


AFP

New Genetic Hair Loss Breakthrough
UKMedix Health News, UK - Jan 5, 2009
The big thing in the world of hair loss research at the moment is genes. Scientists have the located a number of genetic structures which appear in men and ...
Hair loss hope as key chemical found Metro
Possible cure for premature baldness is beautiful iTWire
Culprit gene behind childhood baldness found TheMedGuru
Scotsman - News-Medical.net
all 30 news articles


Hair Loss Treatments: If You’re Too Young To Look Old
PWO, France - Jan 5, 2009
And for some people, hair loss can begin even earlier, although in those cases and underlying disease or stress may be responsible. ...
Proficient and Commanding: FDA Approved Hair Loss Treatment PWO
all 2 news articles


Hair Loss Treatment for Man: Enumerating the Different Options
Meadow Free Press, ID - Jan 1, 2009
Since the cause of male pattern baldness is caused by a rise in DHT, the most effective hair loss treatment for man is the one with that focuses on blocking ...
Finding the Right Hair Loss Product PWO
all 2 news articles


AsiaOne

Mane concern
AsiaOne, Singapore - Jan 4, 2009
'You won't even lose your hair because we have some chemotherapy drugs that do not cause hair loss," I finally said. Only then did Madam Loh, ...


Helping those with hair loss Helping those with hair loss
Bellevue Reporter, WA - Dec 31, 2008
Her clientele include women, men and children who have experienced various degrees of hair loss due to genetics, trauma, or medical reasons such as illness ...


In Taiwan more women than men suffering hair loss: doctors
eTaiwan News, Taiwan - Dec 31, 2008
He added that physical and psychological stress can disrupt a person's immune system and destroy the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. ...

Hair-Loss - Google News

home | index |site map
© 2006