Hair loss is seen frequently in women - more frequently than many of us realise. Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are rather more common that you may think with females making up around twenty five percent of the total sufferers. Unsurprisingly, some people live with the condition without reporting it to a Doctor or medical expert so these figures may differ slightly. It is thought that males suffer from balding and loss of hair more than women because of the dominant gene being passed down from mostly males, although females can carry this gene but do not actually suffer from hair loss. They can, however, pass it down to their offspring.
This article was intended as an extremely brief piece of writing that would outline some of the medical causes of hair loss.
Please bear in mind, many causes of hair loss that are found on this list apply to both females and males. Most causes are temporary and can be easily overcome, so please obtain advice early if you are concerned you are suffering from balding, thinning or loss of hair. The earlier you seek help the more likely your chances of reversing or improving a condition where the hair falls out or thins:
Major Surgery / Shock
The medical term that is used to describe hair falling out after signs of stress to the body is 'Telogen Effluvium'. The person's hair can begin to fall out, or can stop growing. Follicles which contain hair that has stopped growing will sit at a resting phase for around three months when it will then fall out hence the hair loss being noticed around two to four months after such an event.
Stress
In terms of stress that is suffered as a result of poor diet (for example emotional stress as a result of work, or family loss), hair loss in females or males is unlikely unless symptoms are severe and persistent - and the person does not seek help, although actual hair loss should only be seen in extreme circumstances and definitions of stress can differ. Identifying the actual cause of the stress itself is certainly one step in the right direction, usually the person suffering is lapse with their diet and adds convenience foods (or cuts foods out altogether) that lack in nutrients.
Hormonal Imbalances
Pregnancy and Post Pregnancy
It is a well known fact amongst Midwives and Doctors that females that have recently given birth or are still nursing will suffer from a form of female hair loss within four to six months of the birth of their child/children. The hair is often seen to be fuller and glossier in pregnancy, due to the additional hormones that are being transported around the body to support a growing baby (some women also change their diets too which assists in healthier looking skin and hair). Hair fall out can be witnessed after having a bath or shower around four to six months after the birth although this is extremely natural and is simply the body ridding the scalp of the extra hair that remained on the head during the pregnancy phase. Is is nothing to be concerned over, although speak to your Doctor if you do feel that your hair loss may be excessive, or continues for a long period - he or she can always put you at ease about the real facts.
As well as the points listed above, there are many more medical reasons for female hair loss. Genetics is one of them - this form of hair loss cannot be prevented, although the condition can be improved cosmetically. Anorexia can cause Alopecia - the serious lack of balanced diet can harm many other things outside and inside the body, again it is the cause of the hair loss that should be treated as a priority and not the hair loss itself.
If you believe you are suffering from any form of balding or hair loss that is either minor or excessive, then seek help and assurance from a professional who can help rule out any serious underlying problems, and can prescribe the correct drugs.
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