Thursday, January 17, 2013

Causes Of Sudden Hair Loss In Women

In the past few years, sudden hair loss in women has become a growing problem. More and more women are complaining of sudden thinning hair and hair loss. There are a number of reasons for this sudden hair loss in women. 


Most often it is because of a hormonal imbalance, other times, hair loss is an after effect of surgery or pregnancy. 


Taking specific medications such as the birth control pill, blood thinners, or anti fungal medication can also cause sudden hair loss in women. 

Women who have had chemotherapy treatment have also experienced sudden hair loss. And these are just a few of the many causes out there.

There are also certain diseases that can cause sudden hair loss in women. One of the warning signs of diabetes is hair loss for example. Specific tests need to be done to rule this or any other disease out as a cause of hair loss before you take any further action. 

When Is Hair Loss In Women Normal?

At any given point in time, hair experts predict that about seven to ten percent of a woman's hair is in a resting period. This resting period can last approximate two to three months. When the resting period is done, the hair falls out. New hair immediately starts to grow back, and could take up to 6 years to grow out. 

Hair expert theorize that approximately ninety percent of all hair is growing at once. It is the normal to experience hair loss on a daily basis. 

Treat your hair with care as the way hair is treated can affect hair loss. When hair is always tied back, either in pigtails or ponytails, it can cause a condition called Alopeccia. This condition results in scarring on the scalp and new hair growth is prohibited.

Often, women will have their hair permed or coloured, to make it look better, but this can damage the hair beyond repair and actually cause Alopeccia as well.

A medical doctor may be can assist in the diagnosis of sudden hair loss in women. A doctor will perform an exam and ask a series of questions to help with the diagnosis. It is important to answer all questions honestly. If it is needed, a biopsy will be ordered to rule out any type of cancer.

There are treatment options for sudden hair loss. It can be very simple. If the hair loss is due to medication, then a different medication can be prescribed. If the hair loss is due to infection or hormones, again medication can be prescribed. 

In the past decade, hair loss drugs such as Rogaine have been developed for hair loss for women. This medicine can be found in over the counter pharmacies everywhere. 

There are expert doctors who can offer hair transplants to women, however, it is quite expensive, and virtually all insurance companies deem this elective cosmetic surgery and do not cover it.