| Common treatments
for hair loss in women.
by Richard Mitchell
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.
Please go to Hair Loss Treatments for Women
to find out more about the issues covered in this article.
Keywords: hair loss in women, hair loss treatments for women
About the Author
Richard Mitchell,
richard@myhairlossadvisor.com
http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com
website that provides information and guidance to those suffering
from premature hair loss.
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