Cause Of Female Hair Loss- Myths And Realities
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This article will explore some of the
myths surrounding hair loss. The cause of female hair loss is not always
easy to determine, but if you fall prey to myths, scams and
misinformation, you'll never get the problem under control. Read on to
find out what is not are not the cause of female hair loss.
Myth: Only men suffer from hereditary
hair loss. Reality: Nearly 30 million women in the United State suffer
from hair loss that's genetic. This cause of female hair loss is linked to
hormonal imbalances in the body that trigger the same mechanism that
occurs in men. Although women rarely go completely bald, they can lose up
to 50% of their hair in what's called "female pattern hair loss."
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Myth: The genetic cause of female hair
loss is genetic and comes from the mother's side of the family. Reality:
if you're at risk for genetically-related hair loss, the gene can come
from either your mother's or your father's side. Hair loss does tend to
run in families, so if there are women in your family who have thinning
hair, chances are you're at risk.
Myth: Women lose their hair only after
the birth of a baby or during menopause. Reality: Women can begin to
experience thinning hair as early as their 20s. The cause of female hair
loss here can still be genetic -- even at this early age. Women don't lose
hair at the crown and frontal hairline, though. For them it begins just
behind the frontal hairline and continues in a diffuse pattern all over
the scalp.
Myth: Stress is a cause of female hair
loss. Reality: Probably not, unless the stress is traumatic -- like a
death in the family or other sudden unexpected major life change.
Stress-related hair loss, if it occurs at all, happens months after the
actual event. More likely causes are scalp disease or poor nutrition due
to crash dieting.
Myth: Shedding hair means my hair loss is
hereditary. Reality: Every day you normally lose about 100 hairs. Hair has
a growth cycle with three stages: growth, transition and dormancy.
About 10% of the hairs on your head are in the dormant phase which means
they are not growing. After 3 - 5 months, these dormant hairs fall out and
a strong new hair pushes its way to the surface of the scalp. So mild
shedding is natural, not a cause of female hair loss.
Myth: If you make it to age 40 with your
hair, you'll keep it. Reality: For women, hair loss is often most severe
in menopause which typically begins around age 50. A major cause of female
hair loss, menopause can severely impact the hair and scalp. Fluctuating
estrogen levels are the culprits here, with the good news that this type
of hair loss is treatable.
Myth: Cutting your hair stimulates
growth. Reality: Hair follicles are not affected by haircuts. Your hair
grows at a steady constant rate with only minor seasonal variations and
cutting it is not way to combat the cause of female hair loss.
Myth: A cause of female hair loss can be
shampoos and other hair products. Reality: Although in rare cases, an
allergic reaction to hair dye can cause the hair to fall out, there is no
scientific evidence that shows shampoo or other styling products to be the
cause of hair loss. Conversely, they also cannot stimulate hair to grow.
Myth: Clogged follicles on the scalp are
the cause of female hair loss. Reality: The oil produced by the scalp is
called sebum and is not known to clog follicles. Removing it will not
affect hair loss or growth.
Myth: You don't need to see a doctor to
treat hair loss. Reality: Unless you consult a physician about the cause
of female hair loss in your specific case, it's unlikely you'll find a
successful treatment by trial and error. Save time, money and possibly
your hair -- see a doctor.
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