Hair Loss in Women

The battle against bald is fought by men and women alike,  which today is documented by one of Hua Hin's finest news publications - Hua Hin Today  - in its article Hair Loss in Women.

• One of the most common forms of hair loss in women is a condition called telogen effluvium, in which there is a diffuse (or widely spread out) shedding of hairs around the scalp and elsewhere on the body. This is usually a reaction to intense stress on the body's physical or hormonal systems, or as a reaction to medication.
• Another common type of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, which is related to hormone levels in the body. Androgenetic alopecia affects roughly 50 percent of men (this is the main cause of the usual pattern of balding seen as men age) and perhaps as many women over the age of 40. Research shows that up to 13 percent of women have some degree of this sort of hair loss before the menopause, and afterwards it becomes far more common—one piece of research suggests that over the age of 65 as many as 75 percent of women are affected.
• Women's pattern of hair loss is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss in men
  Instead, androgenetic alopecia causes a general thinning of women's hair, with loss predominantly over the top and sides of the head.
• Another important cause of hair loss in women is a condition called alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects more than two per cent of the population. In this, the hair follicles are attacked by white blood cells. Read my related post Advocate for people with hair loss

The article also lists some myths about hair loss in women.

• It means you're not a proper women with two X chromosomes.
• It's caused by washing your hair too often.
• It's caused by too much brushing or combing.
• Hair dyes and perms can cause permanent loss.
• It may result from wearing hats and wigs.
• Shaving your hair will make it regrow thicker.
• Standing on your head will help it grow back.
• It's a sign of an overactive brain.
• There's a miracle cure out there waiting for you.

Last but not least, here are some tips for women with hair loss

• Many causes of female hair loss are temporary - check your general health and be patient.
• Take a look at your family for an idea of your risk of female pattern baldness.
• Don't be taken in by claims for wonder products. There is no cure for female pattern hair loss.
• Many women cope well by using cosmetic products, hats and wigs - persevere until you find your own style.

Btw,  this article was originally published by Dr Trish MacNair for BBC Women's Health.  I just had to find a reason to integrate the words "Hua Hin" into my blog.