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Genetically, hair loss can come from
either parents side of the family.
There are two different types, medically known as anagen
effluvium and Telogen effluvium.
Anagen effluvium is generally due to
internally administered medications,
such as chemotherapy agents, that
poison the growing hair follicle.
Telogen effluvium, is due to an
increased number of hair follicles
entering the resting stage.
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The most common causes of telogen
effluvium are:
Physical stress: surgery, illness,
anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness,
death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin
A, Blood pressure and Gout
medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth
control pills, menopause.
When the above causes of telogen
effluvium are reversed or altered
you should see the return of normal
hair growth. |
DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to
dieting. Franchised diet programs
which are designed or administered
under the direction of a physician
with prescribed meals, dietary
supplements and vitamin ingestion
have become popular. Sometimes the
client is told that vitamins are a
necessary part of the program to
prevent hair loss associated with
dieting. From a dermatologists's
standpoint, however, the vitamins
cannot prevent hair loss associated
with rapid, significant weight loss.
Furthermore, many of these
supplements are high in vitamin A
which can magnify the loss.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and
emotional stress can cause hair
loss. The body simply shuts down
production of hair during periods of
stress since it is not necessary for
survival and instead devotes its
energies toward repairing vital body
structures. In many cases there is a
three month delay between the actual
event and the onset of hair loss.
Furthermore, there may be another
three month delay prior to the
return of noticeable regrowth.
This then means that the total hair
loss and regrowth cycle can last 6
months or possibly longer when
induced by physical or emotional
stress. There are some health
conditions which may go undetected
that can also contribute.
These include anemia or low blood
count and thyroid abnormalities.
Both of these conditions can be
detected by a simple, inexpensive
blood test.
HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause
of hair loss for women. Many women do
not realize that it can occur
after pregnancy or following
discontinuation of birth control
pills. It is important to remember
that the loss may be delayed by
three months following the hormonal
change and another three months will
be required for new growth to be
fully achieved.
MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS
Frequent shampooing contributes to
hair loss.
Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
100 brush strokes daily will create healthier hair.
Permanent loss is caused by
perms, colors and other cosmetic
treatments.
Shaving one's head will cause the
hair to grow back thicker.
Standing on one's head will cause
increased circulation and thereby
stimulate growth!
Dandruff causes permanent hair
loss.
There are cosmetic products that
will cause the hair to grow thicker
and faster.
Stress causes permanent hair loss.
Hair loss does not occur in the
late teens or early twenties.
Hair loss affects only
intellectuals.
There is a cure for androgenetic
Alopecia.
These are only a few of the common
myths heard by physicians and other
specialists on a daily
basis. It is suggested that you
first have your hair loss diagnosed
by a competent dermatologist who
sees hair loss patients on a regular
basis. Once you know the diagnosis
you will have a better understanding
of exactly which treatment option
may be best for you.
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