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.
About The Author
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com
website that provides information and guidance to those suffering
from premature hair loss.
richard@myhairlossadvisor.com
