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Hair loss in
healthy women
Other possible causes of hair loss
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In the initial phase an increase in the rate of hair shedding is
observed, followed by a decrease in fibre diameter and number of
hairs in the affected area. In females this leads to wider partings
and a diffuse thinning from just behind the frontal hair line to the
crown(5). In extreme cases such changes occur shortly after puberty.
For most individuals however, changes become evident during the mid
to late 20's. Effective medical treatment is available and usually
involves oral anti-androgen and oestrogen therapy. Women requiring
such treatment can often re-grow up to 40% more hair but it is a
process requiring continual medical supervision and referral to a
specialist(13, 14).
During the menstrual years affected females may use oral
contraceptives. It is essential that they use only those containing a
non-androgenic progestin since those based on testosterone
(androgenic) may exacerbate the hair loss. Consult your GP or
pharmacist for specific preparation advice.
Post-Menopausal
While early adolescence and the mid to late 20's are potential
problem times for women susceptible to genetic hair loss, the
menopause is an equally critical time. This is because there is a
natural reduction in circulating female hormones (oestrogens)
changing the oestrogen to androgen (male hormone) balance.
Consequently an androgen shift occurs which can lead either to
further hair loss or can cause a first episode of hair loss in those
previously unaffected during the menstrual years.
Anecdotal data suggest that some current types of HRT induce hair
changes similar to those seen in genetic hair loss, although some
hair benefits can occur from HRT due to oestrogen levels being
restored.
Thyroid
Thyroid imbalances can produce significant changes in hair growth and
hair quality. In the UK approximately 2% of women and 0.1% of men are
affected. Only a blood test can diagnose this condition(15). The
frequency of hypothyroidism increases significantly after the
menopause, where up to 10% of women may be affected.
Pregnancy
It is well established that following childbirth 50% of women
experience post-natal hair loss and this usually regrows without
intervention. In those few women where it does not other reasons are
found. The precise cause of post-natal hair loss is unknown although
some hormonal and nutritional factors have been identified. If you
suffered in one pregnancy you may not after a second or subsequent
pregnancy, and vice versa(16).
Illness
General health disturbances can cause increased hair shedding 10 to
12 weeks after the start of the problem. The hair loss usually
continues for the duration of the disturbance plus a week or so. No
treatment is required unless other complications develop. Sometimes
additional shedding ensues due to the medications given, or if
prolonged fever is associated with the illness
Other medical
conditions
There are a number of other medical conditions and diseases causing
hair loss. These all require medical attention. Perhaps the most
common is the loss of hair in patches, called alopecia areata (AA).
Although the frequency of AA is relatively small (about 0.1% of the
population) it is a condition that receives a great deal of media
attention in its most severe form:- total loss of scalp and sometimes
body hair. Most sufferers however only develop a few isolated
patches, which correct themselves without any treatment. Since the
cause of AA remains unknown there is no specific treatment as yet.
Current research is focusing upon the immune system which looks like
leading to a better understanding and hopefully an effective
treatment.
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