Root Of Female Hair Loss

A single hair follicle grows its hair strand over a period of four to six years (the anagen phase). It then rests for two to four months (the telogen phase), after which it loses the "old" hair as a new hair shaft grows and pushes out its predecessor. When the new hair grows in, it does so at a rate of approximately half an inch per month. At any time, 10 percent of your hair is in the telogen phase and 90 percent is in the anagen phase.

In some folks, however -- those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss -- a group of hormones called androgens interferes with this natural process. According to dermatologist Michael Reed, MD, androgen hormones include testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) -- all of which are made in men's bodies in large amounts, and in women's bodies in small amounts.

If lots of hair begins to fall out throughout the scalp, it's obviously due to a change in the normal hair cycle: either a short anagen phase or an increase in the number of follicles that enter the telogen phase. When the majority of hair follicles "go telogen" it's called telogen effluvium or stress alopecia. A shock to the body's system, which stresses the hair follicles, is often to blame for this change in cyclical hair events. Two to three months after the stressor hits, up to 70 percent of hairs can enter the telogen phase and commence a massive "fall out".

1. A sudden hormone change (usually a drop in hormone levels)

2. After the birth of a baby ( delivery of the placenta causes the levels of pregnancy hormones to plummet)

3. Discontinuing birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

4. High fever

5. Acute trauma (surgery, physical injury or psychological trauma)

6. Severe dieting ( inadequate protein and iron intake)

7. Underactive or overactive thyroid

8. Diseases such as diabetes and lupus

9. Chemotherapy

10. Medications: These include retinoids, blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, certain birth control pills and even NSAID's (including Ibuprofen)

11. Burns or radiation therapy
Pulling the hair tightly in a ponytail and the repeated traction used for hair extensions and tight braiding can cause some hair loss, especially in the temple area. This is called traction alopecia. If not corrected, the hair follicle may be permanently damaged. Chemicals that dye, bleach, straighten or perm the hair can also cause the shaft to break off, but once the chemical insult has stopped, the root portion should grow back.

In general, there is a very good chance that the hair will grow back, but it can also fall out again. There's no way of predicting the ultimate course. Some individuals lose just a few patches of hair, it grows back and the condition doesn't recur. Others continue to lose and regrow hair for years and still others lose all the hair on their head, face and body; rarely this is permanent.

In most cases your hair loss is due to trauma to the hair follicle and after several months your hair will grow back. Make sure that you talk to your doctor before you try any products on your own. Reassurance and patience may be all you need.

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