Hair fall is natural. Its normal is your hairs sheds in morning
shower, or while you comb and blow dry. Hairs have a cycle of growth and when a
mature hair falls, there is a new one that replaces it. Research claims that on an average, we lose fifty to a hundred
hairs a day. But, unexplained and excessive hair loss that clogs your drain,
widens your part or thins your pony tail needs immediate attention and
dermatological consultation as it could be an indication of a serious ailment.
Here are five causes of hair fall and their treatment options
suggested by medical experts:
Hereditary Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss is mostly genetic and can be inherited
from either of the parents. Scientifically termed as Androgenic Alopecia, it
sets in early in life, and worsens with age. There is thinning of hair in the
crown region, unlike men who get a receding hairline, and the symptoms are
widening of part or thinning of a pony tail.
Although there is no way to prevent genetic hair loss in women,
it can be controlled with a prescribed dose of minoxidil which is applied to
the scalp twice a day. Minoxidil is reported to have minimal side effects as
compared to other hair loss treatments and is more effective for female pattern
hair loss as compared to male pattern hair loss. However, pregnant and
lactating women should avoid the use of minoxidil or propecia.
Tellogen Effluvium
The change in hair growth cycle wherein the hair moves faster
from one phase to another - the growing phase into the “resting” phase and finally
to the shedding phase or the “tellogen” phase- is called Tellogen Effluvium.
This type of hair loss generally occurs after a stressful event
or a chronic disease which leads to nutritional deficiency in body. If you
notice a significant hair loss between six weeks to three months after pregnancy,
drastic weight loss, stress, surgery or a chronic malady, you are likely to be
affected with Tellogen Effluvium.
Make dietary changes and incorporate more whole grain cereals,
green leafy vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Consult a medical expert
for stress related medication. Avoid taking over the counter drugs for hair
loss if you have undergone a surgery.
Excessive Styling
Regular use of permanent dyes, blow dry, hair straightening
solutions, or harsh chemicals in form of shampoos, conditioners, hair gels disturb
the normal acid-alkaline balance leading to hair fall and dandruff. Use
home-made hair cleansing paste made of neem, amla, brahmi and other herbs
instead of commercial range of hair cleansers and conditioners.
Avoid hot water baths hair as it opens the pores and weakens the
hair follicles. Use thick hair brush to comb your hair and make sure you oil
your hair as frequently as possible. A hot oil massage with a bowl of mixed
hair oils will restore nourishment to your hair lost with the harsh styling
treatments.
Hormonal Imbalance
Another extremely prevalent cause of hair fall among women is
hormonal imbalance. Hormones get
disturbed when body undergoes vital changes during menopause, pregnancy, ageing
or medical treatment. Women often suffer from thyroxin imbalance leading to
hypo or hyperthyroidism after pregnancy or during menopause. These hormonal
disturbances affect the body’s metabolic rate and causes hair fall. Excess male
hormones such a androgens are also responsible for hair loss in women.
To combat hair loss due to hormonal disturbance, it is advisable
to seek treatment for hormone imbalance rather than using the popularly
recommended hair loss medication, such as minoxidil or Propecia.
Consult a gynaecologist or seek medical opinion online to
determine the cause of hair loss and the course of treatment that will be
suitable for you.
By Medical Opinion
By Medical Opinion