women’s health

by Kim Archer

It’s not fun for anyone when their hair starts falling out. In the case of women, though, it’s particularly worrisome and damaging to their self confidence. If female hair loss is a problem for you, the first thing you need to do is find out the reasons for this condition. Only by knowing what causes the problem can you find an effective solution.

A frequent reason for the problem is a hereditary condition known as androgenetic alopecia. This is a genetic medical condition that causes a woman’s hair to become thin and sparse. It’s a problem that can start when a woman is still relatively young, often in her teens or early twenties. The problem here is that there is no cure for this condition. You can, however, improve the situation with minoxidil, a product more commonly known as Rogaine. Proper use of this medicinal preparation can help your hair to grow thicker and fuller.

Another medical reason for excessive hair loss is a condition known as alopecia areata. This condition usually manifests as small bald patches about the size of a coin. In extreme instances it can cause complete baldness. The good news is that there are effective treatment methods for this condition. You’ll need to consult with a dermatologist in order to get an accurate diagnosis. He or she will then recommend a course of treatment.

There are other health concerns that can cause your hair to fall out as well. Thyroid disease, serious infections, high fever and even the flu can cause problems related to thinning hair. As well, some medications have side effects that include loss of hair. Or it could be a nutritional deficiency causing the problem. If you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, your hair will become thin and weak, causing it to break off more easily.

Another possible cause of hair loss in women is the overuse of common hair products. Women who use bleach, hair dye or chemical straighteners too often or improperly will often find their hair breaking off and not growing back. By avoiding or cutting back on your use of these things, you might eliminate the problem entirely.

Most issues involving female hair loss have to do with hair that becomes thin and fragile. But women also will sometimes experience more dramatic hair loss. It’s important that you consult with a health care provider for a careful examination of the problem, because it might be the result of a medical condition.

By understanding the reasons why you’re experiencing thinning or disappearing hair, you’ll be better able to manage the problem. By simply altering the way you care for your hair each day, you might be able to solve the problem. Other times, you’ll need to visit your doctor to find out if there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with medically.

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