ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
(Female Pattern Hair Loss)

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, But is most commonly seen after menopause although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair falls is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss. Medically known as anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications such as chemotherapy agents that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.

The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

Physical Stress: Surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change
Emotional Stress: mental illness, death of a family member
Thyroid Abnormalities
Medications: High doses of vitamin A - Blood pressure medications - Gout medications
Hormonal Causes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause
When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

DIET CONSIDERATIONS                

Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised die programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologists standpoint, however the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid significant weight loss. Furthermore many of these supplements are high in vitamins A which can magnify the hair loss.