There are many different reasons for hair loss in women from stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, genetic hair loss, to name but a few. Hair loss can be slow and gradual, or it can happen very suddenly, it can be temporary or permanent.
Whatever the reason for the hair loss it can be hugely scary, bringing with it a whole range of emotions. Hair loss is actually extremely common, and yet it is often hard to talk about with friends and family. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, fear, as well as a loss of femininity and identity can all be hugely detrimental to our wellbeing, in some cases it can lead to depression and anxiety. When you start looking for answers you will find no shortage of supplements, shampoos, lotions, oils and other ‘miracle-cures’. Many of the women I see have tried numerous products, spending a small fortune in the process, only to discover they make little or no difference. The key to successfully treating any hair loss problem is firstly to get an accurate diagnosis, only then can an effective treatment plan can be implemented. If you’re dealing with hair loss or thinning book your initial consultation to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss also known as androgenetic alopecia is a very common type of genetic hair loss.
The area affected is the top of the head and crown, the hair thinning is usually slow and gradual and often starts around menopause, but occasionally it can be as early as puberty. Women often notice their parting getting wider and thinning or recession at the temples. This thinning is due to an inherited sensitivity to normal hormone levels in women who are genetically predisposed. If you notice your hair is gradually getting thinner and your scalp is more visible than it used to be, it can be worrying and distressing, affecting your confidence and self-esteem. The good news is there are effective treatments available to slow down, and in some cases, stop the thinning, and the earlier you start treatment the better your results are likely to be, so book your consultation for a diagnosis and treatment plan today.
Telogen Effluvium
Have you noticed you are losing more hair than normal when you brush it and wash it? Is there a lot of hair in the plughole of the shower after shampooing?
Telogen effluvium is a very common hair loss that is regularly seen in the clinic. It is an excessive hair fall/shedding which is caused by an interruption of the normal hair growth cycle. The normal hair growth cycle can be interrupted in this way for many different reasons and depending on the cause the hair loss can be temporary, long term or it may even come and go. Whilst it is perfectly normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day this can increase up to 300 hairs with telogen effluvium.
This increased hair shedding can be very distressing, but it is important to remember that it is often temporary, and the hair will grow back. This temporary shedding where the hair recovers and grows back is known as acute telogen effluvium. The hair shedding normally begins around 3-4 months after a trigger event such as illness, weight loss, traumatic event etc. Once the cause has been identified and removed/rectified the shedding should stop and the hair will grow back.
Telogen effluvium can also be long-term where the hair continues to shed, this is known as chronic telogen effluvium. Whilst the ongoing shedding can be very worrying and upsetting it does not result in complete hair loss and you will not go bald as a result of chronic telogen effluvium.
Some causes of Telogen Effluvium are listed below, this list is by no means exhaustive as there are many more.
Crash dieting | Stress | Illness/fever | Medications | Thyroid conditions | Iron deficiency/nutritional deficiencies | Hormonal therapies
Treatment of telogen effluvium is not always necessary and depends on the cause, but there are occasions where treatment can be beneficial.
With the current Covid-19 pandemic I have seen an increased number of patients suffering with telogen effluvium in the clinic. Some patients who have contracted Covid- 19 are experiencing increased shedding approximately 2- 3 months after being unwell with the virus. Others have been impacted emotionally or perhaps financially and therefore have experienced an increased shedding.
If you’re experiencing excessive shedding/hair fall book your consultation for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia also known as cicatricial alopecia is the name given to hair loss that is permanent.
There are various different types of scarring alopecia, in which the hair follicle is no longer present. Unfortunately, once the hair follicle has been destroyed and replaced with smooth, shiny, scarred skin it is no longer possible for hair to regrow.
Conditions which can cause scarring alopecia include bacterial infections, wounds and trauma to the skin of the scalp, autoimmune conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia, discoid lupus, or lichen planopilaris.
Treatment for scarring alopecia will vary and depending on the type of alopecia the aim of any treatment, is usually to prevent the condition from progressing further. To start such preventative treatment a dermatologist referral is often required, and Katrina will arrange a referral where necessary.
Traumatic Hair Loss
Traumatic hair loss can be due to damage from heat styling, chemicals such as bleaching, straightening, keratin blow-dry treatments and perming.
It can occur as result of wearing hair extensions or styling procedures including wearing the hair in tight hair styles such as braids or even a ponytail. Trichotillosis also known as trichotillomania is also considered traumatic hair loss. Sufferers are compelled to pull out their own hair, this can also involve eye lashes and eyebrows. Damage to the hair follicles can occur and eventually it can result in permanent hair loss.
Book your consultation so we can determine the cause of your hair loss and advise on a treatment plan.
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