With such a problem as hair loss, both men and women face. Losing approximately 100 hairs a day is not considered a pathology. But for many, thinning hair is a real problem. After all, a beautiful shock of hair has always been considered a sign of attractiveness among ladies. And for men, hair is also an integral element of the image. And if you can easily buy a beautiful dress or an expensive suit, then you will have to make a lot of effort to restore your hair.
Testing the problem
When hair falls out a lot, it is better not to pull and see a doctor as soon as possible. But you can initially assess the level of thinning of the hair on your own. To understand how dangerous hair loss is, trichologists offer a simple test. Pay attention to whether there is a bulb (small white knot) at the end of the fallen hair? If not, then don't worry for now. If there is, you can conduct another test. To do this, do not wash your hair for 2-3days, and then slightly pull the hair at the crown, from the temples. If more than 5 hairs are left in the hands, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause and begin immediate therapy.
Hair loss: types
Scientists identify several types of hair loss, which are caused by various reasons.
- Androgenetic alopecia. Today it is the most common and is of a genetic nature. The male body produces large amounts of testosterone. This is quite normal, while a side effect of the breakdown of this hormone is the release of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It is this compound that has a detrimental effect on the hair follicles, which is why many men over 40 years of age have severe hair loss. In this case, the fronto-parietal zone, as well as the first hairline and crown are most susceptible to hair loss. At the temples, as a rule, the hairline remains in the same state. With this type of alopecia, hair transplantation is recommended. Treatment can only be aimed at strengthening the hairline of the problem area.
- Diffuse alopecia. Among men, it ranks second in its prevalence, although many ladies also suffer from it. It is characterized by uniform thinning of hair over the entire surface of the head. This type of hair transplant is not recommended. Permanent treatment needed.
- Alopecia areata. Its main symptom is the appearance of small areas (foci) of baldness, which can be located not only on the head,but also on other parts of the body where there may be hair. As the disease progresses, such foci may merge, forming larger areas in which hair falls out very much. What to do in case of alopecia areata? First, those suffering from such a disorder need psychological help. After all, thinning hair causes severe stress, which further exacerbates alopecia. Then you should immediately begin treatment. Helps mesotherapy, iontophoresis, the use of vitamin complexes. To date, the main factor that triggers the mechanism of this type of alopecia has not been established.
- Scarring alopecia. Another factor, due to which hair begins to fall out strongly. The reason is that in scarring alopecia, the hair follicle becomes inflamed and then scar tissue appears. This is a fairly rare type of alopecia, and it occurs in cancer patients, as well as in those who have suffered thermal and chemical burns. Recently, cases of this type of baldness have become more frequent due to the fashion for dreadlocks, hair extensions, etc.
- Total. With this type of alopecia, hair loss occurs abruptly over the entire surface of the head.
The effect of hormonal levels on the condition of the hair
Often, hair loss worries women due to hormonal changes. The female body is the finest system in which even a small failure can lead to a serious deterioration in the condition of the skin and nails. Because of the imbalance, the hair begins to fall out strongly. What to do if hormonal disorders cause thinning of the hair? Firstturn to take a blood test. Hair loss in many cases is a sign of an increased amount of testosterone in the blood, which negatively affects the condition of the hair follicle.
However, a reasonable question arises: "Where in the body of a woman can there be too much male hormone?". In fact, the reproductive system of every person, regardless of gender, is capable of producing both male (MPG) and female (ZHPG) hormones. In beautiful women, the ovaries are responsible for the formation of MPG. Estrogens, on the other hand, help maintain beauty at a high level, but the “insidious” MPGs are the main culprits for the fact that a girl can lose her hair a lot. Treatment in this case is 90% dependent on hormone therapy successfully selected by the doctor.
It is for this reason that men, especially in middle age, are much more likely to suffer from baldness. As for the ladies, along with an increase in testosterone, a decrease in estrogen can also play a negative role in the condition of the hair.
Hair loss due to hormones in women: signs, tests needed
If hair falls out very much due to hormonal disorders, it is extremely important to identify the "enemy" in the early stages in time, and start appropriate therapy as soon as possible. How can you determine that it is hormones that are responsible for thinning hair?
The first thing to do is to get tested. Thus, you can get information about the amount of female and male hormones in the currentmoment. In addition, experts recommend passing a number of other examinations. Usually, if hair falls out a lot, the following tests are given:
- Complete blood count.
- Biochemistry.
- Testing for possible infections.
- Thyrotropic hormones.
- Sex hormones.
- Spectral analysis of hair structure.
It often happens that the hormonal background is disturbed due to an increase in the level of the male hormone, testosterone, in women. Here are some signs of imbalance:
- High activity of the sebaceous glands. The hair becomes dirty very quickly, acne appears on the skin.
- Irregular menstruation.
- Getting overweight. Diets are ineffective.
- Male body hair occurs.
- Voice gets rougher.
- Sex drive drops.
- Hair falls out badly.
Thinning hair in women: hormonal factors
Specialists identify several causes of hair problems in beautiful ladies, which are caused by a malfunction in the hormonal system. Often such violations are initially invisible. Only when, along with the deterioration of the hair, other signs of imbalance in the body become apparent, the woman begins to sound the alarm. Therefore, every girl should regularly visit a gynecologist and endocrinologist, take tests on time to show the state of hormones.
- Recovery period after childbirth. Many people experience severe hair loss.new mothers, because hormonal storms are the norm for them in this difficult period. An increase in the amount of female sex hormones during pregnancy can have a good effect on the condition of the hair. They can become thicker and thicker. But after the baby is born, there is less estrogen in the body. The body is trying with all its might to restore the lost balance, and due to hormonal storms, the notorious “hair fall” begins. Many young mothers face this phenomenon. However, doctors emphasize that you should not panic if your hair falls out after childbirth. Within about a year, the balance in the body should be restored, and hair loss should come to naught.
- Ovarian or adrenal dysfunction. One of the most common causes of hair loss in women. These organs are responsible for ensuring that sex hormones are produced in the right quantities. Failures in them can affect the density and splendor of the hair.
- Menopause. Another reason why women's hair can fall out a lot. Why does this happen at a certain point in time? After the age of 40, the ovaries begin to work more slowly. Estrogens in the body become less, age-related changes occur. This affects the state of the whole organism, including the hair.
- Thyroid disease. This organ also produces a large number of important hormones. Violations in his work affect the condition of the hair.
- Using oral contraceptives and other hormonal medications. Oftendue to the use of these drugs, hair begins to fall out strongly. The reasons in women for which they have to use contraceptives in the form of tablets may be different, but if the drug harms the hair, the advisability of its use should be reconsidered. Difficulties with hair can occur after long-term hormone therapy, or when contraceptives are discontinued. This phenomenon is directly related to the fact that the female body for a long time was like on "dope". The abrupt withdrawal of the drug led to a drop in estrogen, and the body was unable to maintain a good condition of the hair on its own.
- Genetics. Often, an increase in testosterone can be associated with heredity. Men are usually more susceptible to this disorder. However, beautiful ladies can also suffer from it. Therefore, those who have a relative in the family who had very severe hair loss due to hormones should be on the alert and consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion of "hair loss".
Treating hair loss due to hormones in women
First of all, those ladies who have discovered a violation in their hormonal balance are prescribed antiandrogenic drugs. In this case, it is useful to consult three specialists in related fields: a dermatologist, a gynecologist and an endocrinologist. They will be able to determine exactly why a woman's hair falls out a lot. What to do if the analysis showed an increased amount of androgens? In this case, the doctor prescribes drugs such as Anrokur, Byzanna, Marvelon, Diana 35, Janine or Logest.
- "Androkur" helps reduce the effects of testosterone on the female body, helps reduce the amount of unwanted hair on the body.
- "Visanne" is prescribed for endometriosis, as well as for body hair according to the male pattern. This is a rather serious drug that has a large number of contraindications. It should not be used in diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis and other disorders.
- "Marvelon" belongs to the group of oral contraceptives. It also helps reduce the amount of androgens produced in a woman's body.
- "Diana 35" inhibits the production of testosterone, thereby solving the problem of hair loss. Often, the drug is also prescribed for oily seborrhea.
- "Janine" has a similar principle of action, as it reduces the production of androgens in the body. It also has many contraindications - for example, liver disease, thrombosis. However, it often helps in cases where hair falls out badly. You can find a large number of reviews about "Zhanina" - both positive and negative. But, of course, the success of taking the drug depends to a greater extent on the individual characteristics of the body.
Hair loss: physiotherapy treatments
There are a large number of different medical techniques aimed at combating the problem. Many of them belong to the category of physiotherapy. They are suitable for both men and women.
- Iontophoresis. The procedure during which, under the influence of galvanic current, useful substances are introduceddeep into the skin.
- Electrical stimulation. In order to restore the metabolism in tissues, pulsed currents are used.
- Microcurrent therapy. Modulated ultra-small electric currents act on the scalp, which restores tissues.
- Cryotherapy. Skin areas are treated with liquid nitrogen, which performs a massage function.
- Darsonvalization. Small currents affect the scalp, which contributes to the outflow of lymphatic tissue, improving metabolism.
- Laser therapy. With the help of a low-intensity laser, the hair is thickened and restored.
Folk remedies for hair loss
For many people, thinning hair is a real problem. At first glance, everything is in order with the body. But at some point, a person discovers that his hair falls out a lot. What to do? The reviews say that the use of traditional medicine is quite effective and expedient in many cases. For example, the traditional method helps well - masks using castor oil. This substance was previously used to treat many diseases, and has been known since the era of Ancient Egypt. To strengthen the hair follicles, the oil is applied to a cotton pad and spread over the entire scalp.
A useful remedy for hair loss is also s alt, which performs the function of peeling. It must be rubbed onto the scalp moistened with water for 15-20 minutes. S alt allows you to cleanse the surface of the skin from accumulated harmful substances, improve metabolism, and wake up hair follicles.
What other ways help against hair loss?
There are many effective ways to combat thinning hair that have proven their worth and have been used for more than one generation. Our grandmothers also used them.
- Burdock oil. It has helped many who have severe hair loss on their heads. What to do with this oil, how to use it? Mostly use burdock oil in the form of masks. Apply them to the roots of the hair, distributing along the entire length. The exposure time is at least one and a half hours. Thanks to its rich composition, it nourishes the hair, heals it, makes it stronger. At the same time, it must be emphasized that burdock extract, giving the same effect that is promised in advertisements, has no pronounced side effects.
- Pepper tincture. Another proven remedy for hair loss. With its help, masks are also made, it will increase blood circulation in the scalp. However, when using pepper tincture, you need to be careful: it corrodes the mucous membrane, in no case should you touch your eyes with your fingers, on which there is at least a drop of this substance.
- Mustard mask. This method has long become popular, but it is not suitable for everyone, because mustard bakes the scalp very strongly. By improving blood circulation, she has helped many who suffer from hair loss.
- Masks with essential oils. These volatile substances easily penetrate the scalp, overcoming the skin barrier. Well proven oil of ylang-ylang, juniper,rosemary, fir, lavender.
- Nettle. Another popular method of strengthening hair. To use nettle, it is necessary to brew a teaspoon of dry grass with boiling water, leave for at least 15 minutes. Rinse clean hair with strained infusion.
- Onion juice. Due to the smell, this method of combating baldness is not suitable for everyone. But the most desperate fighters with "hair loss", for whom the aroma is no longer so important, declare the effectiveness of this method. Onion juice should be rubbed into the scalp for at least two weeks.
- Decoction of burdock root. Allows you to get rid of hair loss, improves their general condition after a few weeks of use.
- Sea buckthorn oil. A remedy that has proven itself in overcoming many diseases. The main property of sea buckthorn oil is that it restores tissues and promotes their regeneration. That is why masks with the addition of sea buckthorn oil are very effective in the treatment of hair loss.
Cosmetologist Tips: Colorless Henna
For many of those who wonder: “Why does hair fall out so much?”, In reality, the causes of this trouble may lie in insufficient care for the hair. In this case, not radical measures will help, but more gentle methods of care. Henna is a truly natural product that is made from the leaves (coloring) and stems (colorless) of a plant called lavsonia. Colorless henna allows you to fight the increased activity of the sebaceous glands, and therefore is a good remedy for increased fat content. She isalso nourishes the bulbs, due to which the "hair fall" stops. Henna allows you to make hair alive and thick, enhances its shine and volume.
Before applying henna, you need to determine the amount of substance to be used.
If the hair is short, then about 25 g of the substance is enough, if the average is about 50 g. For long hair, henna will require even more.
Mask is easy to prepare. To do this, henna is poured with hot water, mixed to a mushy state. Then you need to wait a bit until the mixture cools down, and apply it to your hair. The hair is covered with a mask from the roots to the tips, wrapped in a plastic bag and a terry towel. The duration of the procedure for hair loss is at least one and a half hours. Henna is washed off with shampoo. If the hair is difficult to comb, you can use a conditioner. The mask is used no more than once a week if the hair is oily, and no more than once every two weeks if the hair is dry.
Nicotinic acid
This substance has several names under which it can be found in pharmacies: vitamin PP, vitamin B3 or nicotinamide. It is produced in several types. It can be ampoules or tablets. There is no difference between these forms, however, ampoules are recommended for using nicotine.
This substance has many advantages. First of all, it allows you to improve the blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles. As a result, hair loss is significantly reduced. BUTnicotinic acid also promotes the active production of melanin, which enhances hair pigmentation, reduces the amount of gray hair.
Nicotinic acid is applied in a course of 1 month. This should be followed by a break of at least 2 months. The substance is rubbed directly into the scalp. It is not recommended to distribute it along the length of the hair, because nicotinic acid mainly affects the roots. You can combine it with various pharmacy vitamins - for example, vitamins A, E, group B, folic acid.
Nutrition for hair loss
Often, the problem of thinning hair is faced by girls who exhaust themselves with long-term diets. This is not surprising - dietary restrictions lead to a decrease in immunity, frequent diseases. In addition, nutrients in the body are depleted. Hair simply has nothing to provide its vital activity. For hair loss, it is recommended to include the following foods in the diet:
- Dairy products. For example, a glass of milk contains 240 mg of calcium, which helps restore hair. In addition, milk is rich in biotin, sulfur, potassium.
- Bananas. Excellent source of B vitamins.
- Soya. One of the main building materials for hair is keratin - it is contained in each hair about 97%. It is for this reason that hair cannot be restored without the use of protein. Soy is an excellent source. Its advantage is that it does not contain hormones, like, for example, meat, andabsorbed much better.
- Seeds. One of the most important elements for he althy hair is zinc. It is found in pumpkin and sunflower seeds, the use of which is very useful for hair.
- Bread with bran. Contains a large amount of B vitamins, biotin, panthenol. Allows you to improve the condition of the hair, and also regulates the functioning of the intestines, helps to improve the body.
- Nuts. Here, nutritionists are unanimous in their opinion: nuts are a real elixir of youth for hair. It does not matter which of them to use - walnuts, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts. All of them are extremely beneficial for the condition of the hair, as they contain a large amount of biotin and vitamin A.
- Kiwi. Contains a large amount of vitamin C. It is believed that one fruit is able to fully cover the daily requirement for ascorbic acid, which is also necessary for hair.
- Beef liver. This product contains almost the entire set of substances that is required for good hair. This is protein, biotin, iron and B vitamins. Vitamin A in the liver is 14 times more than in butter.
- Sea fish. An excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, as well as phosphorus, potassium, iodine. Almost all types of marine fish are useful for hair he alth. Available types of fish - for example, flounder, catfish - are no less useful than more expensive types.
If your hair starts falling out badly, don't tempt fate. It is necessary to identify the cause of the deterioration of the condition of the hair as early as possible and begin to act. Having identified the true culprit of thinning hair at an early stage, deal with it andmaintaining he althy hair will be much easier.
