Women and Hair Loss: What You Should Know

Although many people think of hair thinning as a male problem, the truth is that an estimated 25 percent of women experience some type of hair growth problems during their lifetimes.

Women dealing with thinning or balding hair often experience diminished confidence in their appearance as well as anxiety as to why the problem is occurring.

There are a variety of reasons why women lose hair, and determining the problem is the first step towards successfully treating it. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of female balding:

Causes of Hair Growth Problems in Women

Genetics is one of the most common causes of thinning hair in women. If a woman's mother and/or grandmother experienced thinning or balding, there is a possibility she will as well.

The most common form of hereditary hair loss in women is female pattern baldness, which as its name suggests means the balding follows a predictable pattern. Then there's telogen effluvium, a condition in which the natural growth and loss cycle is disrupted due to severe physical or emotional stress or hormonal imbalance.

The postpartum period is a perfect example of this kind of hair loss. Other causes of hair loss in women include nutritional deficiencies and certain medical conditions.

Treatment Options to Consider

There are various ways to treat female pattern baldness. For hair thinning due to poor diet or a medical condition, treating the problem at its source is the key. But for genetic hair loss, the problem is a bit trickier.

Many women use topical monoxodil products such as Rogaine. Rogaine comes in two strengths and is available over the counter at your local drugstore or supermarket. It may take several months for noticeable results to occur, and the application of the Rogaine must be continued indefinitely for results to continue.

In addition to or instead of Rogaine, some women try massaging the scalp with essential oils to stimulate growth. You can blend your own combination of rejuvenating oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba, or purchase a ready-made blend specifically designed for hair loss.

A daily massage before or after shampooing can be soothing and might even help speed regrowth. Whether you choose Rogaine, oil massage or both, you will need to be patient while waiting for results.

While You're Waiting for Regrowth

To improve the appearance of your hair and help you feel more confident, try using one of the clever concealment products on the market today.

There are a variety of powders and creams which are applied to the scalp to give the illusion of thicker hair. Today's products are much improved over those used in the past.

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