Crowning Glory
Clumps of hair in the shower and on the bathroom
floor -- will it ever stop? The shedding of hair
and the gradual thinning of hair are two major
complaints women have as they grow older. Menopause,
medications (high blood pressure medication or
birth control pills), illness (such as the flu,
thyroid disease, Lupus and more), pregnancy and
genetics all play a part in why women lose their
hair. The change in hormones at menopause often
triggers the start of hair thinning, but hair
loss (especially rapid hair loss) can be a symptom
of something more serious.
According to George
Cotsarelis, MD, dermatologist and expert
in hair loss, not much alters hair growth. "The
brand of shampoo you use makes no difference
in preventing hair loss or regrowing hair,
although conditioners can add body to your
hair. Even perming and coloring new hair is
fine as long as it is not done too frequently,"explains
Dr. Cotsarelis.
Hereditary hair loss is difficult to treat.
Despite the many products that promise to regrow
hair, Rogaine (minoxidil is the main ingredient),
is the only product that has been scientifically
shown to regrow hair and/or prevent the loss
of hair in some women. "Be wary of supplements
sold in health food stores, as some have actually
been proven to aggravate hair loss," advises
Dr. Cotsarelis.
A more serious but less common type of hair
loss, alopecia areata, is a disease where women,
men and children lose anywhere from a few coin-shaped
patches of hair on their head to all of the hair
on their head and body. Alopecia areata affects
about one percent of the population and there
are treatments that may accelerate hair regrowth.
Severe hair loss can be treated surgically through
hair transplants or scalp reduction surgery.
Through Penn's Center for Human Appearance, women
have access to services such as eyebrow tattooing,
excellent wigs, and much more. If you have experienced
hair loss or have questions, talk to your primary
care physician or a dermatologist.
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