The Devastating Effects of Female Hair Loss
Many people think hair loss is a medical problem only impacting men. Not so. Women make up about 40% of hair-loss patients. Female hair loss is an increasingly recognizable aesthetic concern, affecting 30 million women in the United States. More importantly, female-pattern hair loss should be recognized as a chronic and progressive condition. Zack Charkawi, M.D. at Men’s Health Atlanta will help you determine the cause of your hair loss and the proper course of treatment.
For many women, their hair is a defining physical attribute. Hair loss affects a woman’s self image and emotional well-being. It is a real and serious aesthetic concern for many women.
Causes of Hair Loss
To understand the cause of female hair loss, it is important to have a basic understanding of hair growth. Hair grows at 1/2″ per month and the growth phase lasts two to six years. With yet-to-be discovered physiologic signals, the hair goes into a resting phase for a period of time, then the hair follicle falls out and a new follicle starts the process all over again. There are a number of common causes of female hair loss:
- Hormonal changes
- Oral contraceptives
- Genetics
- Medical conditions
- Medication
- Menopause and perimenopause
- Nutritional deficiency
- Diet
- Aging
- Hair products
Women have Special Concerns
Most male baldness is due to heredity. Female hair loss can have a number of causes which need to be explored and identified. Therefore, the approach taken to treating women who suffer from hair loss is different from the treatment of men. A thorough evaluation and correct diagnosis can make all the difference in the treatment success. For a female, medical treatment to maintain existing hair might be the best solution. Sometimes a combination of medical treatment, hair transplants, hair style, and cosmetics can restore a lady’s confidence. Dr. Charkawi is aware of all the challenges women face. He works with his patients to create a plan to renew and revitalize the hair, a woman’s crowning glory.