Hair loss in women: what treatment helps?

 This is the real cause of your hair nightmare

Almost one in three women will struggle with hair loss in their lifetime. The suffering is great. Hair loss can be specifically addressed. Be that as it may, not with items from the retail exchange - but rather with the proper treatment

Human hair is constantly renewed. They stop growing after a certain time and fall out, but new hair grows back. And thinning hair is also normal with age. If the hair loss lasts for several weeks and more than 100 hairs fall out daily or hairless areas develop, hair loss is present. With the right diagnosis, hair loss can be treated with medication, but over-the-counter remedies sometimes fail to deliver on their promises.

Causes of hair loss in women

The possible causes of hair loss are very different.

• hereditary factors

• stress

• hormonal disorders/changes

• infections

• side effects of medication

• Attack of the own immune system on the hair follicles

Hereditary hair loss is common

Hair loss occurs in different forms: Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss, including in women. The hair roots probably react sensitively to male sexual hormones (androgens). During menopause, this leads to hair loss in some women, mostly in the middle parting. The front of the head can also be affected; a bald patch is often the result. In younger women, the decrease in hair density can also be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example. This is where testosterone is produced in excess.

Circular hair loss due to autoimmune disease

Circular hair loss, also known as alopecia areata, can occur at almost any age. The hair falls out painlessly and in clumps. The disease can affect not only the scalp hair but also the rest of the body hair. If the hair falls out completely, experts speak of alopecia areata universalis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. An attack by the immune system disrupts the growth of the hair so severely that it falls out. The exact causes are not yet known.

Diffuse hair loss can have many causes

Diffuse hair loss is a common form of hair loss. The hair falls out evenly, distributed over the whole head. The causes are manifold. Possible triggers are, for example, thyroid diseases, certain medications, chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, serious infections such as the flu, malnutrition, or chemotherapy. The pill can also trigger diffuse hair loss, and many women are also affected after giving birth.

Eczema or fungi as a cause of hair loss

Some conditions of the scalp can cause hair loss, either temporarily or permanently. These incorporate serious dermatitis of the scalp or parasitic illnesses. Scarring can lead to permanent hair loss.

Hair loss from pressure and tension

Pressure and tension on the hair can also lead to loss. In addition, to pathological pulling out (trichotillomania), wearing a plait permanently tight can also lead to hair loss.

Diagnosis: Pluck test, bronchogram, and blood test can help

During the examination, the doctor asks in detail about the patient's history, previous examinations, and therapies as well as symptoms. Changes in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or taking the pill also play an important role in women.

Then the hair is examined under a magnifying glass to see if it is brittle. A pluck test shows whether the hair comes loose quickly. The hair root is then examined. A so-called bronchogram shows the growth phase in which the hair falls out. A computer-assisted hair analysis can provide further insights. A blood test or tissue samples from the scalp may also be necessary for a diagnosis.

The right therapy for hair loss

The earlier the appropriate treatment is initiated, the greater the chance of success of the therapy. First, however, the exact cause of the hair loss must be found, only then does the doctor create an individual therapy plan. If a particular medication is responsible for hair loss, an alternative preparation may be tried. If diseases such as hyperthyroidism or malnutrition are the cause of hair loss, they must be treated to stop the hair loss. Important: Not every hair loss needs to be treated and sometimes the hair grows back on its own.

Possible further treatments are:

• Medication: There are two active ingredients that can effectively counteract hair loss. In some cases of hereditary hair loss, the antihypertensive minoxidil allows new, stronger hair to grow back. The local application of cortisone or dithranol can help with circular hair loss.

• Anti-androgens: Dermatologists prescribe tablets containing anti-androgens to combat hormone-related hair loss. They block the effect of male hormones on the hair roots, promote blood circulation in the scalp, and thus stimulate hair growth.

• Hair transplant: hair is removed from the back of the head. In the bald spots, the doctor places micro-slits and transplants the grafts. It also determines the density and direction in which the hair should grow in the future. Everything is done with millimeter work. As with any procedure, there is a risk of side effects: Swelling and water retention can occur and individual transplants can fail again.

Can over-the-counter remedies help?

Whether oils, serums, or powders for oral use, many products in retail advertise that they can stop hair loss. The funds, it is sometimes said, could "actively combat" hair loss - with natural ingredients such as bamboo or basil. The manufacturers want to underline the effectiveness of the products with their own studies. However, experts doubt the meaningfulness of these studies, which are often small and carried out over a short period of time. According to the experts, large scientific studies that could make well-founded statements about the effects of the drugs have so far been lacking.

Dietary supplements also sometimes promise a high level of effectiveness in hair loss. In addition to vitamins, the products often also contain trace elements or extracts, sometimes in very high doses. These are not harmful per se, but buyers should take a close look at the dosage of the vitamins they contain before buying. Too much vitamin A, for example - the daily requirement of which some of the vitamin capsules completely cover - the body cannot excrete. It accumulates in the body. This can lead to dry skin and hair loss in people who consume too much vitamin A in the long term. Pregnant women should be particularly careful: an overdose of vitamin A can lead to malformations in the unborn child.

Anyone who suffers from hair loss should first seek an expert consultation with a dermatologist. Retail products should be handled with care. Because their effectiveness is often not proven - the only thing that is certain is that some of their ingredients can even be harmful in excessive doses.

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