Hair Loss in Women ~ What You May Not Know
Many women the world over suffer from some type of hair loss.
The most common form among women of african decent is tramatic alopecia or traction alopecia. But more and more women are suffering from androgenic alopecia, also know as hirsutism, male pattern baldness. Women often do not experience complete balding, it usually presents itself as thinning in the hair line above the both temples of the hair.
Androgenic Alopecia is cause by high levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the blood. DHT is a bad form of the male hormone testosterone. DHT binds to the receptor sites on the surface of the hair follicles’ cells. The hair begins to become smaller in diameter and causes the hair to be thin. After so long of this thinning out the hair dies.
To view some deep scientific explanations on how hormone levels are correlated with androgenic alopecia click here.
Because of the decrease of estrogen in women whom are pre-menopausal, the small amount of DHT can be offset, thus causing thinning in the crown and the hair line above the temples. DHT levels can be determined by a blood test.
The following Prescription Medications block DHT and it’s effects.
Finasteride: a synthetic anti androgen that inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
Dutasteride: a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This medication is prescribed off-label for the treatment of androgenic Aloecia of male pattern baldness.
Cyproterone: It suppresses the actions of testosterone and its metabolite DHT on tissues. It has a few prescriptive usages, one being a contraceptive, sold as Diane in the US and as Dianette in the UK which decreases acne and male pattern baldness.
Spironolactone (marketed under the trade namesAldactone, Novo-Spiroton, Aldactazide, Spiractin,Spirotone, Verospiron or Berlactone ): is a diuretic, meaning it can help the body get rid of excess water weight, and it also is a anti androgen. It can be used for treating acne and hair loss in women orally and also as a topical medication. One caution is that it should not be prescribed to someone taking potassium supplements for it can cause the development of hyperkalemia.
Two natural remedies that I have seen work for a few clients is NuHair and Clearogen . I would suggest that a prescription be used to get it going and then possibly switching to NuHair. I know someone personally who uses Spironolactone and the “side effect” she experienced was thicker hair!
I hope that this helps you ladies out in your search for thicker, healthier hair.
