women hair loss

Question
Hi,

I'm 36 years old and I have been experiencing hair thinning and hair loss. Up to this point I have always had healthy hair. It began with breaking off and now has thinned out on the top. I'm now also loosing it in the back. I went to a dermatologist and was told I had androgenic alopecia. I was placed on rogaine and told I would be on it for the rest of my life. I had blood work which include cbc,cmp,ferritin,dhea,testosterone total and free,and ana all were normal. I have been on the rogaine for approx 3 weeks and it hasn't helped the shedding yet. Is there additional blood work that should be done? What medications are available to females that work best. Should I get a scalp biopsy? Should I see someone who specializes in female hair loss versus the dermatologist? Should I see an endrocrinologist? Are you fimiliar with therapro products? I started taking biotin and several other vitamins. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to not lose my hair..please help. Thank you.


Answer
Hello Stephanie: With androgenetic (also known as androgenic) alopecia the main characteristic is that some of the hairs in certain areas (bang, top, crown) become thinner, providing less scalp coverage but not actually falling out. This is a slow gradual process. With each new growth cycle the hairs from the affected follicles begin to shrink producing weaker thinner hairs. This is usually triggered when a change in hormonal balance causes androgens (male hormones) to have more influence.  Any problem with ovaries or adrenal glands (such as over or under production of cortisol) can also trigger androgenetic alopecia.

Relevant blood tests include total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, FAH, LH and prolactin.

Excessive shedding from the roots is a characteristic of telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and reversible once the underlying issue is determined and addressed.

The most common cause of breakage is from external causes such as over-processing. Certain medications and illnesses can cause breakage. Fungal infection of the scalp or hair can also weaken the shaft and cause breakage.

Any professional that you see for your hair loss condition should be highly experienced with hair loss problems, otherwise they may not be able to help you properly. More often than not, a scalp biopsy is not neccessary. Most problems can be determined by evaluation and microscopic examination. Scalp biopsies are often used to determine if scarring is present.

I do not get involved with synthetic medications. My focus is natural therapies, especially essential oils. They are very potent and effective but do not come with the adverse side effects of synthetic medications. I will include some links so you can learn more about the types and causes of female hair loss and using natural treatments for hair loss. Feel free to browse my website for articles and information. Please let me know if I can help you further.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig



Understanding Female Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html



Essential Oil Scalp Massage for Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html