Perhaps more than in the case of men, hair loss in women (alopecia) is often experienced as a catastrophe, an almost intolerable psychological trauma. In some women, hair loss is predictable. Indeed, this phenomenon that is also known as androgenetic alopecia is just as hereditary as eye color.
It begins in their twenties in 3-percent of women. Between the ages of 40 to 49 years, nearly one in five women (17-percent) is facing a so-called hereditary hair loss and, after 60 years, one woman in four will suffer from this condition. However, women have an advantage over men, as they will always retain some of their hair, even if it is sparser.
Despite the fact that healthy generally indicates a good health, alopecia can be a sign of a serious health problem. There are several factors that have been associated with hair loss in women: the lack of iron, stress, anemia, the condition of vital internal organs such as liver, kidneys, thyroid, the condition of the scalp, the emotional and menstrual problems, and the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body.
A deficiency in vitamin B1, vitamin C, iron and lysine can also be signaled through loss of hair. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can help keep the skin and hair healthy by boosting the body's metabolism and converting carbohydrates and fat into energy. It also contributes to the generation of collagen that binds different types of human tissues together. Vitamin C is present in good proportion in strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapple, potatoes, green peppers, and most dark green vegetables. The daily recommended dose of vitamin C is 60 mg, which is important for maintaining a good health.
The Vitamin B1 or thiamine is helpful for the generation of protein and makes hair healthier, giving it volume, shine and a good texture. Other vitamins that help prevent alopecia in women are Vitamin B and vitamin E.When hair loss becomes significant, especially because of unexplained reasons, it is best to consult a dermatologist. It may be a disorder of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), an idle or racing pituitary, or something else. At times, the ovaries and adrenal glands of women produce male hormones in larger quantities. This production is accelerated during menopause and childbirth. The result may be scalp issues and, by extension, hair loss.
Alopecia can be prevented, at least in part. Experts recommend avoiding overusing hats, hot showers, or tight elastics on the hair. Others argue that the frequent use of gels and stains, even electric dryers, promotes hair loss in women. Another habit that may contribute to alopecia in women is brushing the hair while it is wet. It is recommended to comb or brush it only after it is wet in order to avoid pulling out your own hair. For hair that gets tangled easily, use a weightless leave-in conditioner and a wide-toothed comb, as it will cause less damage.
Credit : Simon Rousseau
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