Pattern baldness affects almost 50 percent of men by the time they reach 50, but there are also a number of women living with hair loss. The causes of female-pattern baldness are still unknown, though the condition tends to be more noticeable in women who have gone through menopause—this might be attributed to the lower hormone count common in menopausal women. Apart from pattern baldness, some of the most common types of hair loss include:
Alopecia areata: this causes patches of baldness the size of a coin.
Scarring alopecia: more often than not this is the result of complications brought on by other conditions. Hair is unable to grow as the hair follicles are destroyed. This condition can manifest itself through dry skin, an itchy rash and a mild form of lupus.
Anagen Effluvium: this type of hair loss can affect the scalp, face and body and is mostly caused by treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Telogen Effluvium: this common type of hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors—hormonal changes, emotional stress, physical strain, long-term illness, changes in your diet and some kinds of medication—but it is characterised by widespread thinning rather than specific bald patches. This condition isn’t irreversible: in most cases, your hair will stop thinning and start to grow again in a few months.
These different types of hair loss will dictate which course of treatment is most suitable.
See also: Top Tips to Prevent Hair Loss
Treatment
While some common types of hair loss—like male and female-pattern baldness—don’t need treatment as they don’t pose health risks and are a normal part of ageing, people might choose to consult with their doctor for cosmetic reasons. A medication called minoxidil can be used to treat female-pattern baldness, though responses to the drug vary widely among patients. This treatment is currently not available on the health service and may be expensive. Other possible treatments for hair loss—specifically alopecia areata—are steroid injections and ointments, immunotherapy, hair transplant surgery and hair implants.
Emotional strain
Living with hair loss can deeply affect self-confidence—it can be a difficult reality to accept. However, support is available: speak to your GP if you feel your condition is affecting your mental health—they may refer you to a specialist and suggest counselling—or turn to charities like Alopecia UK for social support groups and online forums.
If you have enjoyed reading this article on living with hair loss, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about preventing hair loss with Natur Vital.
See also: Your Luscious Locks
