Hair Loss (Part1) - Anagen Effluvium, Telogen Effluvium & FPHL
Hey there lovely readers! Are you concerned about hair loss and looking for answers? You’re not alone. Hair loss affects people worldwide and understanding the different types and causes is crucial to managing it effectively. As women, our hair plays a big part in who we are, when our hair looks great we feel beautiful and confident and when it doesn’t, oh boy! Our hair also reveals hints into our personality, from the soft waves that frame the face of a romantic, to medium-length, no fuss styles for our ladies on the go, hair, has its place in everyday living. No wonder as women, when we encounter hair loss, it is a devastating life event. Normal shedding of hair is a natural process that happens to everyone, as humans we shed between 50 to 100 hairs daily. We have an amazing body that is constantly replenishing itself, shedding hair is part of a natural balance, hair sheds and new hair grows in. However, when this balance is interrupted for some reason, and more hair falls out than grows in, this is when hair loss happens. The loss of hair is different from hair shedding, the loss of hair is called alopecia. Our hair is composed of 120,000 - 150,000 individual hairs, hair on our scalp grows about .3mm/.4mm per day or 6 inches a year. Hair grows in bundles inside the follicle with each follicle holding several strands of hair. Unfortunately, as we age, the amount of hairs in these bundles decrease, bundles of 4 become bundles of 3 and bundles of 3 become bundles of 2…and some hair follicles totally stop working and in other cases hair strands also become thinner and lose their pigment.
Hair in itself is quite intriguing and the loss of it equally so, let’s delve into this mystery.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on hair loss! Which aims to serve you valuable insights into different types of hair loss, decipher their causes and present you with solutions to best manage them. Whether you’re in Canada, the US, UK, Australia or any where else on the globe, we’ve got you covered.
Hair loss: The Basics
Hair loss or alopecia, is a universal concern that occurs due to a myriad of reasons. These could be stress, genetics, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices, underlying medical conditions etc. Before we delve even further, lets take a moment to shine a light on the global impact of this hairy situation.
According to the World Health Organization, about 21% of the global population experiences hair loss.
This is something millions of people are actually dealing with.
In the United States alone, a mind boggling 50 million men and 30 million women are dealing with hair loss. According to the Hair Loss Association, 85% of men and 45% of women experience hair loss by the age of 50.
In the Uk, approximately 6.5 million men and 8 million find themselves battling with hair loss.
Australia has about 7 million people grappling with this issue with reports of 1 in 3 women experiencing hair loss by the age of 50.
Right here in Canada, the Canadian Dermatology Association estimates that 40% of women experience hair loss by the age of 40.
Now. we can further this and understand the hair growth cycle, which plays a crucial role in the health of your hair.
Hair Growth Cycle:
This is the continuous process of hair development. There are four phases involved in this process namely; Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen.
Anagen Phase: This is the “growing phase” when your hair is actively growing and can last from two to eight years; this is the longest of all phases. During this phase, your hair follicles push out hair that will continue to grow until there is an interruption, or until they reach the end of their life span and fall out.
Catagen Phase: Is the “transition phase”, this marks the end of the Anagen phase, signaling the end of active hair growth and a cessation of blood supply to each individual hairs. In this phase, hair follicles begin to shrink, lasting about two to three weeks. it’s usually a short phase.
Telogen Phase: Known as the “resting phase” in this phase hair is not actively growing, hair strands just stay in their follicle, this phase lasts for about two to four months.
Exogen Phase: “Shedding Phase” of the hair growth cycle. The end of a growth cycle and the beginning of another cycle as new hair starts to grow and pushes out the old. Once the “exogen phase” is complete, the whole process should begin again.
Types of hair loss and Their Causes
There are different types of hair loss that occur during different growth phases which disrupt growth cycles. People experience hair loss for different reasons and at different phases in their growth cycles. In this post, we’d be dealing with 3 very common types.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen Effluvium, experienced by people all over the world; men, women and children. There are two types of anagen effluvium; Loose Anagen Syndrome and Dystrophic Anagen Effluvium.
Loose Anagen Syndrome
This is a condition where hair is easily pulled out due to its loose attachment to the follicle, this is often hereditary though it can be spontaneous. It is more common in children.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen Effluvium strikes during the hair growth phase, growth is hindered or interrupted during the “growing phase” of the hair cycle, mainly due to acute injury to the hair follicles either by internal or external causes. If you experience anagen effluvium, a large amount of hair will be lost very quickly as 80% of our hair is in this cycle. It happens rapidly and hair loss can occur within a couple of days or a few weeks after exposure to what is causing it. Good news is this condition is usually temporary and hair regrowth occurs after cessation of whatever was causing it.
Causes
A few causes of Anagen Effluvium are:
Chemotherapy-This can cause anagen effluvium as it stops the process of cell division in the hair; over 50% of chemotherapy patients experience anagen effluvium, in the US it’s around 80%, and in Europe, Chemo induced hair loss affects a substantial amount of patients.
People affected by the autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata, may also be susceptible to anagen effluvium;
Infection - fungal hair infections or other types of infection on the scalp;
Pemphigus Vulgaris - The antibodies in the body attack the skin cells causing blisters, which can damage the hair follicles even though the hair is in the anagen phase.
Exposure to toxins such as thallium.
Drugs such as albendazole can induce anagen effluvium
Now that we know what Anagen Effluvium is and its’ possible causes, the question is, what’s the solution? well, below are a couple ways you can handle this issue.
Solutions
Scalp Cooling Therapy - This helps to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.
Nutritional Support- Ensuring a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Topical Treatments- The use of minoxidil or corticosteroids as treatment is a good option as it stops hair from thinning
Wigs and Hairpieces- The most stylish option yet, you can opt for any of these in the course of treatment or consultation.
Telogen Effluvium
Normally 5-10% of a person’s hair is at the telogen phase. With telogen effluvium, the anagen phase or “growing phase” slows down with only about 30% of hair follicles moving into the telogen phase. Telogen effluvium occurs when a significant number of hair follicles enter into the resting phase prematurely leading to increased shedding.
The main symptom is the increase in the amount of hair a person sheds.
Causes
The causes of this are either internal or external stress on the body, a few of these stress factors could be:
Severe Stress - Prolonged periods of stress can lead to telogen effluvium. This stressor could be internal stress or external, like surgery or certain types of medications. Hair loss will usually occur around 3 months after the stressful event;
Poor Diet - Like any other part of your body, hair requires certain nutrients to stay healthy and grow, some of these nutrients are protein, iron, B-vitamins and zinc. If these nutrients are in short supply the quality and quantity of your hair will be affected;
Sudden weight loss - Weight loss or severe restriction of calories can cause hair to shed;
Menopause - During menopause there are hormonal changes which may cause telogen effluvium.
Medication-Certain drugs can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Once the cause of telogen effluvium is addressed it can be reversed and within 6 months, hair should start growing back.
Telogen effluvium affects approximately 30% of women in Canada, 20% of the population in the US, in the Uk, around 25% of women experience this due to stress or hormonal changes. In Australia the percentage hits 35% and across Europe, 15% to 25% are experiencing it.
Solutions
Stress Management- Engage in hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones or seek therapy.
Balanced Diet-Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals
Topical Treatments-Once again, minoxidil is a valuable option and other prescribed medications.
Professional Consultation-Discuss treatment options with a dermatologist or trichologist.
Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)/baldness
Female pattern hair loss is a hereditary condition which leads to gradual thinning of hair. This is the main type of hair loss in women and will be experienced by almost every woman to some degree. In women, gradual thinning usually starts at the part line followed by increasing general hair loss starting from the top of the scalp. A women’s hairline seldom recedes and women rarely become bald.
Causes
Menopause - Approximately two thirds of postmenopausal women will experience hair thinning or bald spots;
Genetics - FPHL may be inherited and women with hair loss on either side of their family are at higher chance of experiencing it themselves.
Age- Natural aging process tends to affect hair follicles.
As earlier stated, hair loss is a universal thing, how much more, that, which is mostly genetically engineered. In Canada, nearly 50% of women experience some degree of hair loss by age 50, in the US about 30 million women are affected by this type of hair loss. The Uk is no different, about 8 million women suffer this loss as well and Australia has its’ fair share with this affecting around 20% to 30% of women.
Solutions
Minoxidil-This is very effective in handling hair loss issues little wonder it makes the list yet again.
Prescription Medications-For hormonal hair loss finasteride or spironolactone are helpful options.
Hormone Replacement Therapy-For menopause-related hair loss, with this, menopausal symptoms are alleviated, hormones that support hair growth and maintenance are restored and balanced.
Hair Transplant Surgery-Permanent solution for this type of hair loss.
Home Remedies for Hair Loss.
These remedies are not to take the place of professional treatment, instead they complement your hair care routine:
Aloe Vera- Aloe Vera contains the enzyme; bradykinase, which is the active ingredient that deals with inflammation. You can apply it directly to the scalp to soothe and condition. Ensure you’re not allergic to Aloe Vera, to know if you are, apply a small amount of the gel to the inside of your elbow, wait five to ten minutes and check for any reactions. You can use this once a week, in more severe cases twice a week would do.
Coconut Oil- Massage coconut oil into your scalp, this helps to improve blood circulation and strengthen your hair. You could use this two-three times a week.
Onion Juice- Onion juice is known to boost hair growth, you could apply it directly to your scalp, also, onions have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Usage- two-three times a week.
Rosemary Oil- Rosemary oil is quite effective for hair growth, simply mix it any carrier oil of choice and massage twice a day. Ease up on it when you begin to see results, if you so desire.
In the case that you’re new to hair loss and would like to seek professional medical help because you don’t know what you don’t know, or your case didn’t make the guide and you’re not sure where to start, the information below should start you on your journey. Ensure that you do your research to your hearts content, don’t over think it or rush it.
Where to seek Consultation.
Canada
Dermatologists- You can use the Canadian Dermatology Associations Directory here you can find a board-certified dermatologist.
Hair Clinics- The Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic and Sure Hair International
United States
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - You can use their search tool to find a dermatologist knowledgeable about your type of hair loss.
Hair Clinics- Bosley which offers non-surgical hair regrowth and Hair Club are two of the many clinics that you can go to for consultation and treatments as it pertains to hair restoration and more.
Australia
Australasian College of Dermatologists- Their directory can be used to find a certified dermatologist wherever you are in Australia
Hair Clinics- Elite Hair Clinic and Hair & Skin Science offer comprehensive hair loss treatments. The latter provides female pattern balding service.
United KIngdom
British Association of Dermatologists- Help yourself to their patient hub, they even have patient support groups for each type of dermatological issue they cover and provide you with in depth information.
Hair Clinics- The Belgravia Centre they handle telogen effluvium, FPHL and more. Este Medical Group they offer free consultation, this should help you know if you’d like to move it forward.
Embrace Your Hair Journey
Navigating hair loss can be quite daunting, but with the right knowledge and treatments, you can mange it effectively.
Granted, in the course of this journey our self-confidence may be taking a hit but we are still the same beautiful, strong, magnificent women we were when we had a luscious head of hair. No need to isolate yourself, soldier on as many women all over the world are marching right along with you, stay mindful of who you are and who you’ll always be.
While you walk through your journey of hair loss and hair thinning, embrace choices that work best for you. You could go the “au natural” route and embrace your natural “this is me” look or do a pit stop at hats or scarves avenue, they have different styles, colors and designs to show off your amazing style. Maybe you’d rather a different lane, investing in a natural hair lace wig or two might be right up your alley. With them you could recreate your regular hair style, or something totally different, maybe a hairstyle you’d always wanted but wasn't too you could pull off, well, wigs give you options. You could also consider a natural hair lace topper if your hair is thinning along the part line.
Hey, don’t forget to take care yourself emotionally too, and whatever routes you choose to ply, make them your runway and strut confidently.
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