It may be one of the last rarely spoken secrets that affect 50 percent of women at some time in their lives, but you need to know: if you are experiencing hair loss, you are not alone. There is a wide variety of ways we can help you cope with this beauty crisis when you need to have to worry about it the least.
Women’s hair can thin for a variety of reasons, and yet the topic is still far less openly discussed than male hair loss. In many cases, though, the causes are diagnosable, and treatable, making it particularly important that women discuss hair loss with their doctors. It is recommended that women consider some common factors that can cause and contribute to hair loss:
Low iron levels: Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, can lead to hair loss. Do not simply start taking an iron supplement without having your iron checked by a physician; because too much iron can cause other health problems.
Thyroid disorders: Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid can lead to hair loss.
Low estrogen levels: Many women experience hair loss during and after menopause, when estrogen levels begin to drop. Other hormonal changes, such as changes in oral contraceptive use, can also trigger hair loss.
High levels of vitamin A or selenium: There is rarely any reason to take more of these nutrients than you would find in a good multi-vitamin.
Post-pregnancy hormonal changes: New moms may find that they’re shedding a lot of hair in the first one to six months after delivery, when their estrogen levels return to normal.
Telogen effluvium: This is the general term for sudden, temporary hair loss as a result of stress or surgery, which typically occurs around two months after the causative event or illness.
Medications: Many medications may lead to hair loss. Some common ones are: acne medications, antibiotics/antifungal drugs, anti-clotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs that suppress the immune system, drugs that treat cancer, hypertension/high blood-pressure medications, mood stabilizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, Parkinson’s disease drugs, steroids, thyroid medications, weight loss drugs, and chemotherapy medications. Speak with your doctor about alternatives.
The best plan of action for anyone experiencing hair loss it to determine the underlying cause, and eliminate it. The best place to start is a routine physical exam with blood work. If your physician does not uncover a reversible cause for the hair loss, hair loss may be the result of genetics or a chronic condition…but there is no need for despair.
You do not have to lose confidence due to hair loss. Hats, Hair ‘n Wigs located at 1518 Harrison Street, Davenport, (563) 322-0804, is an experienced and confidential provider of everything you will need to feel better — no matter what your health challenges. They offer the finest in confidential hair care, and licensed cosmetologists with over 40 years experience. Give yourself the gift of an afternoon exploring Hats, Hair ‘n Wigs at Hilltop Campus, and make sure you add a half hour to drop into our shop just to try everything on. The stylists at Hats, Hair ‘n Wigs will be there to help, and you will leave with instant class and style.
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