Female Hair Loss – Page 16

September 23, 2011

2011 ISHRS Meeting Review, Part 2 – Female Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

ISHRS 2011

Note: The annual meeting of hair surgeons was in held in Alaska this past week. The following review is very selective and is biased by the things that were interesting to me and what I (Dr. Rassman) thought could be interesting to the readers.

This is part 2. More to come…

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What is the role of immunity in the development of androgenic alopecia in women?

The earliest symptoms of many women and some men start with pain and itching of the scalp, a set of symptoms that reflect the inflammatory response that he believes is always present, but often ignored. He raises the issue that if the connection is correct, the scalp may respond to the use of steroids in the earliest phases of the hair loss process.

Double trichophytic closures

Double trichophytic closures were demonstrated in a poster presentation, suggesting that this procedure can “wipe out” scars from FUE in 99% of patients. I personally doubt this claim. This reflects first time surgery patients only, as these patients are at a lower risk for significant scarring.

September 21, 2011

Hair Loss InformationEltroxin and Female Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Does Eltroxin used for hypothyroidism cause hair loss. I am 47 yrs old and have menopause. Does low estrogen level cause hair loss. Will I need to take some preparation of Estrogen to prevent hair loss?

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Eltroxin (levothyroxine) is known to cause hair loss in some, though it is usually temporary (see side effects).

Low estrogen can also cause hair loss. You should talk to your doctor about these issues.

September 2, 2011

Hair Extensions Pulled Out Some of My Own Hair – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I recently had loc extensions placed into my hair because my hair is very fine and soft and refuses to lock on its own. In the process of it one of the locs on the back of my head was done to tight and eventually came out pulling my own hair with it there is some what of a bald spot there and the hair growing is very very very fine thin and small. I recently shaved my head to get everything on the same level while the rest of my hair is growing at a normal rate this patch is still very slow is this permanent or will it grow back if not is there anything i can do to help it

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Hair extensions can produce traction alopecia, leading to permanent hair loss. Since you just shaved your head, I hope that means you’re going to discontinue using extensions. At this point, you’ll just have to see what happens over the next few months.

If there is permanent loss from the tight pulling, you’ll know within a year or so. Hopefully it isn’t the case, though.

August 26, 2011

Hair Loss InformationMy Teenage Daughter Keeps Losing Eyebrow Hair While Sleeping – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

My 13 year old daughter annually starts complaining about the area over her right eye hurting. Within about 2-3 weeks the eyebrow hair will fall out while sleeping, or I just have to rub my finger over it and it comes off. This has happened 3 years in a row. Her pediatrician thought she may have used a razor the first time but now I KNOW thats not happening. I personally see it rub off at the root. What is happening?

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It sounds like she might have a medical condition known as trichotillomania, which is a compulsion to pull hair out (which could also explain pain felt in the area). This can occur while your daughter is sleeping, and she is probably unaware that she’s doing it. If a doctor looks at it with magnification, he will see “Exclamation point” hairs and broken hairs at different levels in the eyebrow hair.

You could treat it by putting a head band around her head securing the eyebrows within it. Keep this for 3 months or so and see if the hair grows back. That would confirm the diagnosis. Often, a doctor can look at the eyebrows and see changes in the hair that point to this diagnosis.

August 24, 2011

Hair Loss InformationRash and Swollen Face After Using Minoxidil 5% – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I have been put on minoxidil 5% a week ago. Broke out with rash and now my whole face is swollen and I have a lymphanode at the back of my head that popped out. Prior to this I had been using minoxidil 2%. l am a 34 year old female.

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You should see a doctor. You could have had a reaction to the higher strength drug and may have to stop it. This is a known severe allergic reaction of minoxidil (see here for more).

August 23, 2011

Hair Loss InformationI Was Born With Little Hair and Feel Cheated – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I am a 57 year old female. I have five sisters and five brothers. All were born with full heads of hair. Both my father and mother had a lot of hair. Especially my mother. For some reason I was born with little hair. I always felt I was cheated. I started wearing a hair piece at 22yrs. What would have caused me in my mothers womb not to have had as much hair as my siblings. Thank you

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There are genetic conditions that are present that give very little hair to a normal scalp. You need to be evaluated. Genetic testing (probably expensive) might be a place to look, but first a good examination by a competent doctor should be where you start.

August 18, 2011

Hair Loss After Open Heart Surgery – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

(female)
I recently had Open Heart Surgery (4/25/11) which lasted 2 days, I now have a mechanical aortic valve and have notice hair loss over the past few months. Is this common, especially since surgery lasted 2 days? I was sedated thru the night and surgery continued the following day.

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Stress from a surgery can induce hair loss in predisposed people. Is the hair loss all over (telogen effluvium) or is it localized in a pattern? This is what a good doctor can tell you and then, after a proper diagnosis is in hand, treat it appropriately.

August 12, 2011

Intense Scalp Itch After Hysterectomy a Decade Ago – Balding Blog

I am a 51 year old female who had a complete hysterectomy 10 years ago. My scalp has been itching ever since and I find hair on my pillow every morning. Fortunately, I also began with very thick hair. The itching is intense. I was diagnosed with a fragrance allergy, but using fragrance free products (everything) does not help at all. Dandruff shampoo made no difference. Prescription shampoo did not help. I hate to think I will have this condition for the rest of my life. I’ve tried cutting back on my hormone replacement hoping it would help, but it didn’t.

If I examined your scalp I might make sense of what you are telling me here, but there’s not much help I can offer you without seeing you and knowing more about your history. Just note that scratching your scalp harshly will eventually cause hair loss from traction alopecia.

Since treating a fragrance allergy didn’t resolve the itchy scalp, you should go back to your dermatologist for a follow-up. It’s possible the HRT is leading to the scalp itch, but this is something you should also be discussing with your doctor.

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August 3, 2011

My 82 Year Old Mom Has Burning Scalp and Hair Loss – Balding Blog

My mom is 82 years old and has always had a full head of hair with no scalp issues. About 1 and a half years ago she experienced burning, itching scalp, loss of hair and weight. This ended in about November, and started again in February till current. What could possibly be cause? She has had all blood work done, however has been under stress for quite sometime. She has stopped getting perms and coloring her hair. She sets own hair with rollers and uses a setting gel. Any suggestions?

You just listed many of the causes of hair loss in women over 80. Stress can cause hair loss as well. She should see a good, caring doctor. I couldn’t tell you why she’s having scalp issues or weight loss.

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August 1, 2011

In the News – Singer Lady Gaga Uses Rogaine? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Snippet from the article:

Lady Gaga is reportedly taking an anti-baldness drug.

The 25-year-old singer – who has experienced hair loss because of how often she has dyed her tresses – has started using Rogaine in order to reverse the years of damage she has subjected her locks to in the name of fashion.

A source is quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying: “Over the years Lady Gaga has put her locks under a lot of stress. She’s poured so much chemicals over them that it’s damaged her follicles.

“She’s hoping by using Rogaine, she can repair some of the harm.”

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Read the rest — Lady Gaga Taking Anti-Baldness Drug

Judging by photos, it appears that singer Lady Gaga not only has her hair bleached, but that she also wears wigs. Rogaine (minoxidil) is the only FDA approved treatment for female hair loss, so if she is losing her hair from chemical damage, this would be a likely treatment path.

Her hair loss was in the news a few months back, but do I know if she’s actually using minoxidil or if this is just tabloid gossip? No clue.