Possible causes of hairloss in women

The birth control pill

Medical research has established that taking "the pill" causes thinning hair in some women. Even stopping the pill can cause symptoms of diffuse thinning hair. (Talk about being caught between a rock and hard place!)

Also be aware, the hormones in the birth control pill are NOT bio-identical to human hormones, they are laboratory created mimics. Human hormones cannot be patented, so there is no profit in it for the drug companies. Hence, their Petri-dish creations.

Think about more natural ways of contraception!

The postnatal period

The months following childbirth are also very common times for some women to experience hair loss. During pregnancy, high estrogen levels maintain a hair follicle growth phase. After pregnancy, a greater proportion of these follicles go into their resting phase, causing unusual and unwanted hair “shedding."

Hormonal imbalances

Changes in hormone levels, especially those imbalances of the thyroid and sex hormones have a great influence and affect on hair follicles.

Fever

Thinning hair often occurs 2-4 months after a severe fever related illness. The hair follicles have undergone severe stress, and it takes this amount of time before the results of that stress are seen above your scalp.

Medications

A large number of prescription medications have been reported to cause or possibly cause diffuse hair loss. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist about possible hair related side effects. And always read the labels and informational inserts for any medicine you take.

You can discover and possibly eliminate some causes of hair loss by asking your doctor for some simple blood tests. These tests will show the levels of various hormones and minerals in your body. Too much or too little – and it could effect how your hair grows.

Chlorine and your hair

Your hair is like a sponge, so clean water is essential for optimum hair health.

Scientists consider chlorine one of the most toxic elements found in nature, yet you come in contact with it everyday.

Chlorine: A double-edged sword
Environmental pollutants present water treatment plants with ever increasing problems. Each day these plants remove up to 800 different residual chemicals, everything from environmental estrogen to rust. Tap water can contain particles, dissolved chemicals and chemical by-products.

The standard solution is chlorination. It does a great job at disinfecting – but it also has its downside. Chlorine can destroy body protein and has adverse effects on your hair and skin.

The quality of water you drink or which enters the body through the skin each day makes a vital contribution to your health and fitness – including your hair. Studies have shown that drinking water is not the only means of chlorine exposure. Up to 2/3rds of our harmful exposure to chlorine is due to inhalation of steam and skin absorption while showering or bathing.

Research shows that those long, hot showers we enjoy can actually be a health risk. When the chlorine found in water evaporates into steam and inhaled, the fumes can be 6 - 100 times more toxic than exposure to chlorinated drinking water.

A high quality shower chlorine filter can help immeasurably in reducing your chlorine exposure. (These filters are different from the ones used in kitchen sinks, as unlike the kitchen varieties, they can withstand long periods of high water temperatures.)

Please beware
Do not buy a chlorine filter unless you are 100% certain that your water pressure flow is not too low. Most importantly, the filter must match your tap or faucet size. (These vary immensely.) The best and most reliable outlet for home use chlorine filters is directly from your local Hardware/DIY store.

These are usually inexpensive and relatively simple to use. The two most common types are Crystal Ball Bath Dechlorinator and Shower Filter Dechlorinator (Installation required). However – once you do get the filter installed, you will begin to feel and see noticeable results with one or two weeks!
Advice for women > Alopecia > Be informed > Other advice > Buyer beware >