What does this have to do with hair loss and hair transplants? More than you may know. Stress due to everyday life, illness, medication and physical stimulus can cause changes in the normal cycle of hair growth. Hair grows on a natural cycle that is regulated by one’s own body. When higher-than-normal stress accumulates, it may cause hair (more often than not, the hair on the top of the head) to enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle.  This rest segment of the cycle is called the Telogen phase. During the telogen phase hair is shed allowing for fresh, new hair to grow. The shedding of hair is called Effluvium. It is normal for hair to rest, for hair to be shed, and for hair to regrow.

The problem arises when the natural hair growth cycle becomes erratic or the periods are unbalanced in what is called Telogen Effluvium; where the rest period is entered into by large numbers of hair. In addition to too many hairs being at rest, hairs begin to shed more frequently without begin replenished soon enough – if at all. The effects of telogen effuvium are usually temporary, subsiding when the stress is reduced or removed. If you live in high stress consistently or you are naturally prone to stress, finding ways to reduce your stress levels can not only help your hair, but help you have a better, more satisfying life. This will help prevent your body from becoming acclimated to high-stress and making the negative change in your hair growth cycle permanent. If you feel it’s too late or you want to know more about your situation, contact us for a free consultation.

One of the most common causes of hair loss in menopausal women is low thyroid function. This is not the only cause during this change in a woman’s physiology that can cause hair loss. Many fluctuations of the female body can cause hair loss at any period in life, but many more present themselves during the menopausal process. Some are: fluctuations in hormone levels, higher levels of testosterone, increased physical or mental stress, some types of medication, scalp/dermatological complications and/or heredity.

As the female body changes during the process of menopause, levels of the female hormone progesterone fall as the body’s ability to ovulate ends. In response, the body responds by increasing its production of the adrenal cortical steroid, androstenedione. Androstenedione has some androgenic (male-like) properties, as discussed in our other sections, one of these properties being male pattern hair loss. In some women, post menopause, hair does return but many may see a slower hair regrowth cycle. Worse yet, some hair lost during and after menopause may not return.

When progesterone levels are raised by natural progesterone supplements, the androstenedione level will gradually fall, and your normal hair growth will eventually resume. Since hair growth is a slow process, it may take four to six months for the effects to become apparent. This can be corrected by using naturally compounded hormones.

Aside from this reason for hair loss, it is also important to not the time and amount of hair loss. When anyone experiences a sudden increase in hair loss there may be factors contributing to the loss. As mentioned, one reason may be the menopause process. For women going through the process of menopause, hair loss is common but not the end of a full head of hair.

Hair transplants offer a realistic and practical solution to hair loss. Although there are other alternatives to surgical treatment for hair loss such as hormone replacement, there are fewer results and longer time requirements for positive results. Understanding the reasons for your hair loss becomes a big factor in determining which course to take. The goal in either however, is to restore your self-image, self-confidence and self-worth. For a woman in transition, hair transplants offer an effective way to restore hair lost due to menopause.

Possibly Preventable or Curable Hair Loss Causes

· Medications- A vast array of medications on the market today can result in hair loss as a side effect. Medications to treat arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure have especially been linked to hair loss.

· Hair Treatments- Excessive bleaching, dying, and heating causes hair to become brittle and to break off. Once the hair has become weak, it is also very succeptible to falling out.

· Poor Nutrition- Protein and iron are very important to the health of your hair and having less than recommended levels of either one in your diet can trigger hair loss.

· Scalp Infections- Ringworm is notorious for causing hair loss, when the fungal infections makes it’s home on the scalp. If this is the cause of your hair loss, you will have to treat the ringworm properly before the hair will begin to grow back.

Did Any of That Sound Familiar?

If any of the symptoms above have affected you recently, then contact us and we will work with you to develop the best course of action for getting your hair back to where you want it.