Hair Loss Among Women

Usually women do not expect to have to cope with female hair loss even if there is a history of hair loss in their family, with males or females. The general belief tends to be that baldness is a problem for males, not for women. Female hair loss is only accepted when women are old and it is hard to find a hair loss treatment specifically aimed at females.

Types of Hair Loss

There are three main types of hair loss (alopecia) in women. These types are:

Androgenetic alopecia

This is a type of inherited pattern hair loss and it is the most common cause of permanent hair loss in both women and men.

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss occurs because the immune system is attacking the hair follicles.

Traumatic Alopecia

This type of hair loss is caused by braiding or chemically treating the hair. Hot rollers and other appliances can damage the hair to an extent that the hair follicles will stop producing hairs, causing baldness. This treatment is commonly used to stop hair loss.

Causes for Hair Loss in Women

The cause of female hair loss is different for every woman and sometimes it is possible to stop hair loss by, for example, not using a specific hair treatment product or method anymore. Other causes for female hair loss are:

Poor nutrition. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals in your diet might cause hair loss.

Certain types of medication can cause hair loss. If you are using medication and you are experiencing hair loss, contact your doctor.

A scalp infection can be the cause of (temporary) hair loss.

Damaging hair treatments with acids or heat can damage the hair and follicles to an extent where hair will stop growing.

Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Women

A doctor can diagnose your hair loss on the basis of (for example) medical history. Other facts on which a diagnosis can be based are:

Regularly checking the pattern of your hair.

A hair biopsy (the hair will be checked in a laboratory).

Blood tests can help a doctor find out if the hair loss is caused by a medical condition. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes stroke and coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of death and disability in women. Women differ from men in their vulnerability to CVD. Also, the risk factors that predict cardiovascular disease risk and incidence differ in women.

Compared to men, women’s onset of heart disease (CHD) is delayed about 10 years due to the presence of estrogen prior to menopause. Once women reach 70, their rates for CHD mortality catch up to men’s. However, as women age, they have a greater chance than men to develop specific CHD risk factors, such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and congestive heart failure.

The three most modifiable risk factors for CVD are cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Physical activity, weight maintenance, and a heart-healthy diet have been shown to prevent the development of CVD. Furthermore, studies show that the benefits of taking a daily dose of aspirin to prevent CVD outweigh the risks of side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. However, consult your physician to determine whether or not aspirin therapy is a good choice for you and also to identify the appropriate dose.

Breast Cancer

It is not clear whether a high-fat diet is associated with breast cancer. Overweight or obese women are thought to be at greater risk for developing the disease. With increased weight, there are greater amounts of estrogen produced by the body. Just as estrogen in HRT increases breast cancer risk, high amounts of estrogen produced by women before menopause may also increase the risk of breast cancer. One recent study suggested the red meat and processed meat consumption may be linked to breast cancer, as well. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding. (British Journal of Cancer, April 2007-UKWCS).

Studies on breast cancer incidence reveal rates in American women are much higher than in women of other populations. Women from Mediterranean areas, where olive oil and fish oil comprise a large part of the diet, have less breast cancer, even though caloric intake from fat is higher than for American women. Also, women who live in sunnier areas tend to have a lower incidence of breast cancer. This prompted several new studies, which indicate that Vitamin D may be protective against breast cancer.

10 Best Yoga Poses for Women - Pose 10

Practice these 10 poses in this order (1 to 10) at least three times a week for optimal overall health

Half Lord of the Fishes

Stretches hips, shoulders, back, neck; strengthens spine 

1. Sit on the floor with legs outstretched in front of you. Bring the sole of the right foot on the floor outside of the left hip (right knee points to the ceiling). 

2. Bend the left knee and bring the left foot to the outside of the right hip. Place right hand on the floor just behind your right hip. Lift your left arm to the ceiling. As you exhale, bend the left arm and place the left elbow to the outside of your right knee. 

3. Lengthen your spine with each inhale and twist deeper with each exhale. Press the left elbow into your right leg to help revolve the upper body more and more. Look to the wall behind you. Hold for 5 to 10 deep breaths. Repeat on the opposite side. 

Why it is good for you
This pose massages improves digestion and increase blood flow in the low belly. 

10 Best Yoga Poses for Women - Pose - 9

Bridge Pose

Stretches front of body; strengthens hamstrings, glutes 

1. Lying on your back, bend your knees and place the soles of your feet flat on the floor about hip-width apart. Toes point straight to the wall in front of you. Place arms straight along your sides, palms down. 

2. Gently press into your feet as you raise hips to the sky. Allow the front of your body to slowly expand with each breath. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths. Repeat 3 times. 

Why it is good for you
Bridge opens the chest and ribcage, deepening the breath and with more oxygen you can reenergize the body. 

10 Best Yoga Poses for Women - Pose - 8

Boat Pose

Strengthens core, psoas, quadriceps 

1. Sit with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly so you're balancing on your sit bones. Raise your legs so shins are parallel to the floor, knees bent. 

2. Extend arms forward, parallel with the floor, palms facing each other. Keeping your chest high and your core engaged, begin to straighten your legs. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths. Repeat 5 times. 

Why it is good for you
Boat a bulletproof core without straining your neck like crunches do. 

10 Best Yoga Poses for Women - Pose - 7

Garland Pose

Stretches low back, groin, hips, ankles 

1. Stand with feet slightly wider that hip-width. Bring the palms of your hands together in front of your heart in prayer pose. Turn toes out slightly. 

2. Deeply bend the knees, squatting down between your legs. Keeping palms together, gently press your elbows to the insides of your knees, opening up the hips. Keep the spine long, chest open. Feel tension in the lower back begin to melt away. Hold for at least 1 minute. 

Why it is good for you
Drop into this squat to relieve tummy troubles like constipation and cramps.