Unlike a temporary fall, called effluvium, androgenic (or androgenetic) fall is a persistent fall, which concerns men, as we know, but also 15 to 20% of women, or even more according to studies. It is progressive and lasting if we do not stop it. It is localized on specific areas of the skull (top of the head, front or sides). Hair falls out because its life cycle becomes shorter, while those that grow back are thinner. This therefore results in a more or less intense refinement of the hair.
The so-called androgenetic hair loss occurs most often after menopause, because the hormonal climate has changed: estrogens are down while androgens (male hormones) remain stable. The balance is broken, promoting hair loss. ” It is also thought that hormonal treatments (certain pills, impregnated IUD) can have an influence, as can stress or dietary changes, in particular the greater consumption of products with a high glycemic index, which act on the hormonal system. “, specifies Dr. Sylvie Garnier Lyonnet, dermatologist.
Consult a dermatologist
More and more women in their fifties are consulting, most often after menopause. This suggests that this type of fall is on the increase. ” However, it is increasingly common to see this type of fall also in young women, from the period following puberty. “says the dermatologist. But, “ there is also a genetic ground. This therefore concerns women whose scalp has an excessive sensitivity to androgen hormones (male hormones). The way of life is also decisive, because we now know that the external environment can act by deregulating certain genes “says Dr. Garnier Lyonnet.
You should consult a dermatologist immediately. By asking questions and examining the hair, this specialist will rule out other causes of hair loss (illness, medication, traction hair loss, etc.) and prescribe appropriate treatment.
” We must react quickly, ideally within three months, because if we can limit the evolution of the fall, on the other hand once the hair has fallen, it is much more difficult to recover the density that we have. lost “, explains the dermatologist. So, the sooner the treatment begins, the more hair will be preserved.
The reference treatment is Minoxidil, as for men, at a lower dose. But to be complete “the treatment is based on three targets, continues the dermatologist. It is necessary first of all to avoid an aggravation of the androgenic terrain. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be implemented in collaboration with the gynecologist, unless there are contraindications. Then you have to stimulate regrowth with the morning and evening application of the 2% Minoxidil lotion, which will act as a booster. Finally, to improve the ground, the daily intake of food supplements provides the essential elements for a good formation of new hair.
“You should know from the start that this treatment will last a very long time. The evolution can be fluctuating, with periods of aggravation and calm of the fall. After two to three years, you can take breaks and see how the hair evolves “says Sylvie Garnier Lyonnet.
Get into good habits
Eat a balanced diet, because deficiencies or deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, etc. are harmful to hair health. And then quit smoking. Studies have indeed proven that smoking has a deleterious effect on the hair follicles, which “produce” hair. Psychological stress would also have a negative role. Because it causes the release of androgens, hair-destroying hormones. And also induces an early catagen phase (phase of hair degradation before it falls) and inflammation in the hair follicle. The sun also has a negative effect, because UVA and UVB cause apoptosis, ie cell death. In addition, the rays have a direct effect on the hair by lifting their scales.
Don’t be afraid to wash and style your hair… even if some hair is falling out. But it takes take good care of your hair and suitable products. So a very gentle shampoo that respects the scalp, a conditioner to detangle the lengths more easily. Avoid anything that can attack the hair and the scalp: repeated brushings and smoothings, hair dryers that are too hot, styling products with alcohol, etc.
Shorten them when they fall. A short cut or a square at the level of the jawbones hides the lack of volume and density better than long hair. In this way, the fall becomes less spectacular, therefore less traumatic. It is necessary to avoid, for example, the parting in the middle which reveals the bald head, comb the hair back or on the sides with a barrette if necessary. If the hair is colored, he must choose the least aggressive coloring technique possible (with fewer oxidizing agents), such as tone on tone or even vegetable coloring.
Nourish your hair
– With sulfur amino acids, such as cystine, glutamine and arginine which are components of hair. They strengthen them and improve their growth.
– Vitamin B6, important, because it participates in the metabolism of keratin and potentiates the anti-androgen action of zinc.
– Zinc, because it is necessary for the formation of the hair follicle. It is involved in the formation of keratin, in the synthesis of collagen and in cell division. It is important at the hormonal level, as it has an anti-androgen and antioxidant action. A diet rich in oysters, seafood, wheat germ, lean beef, veal liver, sesame, cocoa powder can improve its intake.
– Iron. A deficiency in iron refines the hair and makes it rarer, because it contributes to the nutrition and oxygenation of the hair’s reproductive cells. The dermatologist can check, by a simple blood test, if there is no lack.
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