In some cases, it can even help regrow new hair. But there are disadvantages to using the medication, which comes as a topical lotion or foam, especially for women. Normally, hair grows about half of an inch each month. Each hair grows for up to six years, then it stops growing, rests for a while, and eventually falls out and is replaced by a new hair that grows for six years.
If your hair is growing normally, about 85 percent of it is growing at any given time and 15 percent of it is resting. But if you have female pattern baldness, your hair follicles get smaller and smaller over time, Dr.
Yang says. The smaller they are, the shorter the amount of time your hair grows. Doctors think that, among other possible causes, aging, genetics, and a change in the level of male hormones, or androgens, after menopause may be part of what brings on female pattern baldness.
If you have been noticing that your hair is thinner or your part is widening, you may be one of the millions of women affected by female pattern hair loss FPHL. Unlike men, women do not usually go bald; instead, they may see a widening part, a thinner ponytail, recession of hair at the temples , or some combination AAD, n.
Female pattern hair loss is likely due to a combination of factors. Androgens male hormones play a key role in male pattern baldness, which is also called androgenetic alopecia.
Androgens affect the hair follicles and the hair growth cycle. However, in FPHL, the role of androgens is unclear.
Since there are more cases of female pattern hair loss after menopause, hormonal changes are likely involved in some way—scientists are still piecing together this part of the puzzle. Also, there seems to be a genetic component to this condition, and many women with thinning hair have a family history of hair loss. The genes for female pattern hair loss can come from your mother, father, or both. However, there is no definitive inheritance pattern , and there may be multiple genes involved McMichael, For example, many women notice thinner hair or hair that comes out in clumps after pregnancy.
If you use harsh styling products or hair dyes, the chemicals can damage your hair and lead to hair loss. Likewise, certain hairstyles, hair treatments, or over-brushing can thin out your hair. Alopecia can also be due to certain medications e.
Unsurprisingly, stress is another factor that can affect hair health. When your body is under stress, like after a stressful event, major surgery, illness, or weight loss of 20 pounds or more, hair loss may result. Hair thinning from stress is usually due to excessive shedding. Fortunately, the hair will often return to normal once the stress stops AAD, n. Hair loss in women is usually progressive—this means that if left untreated, you will likely continue to lose hair.
Even though women do not usually go bald as men often do, many desire treatment. Fortunately, treatments are available, including minoxidil, oral medications, surgery, and laser therapy. Initially used only in men, minoxidil is an FDA-approved over-the-counter medication for hair loss for both men and women. Minoxidil dilates blood vessels, thereby encouraging more blood and nutrient flow to the hair follicles, leading to fuller hair.
Since minoxidil acts on the hair cycle, it is necessary to keep using the medication. Once you stop, your hair growth may reverse, and your hair loss may continue to progress. The sooner you start using minoxidil, the better your results tend to be. Studies have shown that it significantly increases the total hair count leading to fuller hair after using it for 24 weeks Fabbrocini, Minoxidil is a topical treatment, meaning that you apply it directly to your scalp, not your hair.
Typically, dosing instructions are as follows:. Massage the minoxidil into the scalp with your fingers, and make sure to wash your hands immediately afterward.
Ideally, apply the treatment at least two hours before bedtime to allow it dry completely—this may help prevent the minoxidil from inadvertently spreading to other parts of the body while you sleep UpToDate, Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription over-the-counter [OTC] medicine. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.
Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:.
This medicine usually comes with patient instructions. It is important that you read the instructions carefully. It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of it being absorbed through the skin. For the same reason, do not apply minoxidil to other parts of your body. Absorption into the body may affect the heart and blood vessels and cause unwanted effects.
Do not use any other skin products on the same skin area on which you use minoxidil. Hair coloring, hair permanents, and hair relaxers may be used during minoxidil therapy as long as the scalp is washed just before applying the hair coloring, permanent, or relaxer. Minoxidil should not be used 24 hours before and after the hair treatment procedure.
Be sure to not double your doses of minoxidil to make up for any missed doses. If your scalp becomes abraded, irritated, or sunburned, check with your doctor before applying minoxidil. Minoxidil topical foam or solution is for use on the scalp only. Keep this medicine away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water. If you are using the pump spray, be careful not to breathe in the spray.
Do not use the foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
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