The most common type of hair loss in women seen by Trichologists, Chronic Telogen Effluvium (diffuse hair loss), is characterised as an increase in hair shedding or a decrease in hair thickness over a period of time.
Approximately 30% of menstruating women (almost 5 million) are affected by CTE in the UK, so if you think you are a sufferer, you're not alone! It can take years to repair the damage.
Stopping Chronic Telogen Effluvium and regaining hair thickness, depends on establishing the true cause and dealing with it as quickly as possible.
What Causes Chronic Telogen Effluvium? It is often the case that there are a number of problems, each contributing to a woman's hair loss.
Women are increasingly under greater stress, high-pressure jobs, juggling work and family life, leaving less time to consider their own health and wellbeing.
Pregnancy is a well known factor and breastfeeding although best for baby isn't always best for hair if you don't consider what you eat while nursing.
Stress 'burns off' vital nutrients such as the B vitamins, vital for good hair quality and growth.
Faddy dieting, crash weight loss, vegetarian and low protein diets can all contribute to hair loss.
The average female requires approximately 40g of good quality protein (grams per 100g) per day.
Hair consists largely of protein, a deficiency may cause hairshafts to become finer, weak and break easily.
A protein deficiency can been recognised through hair colour changes, dark hair in particular exhibits 'orange tones' or becomes lighter.
Other nutrients including iron, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin A and essential fatty acids are vital for hair health.
However, it is not recommended to attempt to design your own hair nutritional program without the help of a professional.
You may waste time and money or cause further problems by using the wrong supplements.
Low Iron Stores (Ferritin) and Female Hair Loss.
The most common cause of hair loss in women, without doubt is low Iron levels.
The large majority of the women who consult a Trichologist, have well below optimum Iron stores for good hair growth.
A study conducted on 1000 women revealed 33% suffered hair loss, 90% of these women suffered low Iron levels and 10% were caused by genetic or other factors.
GP's are often unaware of exactly which blood tests to carry out, most opting for the Full Blood Count and Haemoglobin tests for Anaemia.
However, the most important blood test in female hair loss is the Serum Ferritin, an indicator of iron stores.
Research has not established a link between low Haemoglobin and hair loss as they have with low Serum Ferritin.
In fact, it is common to find a non- anaemic person with a low Serum Ferritin.
Changes in the hair growth cycle can often occur when an individual's Serum Ferritin falls below around 40-70ug/L.
Serum Ferritin levels can be raised most successfully with a combined therapy of Ferrous Glycine Sulphate, Vitamin C, L-Lysine and Vitamin B12.
Once the Serum Ferritin reaches a certain trigger level, hair shedding will decrease and hair growth will slowly increase.
The optimum Serum Ferritin for good hair growth is between 70-100ug/l.
This information is not intended for individuals to diagnose or treat their own hair loss as there may be a number of contributing factors to consider.
If you are serious about solving your hair problem, I would strongly recommend you consult a Trichologist.
Approximately 30% of menstruating women (almost 5 million) are affected by CTE in the UK, so if you think you are a sufferer, you're not alone! It can take years to repair the damage.
Stopping Chronic Telogen Effluvium and regaining hair thickness, depends on establishing the true cause and dealing with it as quickly as possible.
What Causes Chronic Telogen Effluvium? It is often the case that there are a number of problems, each contributing to a woman's hair loss.
Women are increasingly under greater stress, high-pressure jobs, juggling work and family life, leaving less time to consider their own health and wellbeing.
Pregnancy is a well known factor and breastfeeding although best for baby isn't always best for hair if you don't consider what you eat while nursing.
Stress 'burns off' vital nutrients such as the B vitamins, vital for good hair quality and growth.
Faddy dieting, crash weight loss, vegetarian and low protein diets can all contribute to hair loss.
The average female requires approximately 40g of good quality protein (grams per 100g) per day.
Hair consists largely of protein, a deficiency may cause hairshafts to become finer, weak and break easily.
A protein deficiency can been recognised through hair colour changes, dark hair in particular exhibits 'orange tones' or becomes lighter.
Other nutrients including iron, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin A and essential fatty acids are vital for hair health.
However, it is not recommended to attempt to design your own hair nutritional program without the help of a professional.
You may waste time and money or cause further problems by using the wrong supplements.
Low Iron Stores (Ferritin) and Female Hair Loss.
The most common cause of hair loss in women, without doubt is low Iron levels.
The large majority of the women who consult a Trichologist, have well below optimum Iron stores for good hair growth.
A study conducted on 1000 women revealed 33% suffered hair loss, 90% of these women suffered low Iron levels and 10% were caused by genetic or other factors.
GP's are often unaware of exactly which blood tests to carry out, most opting for the Full Blood Count and Haemoglobin tests for Anaemia.
However, the most important blood test in female hair loss is the Serum Ferritin, an indicator of iron stores.
Research has not established a link between low Haemoglobin and hair loss as they have with low Serum Ferritin.
In fact, it is common to find a non- anaemic person with a low Serum Ferritin.
Changes in the hair growth cycle can often occur when an individual's Serum Ferritin falls below around 40-70ug/L.
Serum Ferritin levels can be raised most successfully with a combined therapy of Ferrous Glycine Sulphate, Vitamin C, L-Lysine and Vitamin B12.
Once the Serum Ferritin reaches a certain trigger level, hair shedding will decrease and hair growth will slowly increase.
The optimum Serum Ferritin for good hair growth is between 70-100ug/l.
This information is not intended for individuals to diagnose or treat their own hair loss as there may be a number of contributing factors to consider.
If you are serious about solving your hair problem, I would strongly recommend you consult a Trichologist.
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