Provillus For Women

Women's Provillus - FAQ

What causes hair loss?

The female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is the most common

type of hair loss accounting for over 95 per cent of cases. A few cases may

also have a genetic predisposition, inherited from the father or mother. The

main culprit for hair loss is the hormone dihydrotestesterone, DHT.

Testosterone, a male hormone (present in small quantity in females) is

converted to DHT by the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. It is

seen that people with a lot of this enzyme (density of the enzyme is genetically

programmed) make more DHT. DHT binds to the hair follicles making them

dysfunctional and causes hair loss. The growth phase of the hair is shortened

making it fall prematurely. It also prevents re-growth of new hair.

Unlike male pattern baldness, there is usually a general thinning of the hair

with loss predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It usually gets

worse with the menopause as estrogen level declines that usually keeps

check over testosterone level.

Another common cause of hair loss in women is a condition called alopecia

areata, an autoimmune disease that affects more than two per cent of the

population. In this, immune cells mistakenly attack the hair follicles. The follicles

then become very small and hair production slows down dramatically, so there

may be no visible hair growth for months and years. After some time, hair may

grow as before, come back in patchy areas or not at all.

Can hair loss occur in young adults?

Female pattern hair loss usually occurs after menopause, however, hormonal

imbalance anytime in the life can initiate hair loss. Family history should also

be considered. Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, two other forms of

temporary hair loss, can occur in children as young as one year of age. Other

precipitating factors like thyroid problems, pregnancy and birth control pills

may also be contributing factor.

What can be the cause of a sudden loss of a large mass of hair?

Sudden loss of large mass of cells may be due to stressors in the system like

illness, high fever, pregnancy, extreme weight loss or gain, and drug use;

however this is temporary in nature and subsides once the stressors are

removed. Theses stressors tend to disrupt the growth and rest cycle of the

hair. As a result more hairs are in the resting phase instead of growth phase.

Do shampoos and other hair products cause hair loss?

Generally shampoos and other hair products are meant to be safe, but some

people may be hypersensitive to the ingredients and may get an allergic

reaction. Caustic hair dyes, strengtheners, and other products can certainly

cause inflammation of the scalp and result in hair loss.

Can my hairstyle cause my hair to fall out?

Certain hairstyles can contribute to hair loss, most notably styles involving

tight braids or pull-backs. This form of hair loss is called traction alopecia.

This occurs when the hair is pulled tightly back and fastened at the base of

the skull, or braided into tight braids or rows. Exposure to this type of hairstyle

over long periods can result in a scarring alopecia, with no potential for

re-growth.