Transitions of Indiana Blog: 2013

Whether a woman believes reaching menopause is something to be happy or sad about, many start experiencing hair thinning where hair is wanted, and hair growth where it is not; one of life’s little jokes. Though finding a way to laugh about it helps, it is a problem that negatively affects women’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. Here’s a brief look at alopecia. Although it can begin anytime after puberty, alopecia is a common form of hair loss after 50.

Alopecia areata affects about 5 million people in the United States. We see it very frequently at Transitions of Indiana. This type of hair loss is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its very own hair follicles. Other onset factors include a person’s genetic makeup, other illness, pregnancy, and stress.

The first sign of alopecia areata is typically a small, round, and smooth patch of baldness on the scalp. Those with alopecia areata eventually experience complete baldness, or alopecia totalis. Others may lose hair over their entire body, called alopecia universalis. The course of alopecia areata is unpredictable, and hair may grow back only to fall out again.

Androgenic alopecia refers here to the female version of male pattern baldness. It has been linked to an inherited sensitivity to the male sex hormone, androgen. Women may experience diffuse hair thinning over their entire scalp instead of the actual baldness that develops in men.

Menopause and After

At menopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and this seems to be responsible, or partly so, for hair thinning (and that cheeky peach fuzz that seems to appear overnight). Other factors related to hair loss are high levels of stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, harsh hair products, and a genetic disposition.

Blood-sugar levels, thyroid tests, and an evaluation for rheumatoid disease may be suggested by your doctor to rule out other possible causes for any hair loss. A test for excessive androgen in your system is appropriate if the loss is sudden. As for managing the unwanted loss or growth, it is recommended you see a doctor to discuss possible lifestyle changes and medication options.

Lifestyle Changes

Suggested life style adjustments are a healthy diet, getting plenty of B vitamins (especially B6), enjoying a cup of green tea every day, losing some pounds, and trying shampoo that contains hyaluronic acid. These changes may help restore hair growth although it will take three to four months before you know. Even if taking these suggestions does not restore your hair, they are good habits for general well-being.

Stress hormones and insulin, if the levels are high, can cause an excess of androgen in the body. Reducing stress may lower the androgen enough to stop intrusive hair from peppering the chin. Walking, meditation, yoga, visualization, shooting some hoops, caring for a pet, swimming, playing with the grandchildren, and gardening are suggestions.

Medication

Medicinal options for menopause and post-menopause hair loss include a limited-term prescription for estrogen, Rogaine (minoxidil), steroids, or metformin (a drug often used with type 2 diabetes). All of these medications carry possible side-effects and should be discussed with your doctor.

Low Level Laser light treatments may be utilized to control hair loss and to promote healthy hair growth. Laser therapy treatments can be conducted in an office environment with a hair loss professional. An FDA cleared portable laser can also be purchased for at home use. Meet with a qualified hair loss professional to learn more about your options.

Let Transitions of Indiana help give your hair what it needs to grow strong and healthy. We encourage you to take the time and review your options then come in for a no cost, no obligation private hair loss consultation.

Transitions of Indiana is a premiere hair replacement center. Whether you live in Indianapolis, Beech Grove, Speedway, Carmel or anywhere in the surrounding Indiana area, we offer FREE private, confidential consultations to help you determine which customized treatment option is best for your individual situation. Our hair replacement solution options include Sensigraft, Reallusions, Graduated Enhancement, Laser Hair Therapy, Hair Extensions, and hair loss control products. Take the first step to a new you and schedule your free hair loss evaluation. www.transitionsindy.com

A common misconception concerning gray hair is that graying occurs as a result of aging. In fact, whether a person will gray and the age that graying will occur is completely determined by genes. According to Dr. Helmenstine and other medical experts, the age when graying begins is the same age when graying began for your parents and grandparents. We don’t have much control concerning whether we gray or the age that graying will begin. However, we often have some control over how fast graying occurs.

Slowing and Gray Hair: According to LiveStrong, a partner of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, women may begin a vitamin regimen in order to prevent and/or slow the graying process. Before you begin the routine, visit a health food or nutrient store and consider the following vitamins: Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin B9, and PABA. When you eat breakfast, take 2mcg of vitamin B12. Include meats in your breakfast to ensure that the vitamin was absorbed into your body. During lunch, take 200 IU of vitamin E. Vitamin E will work against dryness, which is associated with gray hair, as well as increase hair follicle strength.

During the course of the day, LiveStrong recommends consuming between 400 and 800 mcg of B9. Insufficient amounts of folic acid, also known as B9, may be causes of gray hair. Lastly, take 400 mcg of PABA with other PABA rich foods like liver, grains, or molasses. According to health-care-clinic.org, PABA, which is related to folic acid, can prevent the graying of hair and restore hair color to hair that has already become gray. There are no randomized clinical trials that support the usage of vitamins to prevent/slow graying. Before you begin taking vitamins, it is important to talk to your doctor to ensure that it is a safe option for you.

Covering Gray Hair: If you’ve given up reversing your gray but you’re not quite ready to accept it, there are options. Covering gray hair can be done in many ways. However, there are two that are especially appealing for a woman who wants to hide her gray. Demi-permanent hair color is a hybrid between semi-permanent and permanent hair color. Often, permanent hair color is too harsh, especially since graying hair is often dry. Semi-permanent is less harsh, but it only lasts a few washes. Demi-permanent color lasts 28 washes, which could last anywhere from one month to six weeks for most women. "It's a great solution for someone who's just starting to go gray and wants to experiment with color," says Lisa Evan, a colorist at Mario Russo Salon in Boston. "It gives a very natural result because the grays will take the color differently from the other strands, which means hair ends up with an almost highlighted look." Another option that gives you the exact style you want plus the agency to go natural is purchasing a 100% human hair wig. A wig is just what some women need when they are working to accept their gray (or if they are suffering from alopecia). You get to choose your style and decide when to wear it and when to go gray. Find a professional near you for a consultation.

Accepting Gray Hair: If you’ve accepted your gray hair in all of its silver beauty, congratulations! Wear your hair gray and proud by experimenting with highlights and lowlights, cutting it short and sassy, or wearing it long and wavy. Many female celebrities are showing off their gray locks on the red carpet. Next time you flip on the TV or read a celebrity magazine, look out for the celebs that embrace their age with their hair. There’s no reason to change or hide what’s natural for you. Be proud of who you are and wear your hair gray to prove it.

Graying is a natural part of life. While you’re working to slow down the graying process, make sure to embrace and accept your beautiful hair as part of the beautiful person who you are.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

References
YOU: The Owner's Manual, Updated and Expanded Edition: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger; Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen; 2008

Health-care-clinic.org: PABA

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, the last thing on your mind is your hair and skin. However, hair loss and skin changes are a very real and emotion-filled part of cancer treatment for most women. Women who think ahead and plan for these changes may find themselves less stressed and surprised than those who are not prepared. Follow the tips below to stay ahead of the wave and keep your hair and skin healthy.

1. Revitalize your skincare routine. The American Cancer Society discusses the possible skin changes that may occur during treatment, which include color changes, redness, itching, peeling, dryness, rashes, and acne. In light of these changes to your skin, your skin care routine should shift accordingly. Chemocare.com suggests staying away from perfumed products, bubble baths, and lanolin-based creams and lotions. These ingredients dry out your skin. Check the ingredients of the products you currently use. If one of your favorite products contains ingredients that may further irritate your skin, don't throw it away! Just place the products aside until your cancer treatment is over. Temporarily replace these products with more gentle scrubs and cleansers. Substances that keep your skin hydrated include petroleum and mineral oil. Use bath oils instead of soap to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy on a daily basis

2. Choose a hair care expert. Do your research before heading to any old store to purchase a wig. It’s important to find a professional hair loss expert in your area who will take the time to consider the options with you. Jan Ping, Emmy-winning TV cosmetologist, hairstylist and cancer survivor, says, “going to a professional experienced in hair loss and hair replacement is important because they can help you and guide you through all the stages of hair loss. Trusting someone else can be a relief when you’re not feeling well.

3. Choose a wig early. When it comes to selecting a hairpiece, it’s best to take care of as much as you can pre-treatment. Women who visit a hair loss professional before losing their hair will find it much easier to select a hair loss solution that matches the color and style of their natural hair. Also, making decisions when you’re feeling healthy is much easier than choosing a wig or hair prosthesis during cancer treatment, after you have already begun to lose your hair. Your skin color and tone may look different during treatment, which may call for a hair color adjustment that may be slightly lighter or darker than your natural color. When you meet with a hair loss professional whom you trust, you can speak candidly with that person about exactly how you’d like for your hair to look.
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Caring for your skin and hair is caring for yourself. Many women have kept the same skin and hair care routine for years. Even though shifting a pattern is difficult, it is essential to change your routine when your skin and hair undergo changes. If you’re coping with symptoms that are expected during cancer care, remain patient with the process and treat yourself gently.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

References

American Cancer Society. Understanding Chemotherapy. A Guide for Patients and Families. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/understandingchemotherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/understanding-chemotherapy-more-side-effects-skin-and-nail-changes

National Cancer Institute. Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects. Skin and Nail Changes. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemo-side-effects/skin-and-nail

When pregnant, hormonal changes in a woman’s body prevent her hair from shedding as it did before pregnancy. So, her hair thickens and for a few months she enjoys having more luxurious tresses than before.

One to five months after delivering the baby, surprise! Some women experience a large amount of hair shedding, or hair falling out in clumps, as their hormones return to pre-pregnancy status.

While the hair loss may be disappointing or scary, it is a normal response to the body’s readjusting post-pregnancy chemistry. About 40 to 50 percent of pregnant women experience this type of extreme shedding known as Telogen Effluvium or TE, but fortunately it is a temporary condition.

Why some new moms return to their regular pre-pregnancy hair cycle immediately after birth and others do not, is unknown.

Why Hair Loss after Pregnancy occurs

1. At any given time, other than pregnancy, around 90% of our hair is in a growth, or anagen phase. The other 10% is taking a break from growth and resting in what is called the telogen phase.

1. Every eight to twelve weeks, the resting hair sheds. We find it in our brushes and shower drains. Once hair is lost, the “empty” hair follicles can begin to produce a new shaft.

2. During pregnancy the increased estrogen keeps hair growing strong. The hair does not rest and fall out as before, leaving some moms-to-be with hair so thick it might be difficult to comb.

3. When estrogen levels plummet after birth, up to 60% (usually less) of the mother’s hair can enter the resting phase and be lost through shedding. It may take six to twelve months for the hair cycle to return to its pre-pregnancy routine. Women who breastfeed may keep their extra locks a bit longer.

Any time a woman’s estrogen levels change there is a possibility of hair loss. Besides pregnancy, other triggers are miscarriage, stopping any hormonal form of birth control, or out of balance hormones.

For Healthy Hair During and After Pregnancy

• Eat three to four servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Make sure that some of the daily veggies are dark green and leafy.

• Talk to your doctor about supplementing your diet with Vitamins C, E, the B complex, biotin, and zinc.

• Shampoos containing biotin and silica are recommended, followed by a good conditioner.

• Be gentle with your hair. If you blow dry your hair, use the dryer’s cool setting. Use wide tooth combs after shampooing, and do not stress-out your hair with tight rollers, curling irons, pigtails, weaves, or cornrows. Consider putting off chemical treatments such as perms, dyes, or straightening.

Women should inform their doctors of excessive postpartum hair loss since there is a possibility of other underlying causes for it, especially if the shedding does not resolve within a few months. For example, a vitamin deficiency can trigger hair shedding as can changes in the thyroid after giving birth.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

This week, Transitions of Indiana will dive into the topic of how smoking directly influences your hair loss.

As many of you know, there are 4,000 poisonous chemicals, carcinogens, and toxic metals in one cigarette. Everyone knows how those chemicals harm our lungs, but smoking is also directly related to hair loss. Even if you have genetic, patterned hair loss, smoking will exacerbate shedding and diminish the effectiveness of treatments, including medications.

Among other poisons, cigarettes contain DDT which is a banned insecticide, formaldehyde (embalming fluid), the rat poison called arsenic, a radioactive gas called radon, and toluene which is an industrial solvent. Just reading that is enough to make a person’s hair follicles quiver.

How Smoking Affects Hair Health

4000 poisonous chemicals

When smokers take a puff, the body automatically attempts to clean the chemicals from its system. Cleaning takes energy away from other body functions such as hair growth.

Carbon monoxide

Hair follicles are among the fastest growing cells in the body. That is why follicles need continuous access to nutrients and oxygen. Because carbon monoxide limits the oxygen and nutrients available in the blood stream, hair follicle cells suffer from malnutrition and inadequate oxygen when an individual smoker inhales it.

Living in high gear

The human body is not designed to live in a constant state of excitement. Nicotine in cigarettes triggers the release of adrenaline, keeping the body revved up. Living in high gear, over time, wears out the entire system, causing the smoker to age faster.

Circulation

Nicotine in the system keeps blood vessels in a contracted state. This restricts blood flow to our fast growing follicle cells, and every other cell in the body.

Hormones

Smoking increases the dihydrotestosterone in hair follicles and, smokers generally have higher levels of testosterone in their system. When elevated amounts of DHT and testosterone get together, the chance of hair loss is increased.

Second hand cigarette smoke contains 250 toxins and 50 of them are carcinogens. If you are around secondhand smoke frequently it is a health hazard and may aggravate hair loss.

Restore Health to Your Hair

Hair loss and early graying are visible effects of smoking, making them good motivators for smoking cessation. If you want to quit, make sure you have support and talk to your doctor about the best way to approach it. Here are four more tips:

1. You will need to learn other ways to relax. Many people smoke when stressed and need new tools to cool their jets post smoking. Music, meditation, breathing or stretching exercises, soaking in the tub, or taking up a hobby, are options. You must find something that works for you.

2. It is helpful to rid the house of anything related to cigarettes and smoking. That includes cleaning the carpet, drapes, and furniture to eliminate cigarette odor.

3. Did you know that eating fruits, veggies, and dairy products affect the taste of cigarettes? Many smokers report smoking tastes terrible after eating those good-for-you foods.

4. Getting exercise helps relieve nervous energy and makes it easier for the body to clean out toxins. The exercise does not have to be strenuous or boring. Walking, yoga, shooting hoops, bike riding, playing tennis, and dancing are suggestions, but choose something you enjoy.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

People are always seeking answers to their receding hair lines. Most spend an absorbent amount of money on products and hair care before they even consult a professional. The shear fact is, everyone wants to pretend they are in control of their hairs destiny and its hard to find the right type of help. It also doesn’t help when there are countless misconceptions out there about hair loss. Its important to separate fact from fiction, therefore this month, Transitions of Indiana in Indianapolis gets to the bottom of myths about hair loss. Here’s the bald truth.

“Hair Loss is Passed Down From Your Mother’s Side of the Family”

For years now, it has been thought that hair loss was inherited from the mother’s side of the family. This myth is FALSE. The primary baldness gene is on the X chromosome, which men only get from their mothers; however there are other factors that come into play. For instance, research shows that men who have bald fathers are more likely to develop male pattern baldness.

“Wearing a Hat for Years has Resulted in My Hair Falling Out”

From helmets to ball caps, rumor has it that hats cause eventual hair loss. This myth is also FALSE. This theory comes from the idea of excess stress and tugging on hair follicles. However, wearing a hat is not considered, “excess” on the follicles like hair braids hair extensions and other hairstyles can be. As long as you keep the hat clean by rotating their use and/or washing them, they should not result in stress or scalp infection. Take care of your hair and make sure that your scalp and hair are always clean. Dirt has the ability to clog follicles. Shampoo 2-3 times per week and condition daily and you shouldn’t encounter any problems.

“Substantial Sun Exposure On My Head Has Resulted In My Hair Loss”

This applies mostly to those individuals living down south. This statement is simply FALSE. Your hair actually acts as a shield against your scalp. Hair loss in both men and women appear at the follicle level and the sun would have to penetrate at this depth in order to truly contribute to any damage.

“Stress Has Resulted in My Hair Loss Over the Years”

This myth is TRUE. Severe amounts of stress has the ability to cause temporary hair loss (alopecia areata) However, the scalp has the ability to recover and hair can grow back as a result.

“Smoking Can Cause Hair Discoloration and Hair Loss”

This myth is TRUE. According to J. G. Mosley of the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England in an article in Science News (January 11, 1997) smokers are four times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively connected to accelerated hair loss.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”
www.transitionsindy.com

For most men and women, thinning hair and hair loss can be a catastrophic experience. Generally speaking, hair loss is more prominent in men, but women may also experience hair loss at extreme levels. Whether you’re a man or a woman, chances are you may experience some level of hair loss, hair thinning, or hair breakage in your lifetime. For most of us, we can only hope it comes later in our lives, but for some individuals it’s important to take an active approach to combating your hair problems. The good news is nowadays, there are solutions for just about every problem.

Female hair loss may occur for various reasons including the following:

Female Pattern Hair Loss
With female pattern hair loss, gradual thinning across the top of the head is caused by an abnormal reaction to the male hormone, testosterone. It takes longer for a hair to grow back in after it is shed and thicker, longer hairs are replaced by shorter, thinner hairs.

Stress

Emotional and physical stress may lead to increased cortisol levels which affect hormonal levels and may cause hair loss.

Alopecia

This is an autoimmune disease that makes hair fall out in small patches. In many cases, it may lead to total baldness.

Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalance occurs in every woman to some degree as she ages and estrogen levels fall. When estrogen levels fall, the body allows more available testosterone without opposition. When this happens, hair loss may be the victim.

Diet and Nutrition

A common cause of hair loss in women is nutritional deficiency. A diet that is right for your hair should include proteins, iron, sulphur, zinc and Vitamin B and leave out the refined sugars that have a high Glycemic Index. These foods include processed foods like white bread, French fries, sodas and beer to name a few.

Chemotherapy

Hair loss occurs during chemotherapy because it targets cancer cells as well as healthy cells and structures filled with tiny blood vessels that make hair are some of the fastest growing cells in the human body. As the chemo is battling the cancer cells, it also destroys hair cells.

Hair Products and Styling
Hairstyles such as ponytails, dreadlocks and tight rollers can cause constant pulling on the hair and therefore damage the hair follicles.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and is often referred to as ringworm of the scalp. Fungi can live on dead tissue of hair and skin layers and grow well in warm, moist areas. Your health care provider may prescribe medicine to help combat this scalp infection.

Trichotillomania

This is a mental disorder where an individual pulls out their hair frequently, which may cause bald spots on their scalp.

Menopause
As with most menopause symptoms, an imbalance of the body’s hormonal levels may lead to hair loss. The good news is that if this is the reason, it may not be permanent.

If you feel that any of these symptoms exist, you need to immediately consult a professional. This is the only step to finding the true culprit of your hair loss. Professionals may test hair samples and get to the root of your problem.

Let Transitions of Indiana in Indianapolis help give your hair what it needs to grow strong and healthy. We encourage you to take the time and review your options then come in for a no cost, no obligation private hair loss consultation.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

Safe, Effective and Affordable Hair Loss Treatments and Medical Solutions

For most men and women, thinning hair and hair loss stems from a condition known as “Androgenetic Alopecia”. This genetic condition affects millions around the world and the only safe, effective and affordable treatments are limited to the following:

Minoxidil (Topical) – FDA approved and found in products like Rogaine®. You simply apply the solution twice a day to your scalp.

Finasteride (Oral Medication) – FDA approved and sold as Propecia®. In short, Finasteride inhibits the formation of the DHT hormone that’s responsible for weakening hair growth, which in turn decreases the rate of hair loss.

Laser Hair Therapy – laser hair therapy for hair loss is a revolutionary, non-surgical breakthrough for both men and women suffering from the devastating effects. With laser hair therapy, you can achieve thicker, fuller, shinier, and healthier looking hair.

Hair Replacement - Hair replacement is the redistribution of genetically permanent hair from areas on the back and sides of the head. The hair is redistributed to areas of lesser density. These areas are typically on the top of the head.

There are a variety of products that claim they prevent or reverse the signs of hair loss, but as a smart consumer you need to realize that’s not always true. Watch out for products that are not FDA approved and that don’t show any clinical research to prove its effectiveness.

With all the treatments on the market, the 4 that are listed above are proven remedies that may show results for YOU! Before trying anything, Transitions of Indiana recommends you speak to a hair specialist about the best options for your situation. Everyone who suffers from hair thinning and hair loss is at a different stage and its better to seek out a professional who can give you the advice you need.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

What to Do If You Have Early Signs of Hair Loss

While losing your hair may be more common among men, hair loss in women isn’t as rare as you think. Your hair says a lot about your overall health, not to mention hair loss may cause many psychological problems including stress, low self-esteem and even depression.

If you are encountering signs of thinning hair then the first step towards fighting back should be to find the underlying cause of your hair loss. The good news is that advances in medicine have shown there are steps you can take to slow the signs of hair loss and even improve the health of your scalp. Below are a few tips that Transitions of Indiana suggests to consider:

§ Hair Care – Think of your scalp as your own lawn in your backyard. If you don’t give your lawn regular maintenance and proper nutrition then how do you expect your grass to look like it should be on the cover of HGTV? Our specialists at Transitions of Indiana say to make sure your scalp and hair are always clean. Dirt has the ability to clog follicles. Shampoo 2-3 times per week and condition daily. Also, be careful about overly heating and drying your hair. This process can weaken hair proteins and may lead to brittleness or hair breaking.

§ Proper Nutrition – A vitamin and protein deficient diet will result in insufficient nutrients to the scalp. Remember, a healthy body is more likely to result in healthy hair. Fried foods or foods that are high in cholesterol may cause an increase in DHT levels which ultimately may increase hair loss. Fruits and vegetables may slow down the signs of hair loss. Our hair specialists say to aim at consuming a diet full of iron, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin c.

§ Consider Your Treatment Options – Your first step towards healthier hair should be to see a hair loss specialist. Through a proper scalp evaluation, they can explain to you the current state of your hair and tell you your options. Treatments such as laser hair therapy may increase the volume and health of your hair.

What to Do If You Have Early Signs of Hair Loss

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