Before proceeding with the treatment of AHA, you need to know exactly what alopecia is, why it occurs and what stages it has. This is a pathological hair loss, which leads to their thinning or complete loss in certain parts of the head.
Luxurious hair always symbolizes youth and attractiveness. Baldness gives a person very strong discomfort. Many people do not turn to specialists, considering excessive hair loss the norm. Some doubt that they can be restored. Consider whether this is so.
Features of the disease
Androgens need to be understood as male sex hormones. They promote muscle growth and adversely affect hair follicles. Androgenetic alopecia is considered quite common. In women, baldness of this type is much less common than in men.
With an increase in the level of androgens, there is a significant inhibition of hair follicles. At the same time, the skin of the head is thinning. They do not "produce" strong and dense hair. Instead, almost colorless hairs appear, which gradually fall away, and new ones do not grow.
The loss of male hair can be triggered by various pathologies. For example, a similar violation is observed when taking hormonal contraceptives. If the first signs of alopecia occur, you need to visit a doctor.
During the treatment of AHA, it is worth remembering that the disease is cyclical. Sometimes the affected areas are again overgrown with hair. However, with every exacerbation of the disease, the area of ​​baldness increases.
The androgenetic type of alopecia in men is characterized by the fact that hair falls out in the parietal and frontal region. Bald areas have a fairly characteristic triangular shape. After some time, the boundaries between these areas are more and more blurred. The hairline is fully preserved only on the lateral zones of the head.
In women, the density of hair is simply reduced. The severity of this process is insignificant. That is why not everyone goes to the doctor.
How it happens in men
Dihydrotestosterone slows down the work of hair follicles, which provokes their degeneration and chronic hair loss. Gradually, the curls become thinner, weaker, lose their color. Male pattern baldness is manifested by hair loss mainly in the parietal and frontal areas.
All these pathological changes occur with normal, and sometimes with a slightly reduced level of testosterone in the blood. According to studies conducted by trichologists, the susceptibility to the dihydrotestosterone receptors located in the follicles is much higher than in those people who do not have a problem of baldness.
Alopecia can be classified according to the degree of hair loss. To determine it, the Norwood-Hamilton scale is used. It is used by trichologists around the world to determine what stage the disease is at.
How does this happen in women?
In the female body, as in the male, the hormone testosterone is present. In this case, the mechanism of development of alopecia is somewhat different in its clinical picture. Women rarely lose their hair completely, they do not appear bald patches on typical areas, but they have normal in thickness hairs alternate with thin ones.
Visually, it looks like simply reducing the previous volume of hair, and not its complete loss. In addition, significant thinning at the temples can be noted. It is very difficult to recognize alopecia in women at the initial stage, since hair loss is not total. The severity of baldness is determined for women on the Ludwig scale.
Strong hormonal fluctuations, withdrawal of contraceptives, endocrine diseases can become provoking factors. When the very first signs of baldness appear, you need to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of occurrence
Treatment of AHA is carried out only after establishing the cause of such a violation. It is worth noting that a lot depends on the hereditary factor. In most cases, the predisposition to androgenic alopecia passes from the mother. Among other provocateurs of alopecia, you need to highlight the following:
- Vitamin deficiency and a strict diet.
- Long-term use of corticosteroids and antibiotics.
- Improper hair care.
- Propensity to neurosis, mental disorders.
Among the main causes of baldness in women, it is necessary to highlight the long-term use of oral contraceptives, menopause and some gynecological diseases. Hormonal problems are often observed in diseases of the endocrine system, during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Strong antidepressants, which women take often enough, can provoke baldness. The genetic factor in this case does not play a significant role. However, without a hereditary predisposition to baldness, the disease will not progress.
First signs
Men who develop androgenetic alopecia can begin to lose hair at any age after puberty. The main changes begin with a decrease in the hairline in the temporal, frontal and parietal areas. Signs of the disease are:
- Fast hair loss.
- Increased activity of the sebaceous glands.
- Thinning curls, increased fragility and discoloration.
In women, thinning is often uniform. The main complaints at an early stage of alopecia are:
- Decrease in hair volume.
- Separation of the front line of growth.
- The appearance of thin and short hairs.
In the treatment of AHA, how timely therapy was started was of great importance. If it was carried out in the initial stages, then it will be possible to save most of the hair.
The main symptoms
As mentioned above, in women and men, the process of alopecia is somewhat different. However, the disease has a common characteristic. Hair does not just fall out very much, but changes its color and structure. This is especially noticeable in the parietal region.
Alopecia in men is mainly accompanied by a distant border of hair growth in the forehead. This line moves slightly to the top of the head. At the same time, the temporal areas are exposed. Hair loss occurs gradually, which prevents timely detection of violations and prevent the rapid loss of curls.
In women, baldness is partial. If on the head the hair weakens and becomes thinner, then on other parts of the body they grow more actively. This is due to fluctuations in hormonal levels and increased production of male sex hormones. Among the main symptoms you need to highlight the following:
- Problems with conception.
- The fragility of the nails.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- The appearance of acne.
- Aggressiveness and nervousness.
The treatment of AHA in women and men is selected taking into account the particular course of the disease. It is important to identify it in a timely manner. Then the return of the previous density of hair is not excluded. The main problem is that it is almost impossible to detect the symptoms of alopecia at the initial stage.
How to conduct an examination
Diagnosis and treatment of AHA are very important, as this increases the likelihood of a complete resolution of the problem. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the available medical history, delivery of tests, as well as some additional studies. Therapy for alopecia is prescribed by a trichologist or dermatologist, as well as an endocrinologist.
When collecting an anamnesis, the doctor must take into account the duration of hair loss and the presence of a genetic predisposition. At the reception, a specialist conducts a visual examination with an assessment of the health of curls, scalp and the presence of bald patches. Laboratory tests, such as:
- Blood analysis.
- Research on sex hormones.
- Determination of the level of thyroid hormones and adrenal cortex.
Differential diagnosis is required to differentiate AHA from other forms of alopecia. For this, the trichoscopy method is used, which consists in examining the structure of the hair, follicle, sebaceous glands, and bulb. The trichoscope is a small camera that helps to increase several times the areas of the hairline. The resulting images are studied by a specialist.
When making a diagnosis at the initial stages of alopecia, the phototrichogram technique is used. This procedure is performed every 3 months to determine the degree of baldness and assess the general condition of the hairline.
Treatment features
Many are interested in how the treatment of AHA in women and men is carried out. Is it possible to get rid of the problem completely? Only a specialist can answer this question after a diagnosis.
All the procedures used do not have a lasting effect, so treatment courses have to be taken periodically with the interval prescribed by the doctor. If therapy is stopped earlier, then you can completely lose hair. Among the main methods, it is necessary to highlight the following:
- Medication.
- Surgical intervention.
- Laser Therapy
If it is established that the cause of baldness is hidden in a hormonal disorder, then after a course of therapy the hairline will fully recover. The treatment of AHA in men and women should be carried out constantly, since measures are required to maintain natural hair growth and stimulate the formation of new follicles.
Drug therapy
The principle of action of all used drugs prescribed for alopecia is aimed at reducing the production of testosterone and preventing the achievement of the main receptors sensitive to them by androgens. Drug treatment of AHA, aimed at reducing androgenic activity, should be prescribed only by a doctor. Self-medication is possible only by cosmetic means.
Basically, the doctor prescribes such drugs for the treatment of AHA:
- "Minoxidil."
- Finasteride.
- Rinfoltil.
- Esvitsin.
The drug "Minoxidil" is prescribed at a concentration of 2% for women and 5% for men. The main effect of the drug are:
- Increased hair growth duration.
- The transition of "sleeping" follicles to the active stage.
- Increased follicle size.
Proven active effect on hair growth with AHA, which is verified by repeated clinical trials. Treatment with the drug "Minoxidil" brings only positive results. A significant minus is that this drug should be used regularly. If the treatment is canceled, the hair will begin to thin again.
The drug Finasteride has established itself well for the treatment of AHA. Basically, it is assigned only to men. The mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of the phase of conversion of testosterone to DHT, which provokes baldness. This tool has very good results.
The treatment of AHA of the 1st degree is carried out using the Rinfoltil drug. It contains active plant components in its composition, the action of which is aimed at preventing hair loss. With its use, the susceptibility of follicles to male hormones decreases. This drug is approved for the treatment of baldness in patients of any gender.
When choosing a drug for the treatment of AHA, you need to pay attention to Esvitsin. This is a multicomponent tool that has a general strengthening effect on the body. It contains biostimulants, vitamins, trace elements and enzymes that help prevent the process of baldness. For successful therapy, oral administration of the drug in combination with its external use is required.
Physiotherapeutic Technique
Treatment of AHA in pregnant women is mainly carried out with the help of physiotherapy. The right doctor should choose the right course. Deterioration or improvement of well-being depends on the number of prescribed procedures, their intensity and duration of therapy.
Most often, with alopecia, electrotherapy is prescribed. After completing the course of treatment, the follicles are activated, the hair growth stage begins faster, there are more of them. Under the influence of current, blood circulation of the scalp is enhanced, and metabolic processes are also activated. Electrotherapy can be carried out using such methods:
- Electrophoresis
- Galvanization.
- Darsonvalization.
- Ultrasound on the collar zone.
- UHF field on the hair loss zone.
The most common technique is darsonvalization. It consists in the treatment of pulsed currents with a high frequency. When the electrode acts on the skin, the blood vessels expand, as a result of which the hair receives additional nutrition, their growth is activated.
Folk remedies
In the treatment of AHA in pregnant women, it is not recommended to use drugs, since they can have a negative effect on the condition of the fetus. In this case, it is best to use alternative methods of therapy. It is worth remembering that such funds do not stop hair loss, but help to reduce it. The most effective are those products that have an irritating effect on the scalp. As a result, blood microcirculation is normalized and new hair growth is stimulated. Traditional medicine is quite simple. Buying them is very easy.
Onion-based medicine is suitable for normal and dry hair. With increased oily skin, alcohol or brandy should be added to it. Grate or grind 2 onions in a meat grinder. Add 50 ml of cognac and mix until smooth. The resulting mixture to grind areas with signs of baldness every week for six months, taking a break for 5-6 days.
Pepper tincture has a warming effect, therefore, it stimulates the growth of new hair. The result can be seen after about half a month. This is an inexpensive but effective remedy, especially in the early stages of baldness. A cotton pad should be moistened in tincture. Apply to problem area before shampooing. After 30 minutes, rinse off the tincture. If there is a strong burning sensation, it is recommended to wash it off earlier and dilute it with water before the next use. Repeat the procedure every 2 weeks.
Dieting
It is very important to comply with all clinical guidelines for the treatment of AHA, as well as focus on dietetic nutrition. You need to abandon fried and fatty foods, foods high in sugar and salt.
Fruits and vegetables, protein foods must necessarily prevail in the diet. To stimulate hair growth, biologically active additives with complexes of beneficial substances are allowed to receive. It is important that the body receives vitamins of group B and trace elements.
Shampoos and cosmetics
The standard treatment for AHA includes the use of shampoos and other anti-alopecia cosmetic products. However, before purchasing them, you must definitely determine your hair type, carefully study the composition and instructions for use.
Shampoos should contain herbal extracts, essential oils, protein molecules, trace elements and minerals. It is not recommended to purchase cosmetic products, which include sodium lauryl sulfate.
Laser therapy
Low-intensity laser radiation contributes to the fight against baldness. It provides such actions:
- Improving microcirculation in tissues.
- Stimulation of cell metabolism.
- Recovery of lost hair.
- The appearance of a sparkle of curls.
- Giving volume.
This is a new modern protocol for the treatment of AHA. At home, the procedure can be carried out using a special laser comb, but the result of its use is not well visible. In medical centers, special laser systems are used. The effect of their effects is more pronounced. The procedure should be performed once a week. Annual therapy gives a very good result and does not cause withdrawal syndrome. This means that the result does not disappear after treatment.
Hair transplantation
A new reliable protocol for the treatment of AHA is mesotherapy. This procedure is carried out strictly in the conditions of a cosmetology clinic or in a specialized salon. The treatment of AGA in the elderly is carried out using surgical techniques. This method is highly effective.
The principle of therapy is to transplant hair together with healthy bulbs in the area of ​​baldness. With the normal course of the postoperative period, which largely depends on the characteristics of the patient’s health, the curls take root and continue to grow normally. In some cases, the engraftment does not occur.
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Forecast
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With unfavorable heredity it is very difficult to achieve a positive result, regardless of the applied treatment methods. Properly selected treatment of AHA of the 2nd degree helps not only to eliminate the existing problem, but also to prevent the occurrence of negative consequences. It should be noted that grade 2 is only the beginning of the disease. In this case, the symptoms only begin to appear and are expressed in a slight shift of the edge line back, and the hair in the center of the forehead forms a trapezoid.
Possible complications
If you do not follow the recommendations for the treatment of AHA or start therapy at a later stage, then often there are negative consequences. Possible complications may occur with improper therapy. Also, some methods can cause health problems, for example, side effects when taking medications or inflammatory processes after hair transplantation.
The most negative consequence of alopecia is considered very severe baldness, which is not only detrimental to health, but also causes considerable discomfort even for many men.
Prophylaxis
If men in the family lose their hair very early, then timely prevention will help prevent this phenomenon. For this, competent care for curls, scalp massage, and vitamin therapy are required.
Baldness in women can also be prevented. Timely treatment of hormonal and gynecological disorders will prevent hair loss. Women are recommended to use homemade masks to strengthen the follicles, increase blood circulation. It is necessary to use gentle styling products, choose the right shampoos, wear hats in the winter, refuse heat waving and ploes.
With severe stress, alopecia can worsen. People prone to frequent nervous experiences are shown taking sedatives.
Reviews
Many people say that the drug "Minoxidil" helps well. Literally after a few months of its use, the receding hairline becomes smaller and the hair thicker. However, this remedy has side effects in the form of itching of the scalp and the formation of dandruff.
Garnier Botanic shampoo and balm deserve good reviews, as it helps to strengthen curls and prevents hair loss.
Many praise masks using a bow. They really help strengthen hair. You can use them even for pregnant women. However, after such treatment, an unpleasant odor lasts for a long time.