【Supervised】Juvenile alopecia in women. This is the cause, countermeasures, and prevention methods for people in their 20s and 30s!

Juvenile alopecia, which has been increasing in young women in recent years, is a symptom that can be seen as early as the 20s and 30s.
The causes of thinning hair and alopecia in women are caused by a complex interplay of various things.

In this article, we summarize the symptoms of thinning hair in women, the causes, and the measures that can be taken in daily life. It is full of information for those who are concerned about thinning hair.

Symptoms of thinning hair and hair loss that occur in young women

It's natural for hair to become thinner as you get older.

Recently, however, more and more young women in their 20s and 30s are suffering from thinning hair. This article summarizes the symptoms of thinning hair and hair loss that occur in young women.

Diffuse alopecia

It is a hair loss symptom in which the hair gradually thins overall (diffuse type), and it is the most common symptom of hair loss in women. In the case of men, it starts locally such as the top of the head and the forehead and becomes thinner, but in the case of women, it gradually thins overall.

Diffuse alopecia is also called "female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA)" because it is caused by the influence of female hormones.

In most cases, it often starts around 40 ~ 50s due to the influence of hormonal balance due to aging. If hormonal imbalance occurs due to diet or stress, it may occur even in young people in their 20s and 30s.

Alopecia areata

It is a hair loss symptom in which part of the hair falls out gently, and the skin can be seen in a coin shape.

The size of the circle varies from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. If left untreated for a long time, it is called a multi-focal type, and it is necessary to be careful because there are cases where hair loss occurs here and there in the hair of the head and the entire hair decreases.

The cause of alopecia areata is thought to be various factors such as stress, autoimmune diseases, and genetics. However, a definite medical opinion is not yet known.

Postpartum alopecia and postpartum alopecia

It is a symptom in which hair loss increases rapidly after women become pregnant and give birth. The causes of thinning hair after childbirth are thought to be due to hormonal changes and sudden stress.

During pregnancy, female hormones such as "estrogen" and "progesterone" increase. These hormones contain hair and maintain the growth phase of body hair. It is also one of the factors that causes body hair to become thicker during pregnancy, and although you may not be aware of it, your hair often becomes darker and firmer and shinier.

But after childbirth, female hormones drop sharply. As a result, there is a lot of hair loss after childbirth, which is a natural phenomenon in a sense.

In addition, if you breastfeed after childbirth, the nutrients you need will be prioritized to the baby. In addition, since the baby is cared for 24 hours a day, it is easy to lose the rhythm of the lifestyle, and hair loss is inevitably more likely to occur.

Mechanism of healthy hair growth and growth

Originally, hair produces and grows from hair matrix cells through a cycle of "growth, telogency, and regression" called the "hair cycle", and eventually the hair falls out during the regression phase.

If this hair cycle is normal, your hair should be maintaining a solid volume. If this hair cycle, especially the period of the growth phase, is shortened, the thinning hair will progress rapidly.

[3 selections] "Blood flow, oxygen, hormones" Causes of hair not being able to grow and falling out

Hair originally repeats the "growth phase, telogen phase, and regression phase" to maintain the length, volume, and thickness of the hair. The main reasons that disrupt this cycle and cause thinning hair are "blood flow, oxygen, and hormones".

Lack of blood flow

Lack of blood flow is one of the factors that causes hair to thin. In order for hair to grow "thick and long", it is necessary to deliver the nutrients necessary for hair to the dermal papillae.

However, if the blood flow is insufficient due to some factor and the necessary nutrients are not delivered to the hair matrix cells, the hair will not be able to grow and will become "thin and short". In addition, if there is a shortage of blood flow, the supply of oxygen necessary for cell division itself tends to be delayed.

If the condition progresses further, the capillaries that deliver blood flow to the dermal papilla will also constrict and completely separate from the hair root. When this happens, the hair can continue to grow with the nutrients stored in the dermal papilla for a while, but after three months, the nutrients are depleted and the hair enters a regression phase of hair loss.

When blood flow is insufficient, the hair becomes thinner and shorter, and there is also a lot of hair loss. As a result, the volume of the hair becomes thin and lonely, and the hair loss increases and the hair becomes thin.

"Stress and hyperlipidemia" are factors in blood flow disorders

Stress and hyperlipidemia are factors in impaired blood flow to deliver nutrients to the hair.

When a person is subjected to strong stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant and the blood vessels constrict. In particular, the capillaries that transport nutrients to the dermal papilla are very thin, so if the blood vessels constrict due to stress, they will leave the hair follicles and will not be able to transport nutrients.

In addition, when hyperlipidemia occurs, fat adheres to the walls of blood vessels, and the blood vessels become thinner, so the supply of nutrients tends to be insufficient.

Lack of oxygen due to the inability to breathe through the skin

A good scalp environment is also important for healthy hair growth.

If the scalp environment is in place, oxygen is supplied not only from the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the hair matrix cells, but also from the skin respiration from the scalp, and oxygen is efficiently distributed to the hair matrix cells. The supply of oxygen is indispensable for cell division.

It is important that the scalp environment is in good condition not only for the bloodstream but also for efficient oxygen supply.

"Dirt and roughness of the scalp" interfere with skin respiration

Dirt on the scalp is caused by not washing the head enough times or by leaving it unrinsed. Skin respiration is hindered by sebum stains and shampoo residues.

Also, if you are too concerned about sebum stains and use a harsh shampoo or if your scalp becomes rough due to excessive massage, your skin will become hard and it will be difficult for your skin to breathe. If too much shampooing causes the scalp to become rough, dry, and dandruff to accumulate, it can also interfere with skin respiration.

In addition, if the environment of the scalp is disturbed and the pores are clogged, it will be detrimental to hair growth. It is desirable that there are no stains or dandruff that inhibits hair growth.

Hormonal imbalance

Hair growth is affected by the stimulation of various hormones. When hormones are balanced, hair grows healthily.

・Growth hormone A hormone that is indispensable for promoting
hair growth. It makes hair thicker and longer, and also contributes to improving the environment of the scalp.

・Thyroid hormone The amount of secretion does not change much depending on
age and gender. Since it is a hormone that affects metabolism, weakening its function leads to thinning hair.

・Female hormones Female hormones that affect
hair growth.
Estrogen gives hair firmness and luster. Progesterone lengthens the hair growth phase.

・Melatonin removes active oxygen that interferes with
hair growth, repairs cells, and energizes them.
It is a hormone secreted during sleep and is secreted by obtaining good quality sleep, and it also promotes the secretion of growth hormone.

Excessive dieting and lifestyle disturbances adversely affect hormone secretion

Excessive dieting, lack of sleep, drinking and smoking, stress, etc. disrupt the body's homeostasis and adversely affect the secretion of hormones.

Various hormones are made from amino acids. Amino acids = proteins (the main components of hair). If the nutritional balance is lost due to excessive dieting, hormones will not be secreted properly.

In addition, if lifestyle habits tend to be disturbed, it will be difficult for hormones to be secreted during sleep. If your lifestyle is disrupted, the quality of your sleep will also decrease, which will lead to hormonal imbalances as a result.

Measures against thinning hair that can be done at home

Various factors can cause hair to become "shorter and thinner". In order to improve thinning hair, it is important to remove the factors that are causing it.

When that happens, your hair should grow "thicker and longer". Let's take a look at the measures you can take at home.

Adjust your lifestyle

As mentioned earlier, lifestyle disturbances can have a variety of negative effects on your hair.

(1) Ensure sleep time If you get enough
sleep, growth hormone and melatonin will be secreted to promote hair growth. It is important not only to ensure that you get enough sleep, but also to wake up in the morning and sleep at night.

When you go to bed during the day and wake up at night, it affects the secretion of melatonin. Let's cherish the natural rhythm of life that humans have.

(2) Adjust your eating habits The nutrients that are important for
hair growth are "protein, vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, and iron". On the contrary, it is excessive intake of sugars and lipids that adversely affects the hair.

The state of excess sugar affects the hair matrix cells and inhibits hair growth. In addition, excessive intake of fat is a factor that inhibits blood flow due to cholesterol.

Stress Relief

When stressed, the sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant in humans. If the sympathetic nerve becomes dominant, not only will the blood vessels constrict and blood flow be hindered, but the hormonal balance will be disturbed and the secretion balance of hormones necessary for hair growth will tend to be disturbed.

When stress is applied, sleep becomes shallow and eating habits are disturbed, which further adversely affects the hair.
You want to be conscious of a life that does not accumulate stress by finding ways to rest and change your mood appropriately.

Improves scalp environment

If the shampoo you are using is not suitable or the styling product is not properly removed, the environment of the scalp will have a negative impact on hair growth. Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly after brushing thoroughly, then wash your scalp and hair as if massaging with the pads of your fingers.

We recommend a non-silicone shampoo. It reduces the number of factors that clog pores, making it easier to create an environment where hair can grow healthily.

Also, don't forget to dry your hair thoroughly after washing. Natural drying encourages the growth of bacteria and has a negative impact on the scalp environment.

If it is difficult to improve, clinic treatment

If you want to treat thinning hair with insurance, you will first visit a dermatologist. Thinning hair can only be diagnosed by insurance in the case of "alopecia areata" and "diffuse alopecia".

In the case of thinning hair in women, if you are concerned, consider starting treatment as soon as possible.

The reason is that it is better to start treatment with even a little "hair follicle" remaining in the state that hair growth can be expected. The hair follicle wraps around the dermal papilla at the root of the hair. Hair matrix cells exist in the dermal papillae, and the hair matrix cells are responsible for growing hair.

When hair is no longer produced, hair matrix cells decline and hair does not grow. When this happens, the hair follicles also become smaller, and eventually they peel off from the scalp and the pores disappear. If the pores are gone, the hair will never grow back.

If you notice thinning hair, deal with it as soon as possible. It is a good idea to visit a dermatologist, but if you want to proceed with treatment more aggressively, one measure is to consider consulting a cosmetic dermatology clinic or a hair outpatient clinic.

When choosing a hospital, it is a good idea to check in advance whether they offer specialized thinning hair treatment for women, as women and men have different approaches to thinning hair.

Topical medicines and hair growth products

If it is a hair growth product or topical medicine, many people may try it before visiting the hospital. Most of the topical medicines used are drugs that improve blood flow to the scalp or improve the scalp environment.

Hair growth products sold as pharmaceuticals are mainly made of an ingredient called minoxidil.

If you have ever searched for thinning hair treatment, you may have seen it at least once. Minoxidil was used as a treatment for high blood pressure, but it is attracting attention as an ingredient that can be expected to improve thinning hair by working on hair matrix cells by promoting blood circulation.

The effect varies depending on the concentration of minoxidil, but it is also more irritating, so side effects are more likely to occur. If you are thinking of using it for the first time, consult with your doctor and start with an appropriate concentration.

Oral medication

"Panto Girl" is a pill that promotes hair growth according to the symptoms of thinning hair in women.

The main ingredients are vitamin B and amino acids, which are essential nutrients for hair follicles and hair growth. It was the first in the world to be recognized as effective against thinning hair in women. It is one of the few oral medications for the treatment of thinning hair for women.

According to the pharmaceutical company Pantogar (German company MERZ), it is effective in 70% of people who take it. You can feel the effects of Pantogar from about 3~6 months after you start taking it.

The effect does not appear immediately after you start taking it, so it is important to continue taking it steadily.

If you notice thinning hair, take measures immediately.

If you notice thinning hair, it is important to take immediate measures without being optimistic that it will return soon.

The sooner you do it, the more likely you are to start growing hair.
If you take a good diet and measures for your hair while being aware of your lifestyle, you should be able to improve your symptoms before they get worse.

Lifestyle habits that are good for the body should also be good for the hair. I would like to be conscious of my health on a regular basis and try to create an environment for hair growth.