AboutMelanie Vonzabuesnig Expertise Female hair loss is my main focus. Women today are very susceptible to several types of hair loss including telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia. I can answer questions about the causes and types of female hair loss. I can share information about natural holistic remedies to improve female hair loss conditions.
Experience My interest in female hair loss sprung from my own experience with extensive hair loss. Determined to grow my hair back, I diligently studied every piece of information I could find on the biology of hair growth. After successfully re-growing my hair with safe and effective natural products, I felt compelled to learn more and to share this information with other women. I am experienced in blending custom hair loss formulas. I am also experienced in writing about female hair loss issues.
Publications My hair loss information has been included in The Truth about Womens Hair Loss by Spencer Kobren, Naturally Healthy Skin by Stephanie Tourles, Alternative Healing by Bill Gottleib and Natural Health Magazine. I am the author of several books on hair loss.
Education/Credentials I am a certified aromatherapist specializing in formulas for scalp and hair conditions.
You were so kind to answer my question several days ago, so I am sending you a new one.
I thought that my hair loss had started 4 years ago, after the birth of my second child. But I have been watching some old photos and I was surprised to see the hair I had 10 years ago! It was incredibly thick! If my hair loss started so long ago, is there any chance that it can stop one day?
Another question: I started using Diane 35 three months ago, but I notice that I am shedding even more hair with it, which I only notice when I wash it. Is this common? Diane 35 is supposed to have an antiandrogenetic effect, that's why I am so surprised.
I also take iron, zinc, B vitamin and use essential oils... and nothing helps.
Thank you in advance,
Alice from France
Answer Hello Alice: Postpartum hair loss is very common. For most women it is a temporary condition. The shedding tapers off and the hair growth resumes back to normal without too much notice. For others, the condition can be become quite severe and long-lasting. Postpartum hair loss can precede (or trigger) chronic telogen effluvium or androgenetic alopecia (in those who are predisposed.)
Diane 35 is an oral contraceptive that is sometimes used for androgenetic alopecia. With androgenetic alopecia, individual hairs in certain areas gradually become thinner and weaker providing less scalp coverage. Excessive shedding is usually not associated with androgenetic alopecia. Excessive shedding would indicate telogen effluvium. It is possible to have both at the same time.
Many medications (including contraceptive medication) can trigger telogen effluvium. Drug-induced hair loss usually begins 1-3 months after taking it. Sometimes it is temporary--until the body adjusts to the medication. Stopping a medication can also cause telogen effluvium.
Androgenetic thinning only effects hairs in certain areas--bang/top/crown. It is a slow gradual progress. If the hairs in those areas are looking thinner, your condition may have been progressing over the past 10 years. It is not uncommon for hair to lose some of it's density, vibrancy etc, as we age. Keeping the follicles healthy and nourished can inhibit further effects and also improve condition of existing hair.
If your essential oil formula is highly diluted it may not be potent enough to stimulate new hair growth.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
Understanding Female Hair Loss http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss
