thinning hair Archives - Van Scoy Hair Restoration Clinic Ohio

Invasive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissue of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. The majority of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. Sometimes breast cancer can begin in other regions of the breast, but primarily it begins in the ducts or the lobules. Invasive breast cancer means that the cancer has spread from the milk duct or lobule to other breast tissue. Non-invasive breast cancer means that cancer is called “in situ” and has not yet spread. Read below to learn about symptoms of invasive breast cancer.

Symptoms

Early stage breast cancer usually does not have any symptoms. For this very reason it is very important for you to complete regular breast examinations, which might facilitate the discovery of breast cancer earlier than if you fail to do breast examinations. As breast cancer grows and advances in stages, there might be a breast lump in your breast or armpit that is hard, with uneven edges, which does not hurt. Your breast or nipple might change color, size, shape, or feel. Your breast may excrete fluid, such as blood or pus. Bone pain, breast pain, skin ulcers, swelling of one arm, and weight loss are also indications that breast cancer may be present.

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer there are numerous treatments that are available to you. However, treatment is dependent on the type and stage of cancer, whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones, and whether the cancer overproduces HER2/neu, a particular gene. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and/or targeted therapy. The type of treatment that is most appropriate will be decided upon by you and a team of doctors and surgeons who will work with you.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

If you’re currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer or are preparing to undergo treatment, inquire about the likelihood of hair loss. Even though hair loss might seem like the last thing to worry about right now, maintaining some aspect of your sense of self is possible. Purchasing a hair system that resembles your exact natural head of hair is a helpful preventative measure that could provide you with some comfort during difficult times. If you’re not ready to think that far ahead, it is possible to attend a consultation with a hair loss expert after you have begun to lose your hair.

Preventing and treating breast cancer requires commitment not only from you but also from your friends, family, and doctor. If you suspect that you might have breast cancer, make an appointment with your doctor and bring a friend or partner with you. Attending a doctor’s appointment, especially regarding a serious medical issue, can be very stressful. Write down your symptoms and a set of questions that you have for your doctor. If you discover that chemotherapy is in your future, schedule an appointment with a hair loss consultant prior to your first chemotherapy treatment.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001911/

by VanScoy Hair

My Hair Is Thinning What should I Do

Female Hair Loss

QUESTION:

Hello Todd,

I came across your website and decided to write to you about a problem that has been plaguing me for about 6 to 8 months now. I do hope you can help guide me in the right direction.

I used to have very very thick black hair till 2 years ago. However, it was a problem I effectively ignored till 6 months ago. Now, I do not have bald patches anywhere, but there has been such thinning that I fear that I soon will be bald!! You can actually see my scalp from between my hairs now, which was out of question before. I lose about 70 strands everyday, and this has been the case for at least 6 months now.

I had hypothyroidism, but the condition has long been rectified by thyroxin, and my levels are normal now. I do not take any kind of external medication apart from thyroxin. No contraceptive pills either. All blood tests have been done, and I do not seem to suffer from anything serious.

I was told it could be telogen effluvium, but surely that cannot last this long?? I have no other apparent symptoms apart from hair loss, to give me a pointer in a definite direction. Please can you help me?

This condition has affected my sleep, and my life in general, making it difficult for me to even work at times.

I look forward to hearing from you, when you may find time.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

C.G.

ANSWER:

Dear C.G.,

Thank you for writing. Keep in mind, I am not a Doctor and I only can respond with what I know.

70 hairs per day is actually a normal hair loss. And, being able to see your scalp between your hairs is also normal. But I think you are alarmed because you recognize increase thinning of your hair density.

Generally, Doctors are not too concerned about hair loss because they perceive it as being “non-life threatening,” but you and I realize what stress it can cause.

I would strongly suggest a face-to-face discussion with one of our hair loss experts. We would be able to do a free scalp analysis to better offer you the right solution. You can schedule a consultation online here and see our various locations here.

Thank you for the response and we hope to see you soon!

Todd VanScoy

by VanScoy Hair

Birth Control and Hair Loss

hair loss treatment

You have probably read a headline somewhere or maybe you have even experienced it yourself, there is no doubt that birth control can have side effects like hair loss. Some women when they are taking the pill experience hair loss, while others don’t until several weeks after they stop taking it.

As with any medication, it can be difficult to determine if contraception is the culprit for the hair loss. Here are some possible connection and what you can do about it.

How can the birth control pill cause hair loss?

The American Hair Loss Association says that birth control pills have clinically proven to be safe and effective. However, they do recognizes the negative effects they can have on normal hair growth, especially for those women that have a history of hair loss in their family.

If a woman is sensitive to the hormones contained in contraceptive pills, that can create a hair loss issue. The reason for that is it can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle of your hair.

Your hair grows in phases which are: Active, Transitional, and Resting. Birth control pills can cause your hair to move from the active growth phase to the resting phase much sooner than it should. This results in a large portion of hair growth but also the hair falls out at a pace that is far too quick for the hair regrowth.

For women that are sensitive to hormonal-related hair loss, the pill suppresses the ovulation, the hormonal changes taking place in the body can increase the chances of hair loss weeks or even months after a woman stops taking the pill.

When hair loss is the result of high levels of estrogen, that increases the cell turnover and speeds up the entire cycle, it’s medically termed telogen effluvium. Often treatment isn’t required as your body will eventually adjust to the higher estrogen levels.

What can you do about hair loss?

If you suspect you are having hair loss that is due to taking the contraceptive pill, you should talk to your doctor before stopping. It might be possible that simply changing to a lower-dose pill or finding another form of contraception might resolve your issue.

By taking pro-active steps to take care of your hair and avoid chemical-based treatment and taking care when styling your hair can all help as your body adjusts to your body adjusts hormonally. You can help promote healthy hair growth by making changes to your diet and eating sufficient minerals, and vitamins like zinc and B vitamins.

If you are looking to do something about your hair loss to get your hair back there are a number of treatments available like EHT Hair Loss Treatment therapy, hair extensions, human hair wigs. Talk to one of hair loss specialists to see what options are right for you and the hair loss you have.

by VanScoy Hair

Mother’s Day Spa Day: A Hair Treatment Celebration for Your Mother With Thinning Hair

Female Hair Loss, Women's Hair Restoration

Every day’s a good day to celebrate your mother, but Mother’s Day is a particularly great time to show the maternal figure in your life just how much she means to you. One of the best ways to show your mom gratitude on Mother’s Day is by pampering her — and treating her to her very own spa day! If your mother suffers from thinning hair, which is common in postmenopausal women, you can throw her a spa celebration that is both relaxing, but also healthy for her hair. Check out some great DIY spa activities for Mother’s Day that can help make for a fun, rejuvenating celebration of motherhood.

Start With a Scalp Treatment

One of the best ways to boost head and scalp health is by using a Jojoba Oil treatment. To make the treatment for your mother, combine 4 ounces of Jojoba oil with 10 drops of rosemary oil and lavender oil, 5 drops of basil oil, and 2 drops of Thyme and Cedarwood essential oil. Then, massage the tonic into her scalp. The tonic should soak into the scalp for about an hour. You can offer your mother a shoulder massage while she waits! Scalp tonics can help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and ensure your mother’s head is properly moisturized.

Shampoo With a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Once the scalp treatment is completed, you can rinse your mother’s hair out in the sink using a healthy shampoo. Choose a shampoo that is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a common ingredient in many shampoos), since sulfates are known to be harsh on locks — particularly those that have already started thinning. Then, gently massage the shampoo into a lather. Rinse it out with warm water in order to ensure all of the shampoo and tonic have been removed. Your mother’s hair should now be moisturized and clean — and smell delightful, too!

Sip Cucumber Water

No spa day would be complete with a healthy, refreshing glass of cucumber water. An added benefit of cucumber water is that cucumber is traditionally believed to boost hair health. Make the cucumber water the night before by slicing one cucumber, placing the slices at the bottom of a pitcher, and filling the pitcher with water. Refrigerate overnight. Then, when you’re wrapping up your spa day, you can take advantage of the delicious crisp taste, as well as the healthy benefits.

The benefits of throwing a spa day for your mother who is experiencing hair loss is threefold. You can make her feel rested and refreshed, you can help boost the health of her thinning hair, and you can spend some quality time getting closer to someone who deserves to be celebrated!

We all want the best for our moms and if your mom is suffering from hair loss Van Scoy Hair Clinics can help her restore her hair. To schedule a private consultation today call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Unique Hotels Via Flickr Creative Commons

by VanScoy Hair