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Tuesday, 3 August 2021

Ibandronate Medicine

 

Ibandronate

 Introduction

Synthetic bisphosphonate; bone resorption inhibitor.

Uses for Ibandronate

Osteoporosis

Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Risk factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis and related fractures include early menopause, advanced age, low bone mineral density (BMD), low body mass index (BMI), previous fracture or family history of fracture/osteoporosis, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, inadequate physical activity, low calcium and vitamin D intake, certain drugs (e.g., glucocorticoids), and medical conditions or diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Cushing syndrome, hyperparathyroidism).

Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

In addition to adequate intake of calcium/vitamin D and other lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise, avoidance of excessive alcohol and tobacco use), experts recommend that pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis be considered in postmenopausal women with previous hip or vertebral fractures or low BMD; pharmacologic therapy also may be considered in postmenopausal women with low bone mass, although there is less evidence supporting overall fracture risk reduction in such patients.

Use of a drug with proven efficacy in reducing fracture risk is recommended; bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, ibandronate) are recommended as one of several first-line drugs.

Individualize choice of therapy based on potential benefits (with respect to fracture risk reduction) and adverse effects of therapy, patient preferences, comorbidities, and risk factors.

Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis

Also has been used in the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends optimizing calcium and vitamin D intake and lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, smoking cessation, weight-bearing or resistance-training exercise) in all patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy; in addition, pharmacologic therapy with an oral bisphosphonate is recommended in patients who are considered to be at moderate-to-high risk of fracture. Oral bisphosphonates generally are preferred because of their demonstrated antifracture benefits, safety, and low cost.

Ibandronate Dosage and Administration

General

Correct hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism prior to initiation of therapy.

Provide supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate.

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally with a full glass (180–240 mL) of plain water ≥60 minutes prior to the first food, beverage (other than plain water), or other orally administered drug or supplement (including vitamins, antacids, and calcium) of the day. (See Food under Pharmacokinetics.)

Avoid lying down for ≥60 minutes following administration.

Do not to suck or chew tablets; potential for oropharyngeal ulceration. (See Upper GI Effects under Cautions.)

If a morning daily oral dose is missed, do not take missed dose later that same day. Resume the regular schedule the next day.

When administered monthly, take tablets in the morning on the same day each month. If a monthly dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take the missed dose the next morning after it is remembered and resume the regular schedule. If the next scheduled dose is 1–7 days away, maintain the regular schedule; do not take more than one 150-mg tablet within the same week.

IV Administration

Administer by IV injection once every 3 months by a health-care professional.

Injection must only be administered IV. Safety and efficacy of IV injection administered by other routes not established.

Because of the risk of anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity reactions, appropriate medical support should be readily available during IV administration. (See Hypersensitivity under Cautions.)

If a dose is missed, reschedule administration with a health-care professional as soon as possible. Schedule subsequent injections at 3-month intervals; should not be administered more often than once every 3 months.

Administration Risks

Take care to avoid intra-arterial or paravenous injection as such administration could result in tissue damage.

Rate of Administration

Administer IV over a period of 15–30 seconds.

Dosage

Available as ibandronate sodium (as the monosodium monohydrate); dosage expressed in terms of ibandronate.

Adults

Osteoporosis

Prevention in Postmenopausal Women

Oral

150 mg once monthly.

Osteoporosis

Treatment in Postmenopausal Women

Oral

150 mg once monthly.

Optimal duration of treatment not established. Safety and efficacy based on data over 3 years. Reevaluate need for continued therapy periodically in all patients receiving bisphosphonates. Consider discontinuance of bisphosphonate therapy after 3–5 years in patients at low risk of fracture. Evaluate fracture risk periodically in patients who discontinue therapy.

IV

3 mg once every 3 months.

Optimal duration of treatment not established. Safety and efficacy of IV ibandronate based on data supporting fracture reduction over 1 year of treatment. Reevaluate need for continued therapy periodically in all patients receiving bisphosphonates. Consider discontinuance of bisphosphonate therapy after 3–5 years in patients at low risk of fracture. Evaluate fracture risk periodically in patients who discontinue therapy.

Special Populations

Renal Impairment

Oral or IV

Dosage adjustments not necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (Clcr ≥30 mL/minute); use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute).

Detailed Ibandronate dosage information

Cautions for Ibandronate

Contraindications

Oral: Esophageal abnormalities that delay esophageal emptying (e.g., stricture, achalasia).

Oral and IV: Uncorrected hypocalcemia.

Oral and IV: Known hypersensitivity to ibandronate or any ingredient in the formulation.

Oral: Inability to stand or sit upright for ≥60 minutes.

Warnings/Precautions

Upper GI Effects

Possible severe adverse esophageal effects (e.g., esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, erosions, strictures, perforation). (See Oral Administration under Dosage and Administration.) Monitor for any manifestations and discontinue if dysphagia, odynophagia, new or worsening heartburn, or retrosternal pain occurs.

Use with caution in patients with active upper GI disease (e.g., Barrett’s esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers). Gastric and duodenal ulcers (some severe and with complications) reported during postmarketing experience.

Route of Administration

Injection must be administered IV by a health-care professional; do not administer by non-IV (e.g., intra-arterial) routes. (See Administration Risks under Dosage and Administration.)

Metabolic Effects

Correct hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis D, and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism before initiating therapy.

If daily intake inadequate, administer supplemental calcium and vitamin D.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis of the jaw reported in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Most cases associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection with delayed healing. Known risk factors include cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids, angiogenesis inhibitors), poor oral hygiene, and comorbid disorders (e.g., periodontal and/or other preexisting dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection, ill-fitting dentures). Risk also may be increased with increased duration of bisphosphonate use.

If osteonecrosis of the jaw develops, consult an oral surgeon for treatment. Dental surgery may exacerbate condition.

In patients requiring dental procedures, discontinuance of therapy prior to procedure may reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Base management of patients requiring dental treatment on an individual assessment of risks and benefits.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain reported infrequently with bisphosphonate therapy. Time to onset varied from 1 day to years (mean onset about 3 months) after treatment initiation. If severe symptoms occur, consider discontinuing drug. Such pain generally improves following discontinuance, but may recur upon subsequent rechallenge with the same drug or another bisphosphonate.

Atypical Fracture of the Femur

Atypical (subtrochanteric or diaphyseal) femur fractures reported rarely with long-term use (>3 years) of bisphosphonates, mostly in patients receiving these drugs for osteoporosis. Often occurs with minimal or no trauma, and may be bilateral. Causality not established; atypical fractures also occur in osteoporotic patients not receiving bisphosphonates. Risk may be increased with concomitant use of glucocorticoid, estrogen, and proton-pump inhibitor therapy.

Evaluate patients who present with new thigh or groin pain for possibility of an atypical femoral fracture; include assessment of the contralateral limb. Consider interruption of bisphosphonate therapy in patients with manifestations of possible femoral fracture; weigh risks versus benefits of continued treatment. Discontinue if a femoral shaft fracture is confirmed.

Atrial Fibrillation

Although data are conflicting, possible increased risk of atrial fibrillation with use of bisphosphonates. FDA analysis of data from long-term (6 months to 3 years) controlled trials identified a higher rate of atrial fibrillation in patients receiving bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, or zoledronic acid) versus placebo; however, only a few events reported in each study. FDA is continuing to monitor this safety concern.

Potential Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Some evidence (from postmarketing experience and observational studies) suggests a possible association between use of oral bisphosphonates and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. However, because of conflicting data, additional study needed to confirm such findings.

FDA states that benefits of oral bisphosphonates continue to outweigh their potential risks in patients with osteoporosis; it is important to consider that esophageal cancer is rare, especially in women.

Avoidance of oral bisphosphonates in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, a known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, has been recommended.

Renal Effects

Possible renal toxicity (e.g., deterioration of renal function and, rarely, renal failure) with bisphosphonates. Risk may be greater in patients with coexisting conditions associated with renal impairment, concomitant therapy with other nephrotoxic drugs, preexisting renal disease, dehydration, dosage, infusion volume and rate, and multiple cycles of treatment. Assess renal function in such patients.

Use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute).

Measure Scr prior to each IV dose. Withhold treatment if deterioration of renal function occurs.

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis in patients who received ibandronate injection, reported. (See Contraindications under Cautions and see IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

No data in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks. In reproductive animal studies, maternal and fetal toxicity (including postimplantation loss, developmental anomalies, and deaths) observed.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk. Also not known whether the drug has any effects on the nursing infant or milk production.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children. Not indicated for use in children.

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults, but increased sensitivity cannot be ruled out. Consider age-related decreases in renal function.

Renal Impairment

Use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/minute).

Common Adverse Effects

Oral: Back pain, dyspepsia, pain in the extremities, diarrhea, headache, myalgia.

IV: Arthralgia, back pain, abdominal pain.

Interactions for Ibandronate

Does not induce or inhibit CYP isoenzymes (i.e., CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4) and is not metabolized.

Antacids or Mineral Supplements Containing Divalent Cations

Pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased absorption of ibandronate) when tablets are used concomitantly with antacids or mineral supplements containing divalent cations (e.g., aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron). Administer tablets ≥60 minutes prior to such drugs or supplements.

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely.

Drugs Excreted through Renal Tubular Transport

Based on limited data in animals, not excreted through renal tubular transport. Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely.

Nephrotoxic Agents

Potential pharmacologic interaction (increased risk of renal toxicity). Assess patients taking concomitant nephrotoxic agents. (See Renal Effects under Cautions.)

Specific Drugs and Tests

Drug

Interaction

Comments

Bone-imaging agents

Potential to interfere with use of bone-imaging agents

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists

Increased oral bioavailability of ibandronate

No evidence of increased adverse upper GI effects

Not considered clinically important

Melphalan

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely with IV ibandronate

NSAIAs

No evidence of increased adverse upper GI effects

Use concomitantly with caution

Prednisolone

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely with IV ibandronate

Tamoxifen

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely with IV ibandronate


Absolute (compared with IV administration) oral bioavailability about 0.6%.

Onset

Reduction in bone turnover evident within 1–3 months of treatment initiation; maximal effects observed at 6 months.

Food

Bioavailability decreased by 90% when administered with a standard breakfast compared with administration under fasting conditions. Bioavailability and effect on BMD reduced when food and beverages taken <60 minutes following oral administration.

Special Populations

In patients with renal impairment (Clcr 40–70 mL/minute), AUC is increased by 55% compared with that in patients with normal renal function (Clcr >90 mL/minute). Patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute) had >2-fold increase in AUC compared with exposure for healthy individuals.

Distribution

Extent

Widely distributed throughout the body and redistributed to bone. Subsequently, the drug is released systemically via bone turnover. Not known whether distributed into milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

84–99.5% at therapeutic drug concentrations.

Elimination

Metabolism

No evidence of metabolism.

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine (50–60% of circulating dose) as unchanged drug and in feces (unabsorbed drug).

Half-life

Apparent oral terminal half-life is 37–157 hours; dose-dependent.

Apparent IV terminal half-life is 4.6–25.5 hours; dose-dependent.

Special Populations

Pharmacokinetic differences based on race not evaluated. Pharmacokinetics not affected by gender.

Pharmacokinetics not evaluated in pediatric patients. Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic impairment not studied as ibandronate is not metabolized in the liver.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Parenteral

Injection

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Compatibility

For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.

Parenteral

Do not admix with calcium-containing solutions or other IV drugs.

Actions

Incorporates into bone and selectively inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner.

Reduces biochemical markers of bone resorption in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Maintains or increases BMD and increases bone mass in postmenopausal women.

Advice to Patients

Importance of providing patient with a copy of the manufacturer’s patient information.

Importance of adhering to recommended life-style modifications (e.g., exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation).

Importance of correct oral administration (e.g., avoiding foods and beverages other than plain water [including mineral water] prior to administration, not lying down for ≥60 minutes following administration).

Importance of not taking vitamins, calcium, or antacids ≤60 minutes of taking oral ibandronate.

Necessity of swallowing tablets whole, without chewing or sucking.

Importance of reviewing how to resume therapy in the event of a missed dose.

Importance of discontinuing oral ibandronate and informing clinician if symptoms of esophageal disease (e.g., new or worsening dysphagia, difficulty or pain on swallowing, retrosternal pain, heartburn) develop.

Importance of informing a clinician if severe bone pain, joint pain, muscular pain, or jaw problems develop.

Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or to plan to breast-feed.

Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs (vitamins, supplements, antacids), as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., preexisting dysphagia, esophageal disorders, renal impairment).

Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Ibandronate Sodium

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, film-coated

150 mg (of ibandronate)*

Boniva

Genentech

Ibandronate Sodium Tablets

Injection, for IV use only

1 mg (of ibandronate) per mL*

Boniva (available in prefilled syringe with needle and swabs)

Genentech

Ibandronate Sodium Injection

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2021, Selected Revisions March 12, 2018. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

 

Monday, 2 August 2021

Actos medicine

 Actos medicine

What is Actos?

Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Actos is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Actos is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Warnings

You should not use Actos if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, active bladder cancer, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Actos can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Actos if you are allergic to pioglitazone, or if you have:

severe or uncontrolled heart failure; or

diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

This medication may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

To make sure Actos is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

congestive heart failure or heart disease;

a heart attack or stroke;

eye problems caused by diabetes;

bladder cancer; or

liver disease.

Actos may increase your risk of serious heart problems, but not treating your diabetes can also damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using Actos if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.

Pioglitazone may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.

Women may be more likely to have a broken bone while using Actos. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Actos is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Actos?

Take Actos exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Actos is usually taken once daily, with or without food.

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Actos is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:

-Patients without congestive heart failure:
Initial dose: 15 mg or 30 mg orally once a day
-Patients with congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class I or II):
Initial dose: 15 mg orally once a day

Maintenance dose: 15 mg to 45 mg orally once a day based on glycemic response as determined by HbA1c
Maximum dose: 45 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-This drug exerts its antihyperglycemic effect only in the presence of endogenous insulin and therefore is not expected to be effective in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.
-Patients concomitantly receiving an insulin secretagogue or insulin may need to reduce the dose of the insulin secretagogue or insulin if hypoglycemia occurs.

Use: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings

Detailed Actos dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention . You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).

What to avoid

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Actos side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Actos: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Actos and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath (especially when lying down), unusual tiredness, swelling, rapid weight gain;

pink or red urine, painful or difficult urination, new or worsening urge to urinate;

changes in your vision; or

sudden unusual pain in your hand, arm, or foot.

Some people taking this medicine have had bladder cancer, but it is not clear if pioglitazone was the actual cause.

Common Actos side effects may include:

headache;

muscle pain; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 


What other drugs will affect Actos?

Tell your doctor if you use insulin. Taking Actos while you are using insulin may increase your risk of serious heart problems.

Many drugs can interact with pioglitazone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.


Sunday, 1 August 2021

Hair Loss in Women

 

Hair Loss in Women


OVERVIEW

What’s hair loss in women?

Hair loss in women is just that — when a woman experiences unexpected, heavy loss of hair. Generally, humans shed between 50 and 100 single hairs per day. Hair shedding is part of a natural balance — some hairs fall out while others grow in. When the balance is interrupted — when hair falls out and less hair grows in — hair loss happens. Hair loss is different than hair shedding. The medical term for hair loss is “alopecia.”

Hair grows on almost all of your skin surfaces — not the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, lips or eyelids. Light, fine, short hair is called vellus hair. Terminal/androgenic hair is thicker, darker and longer.

What are the cycles of hair growth?

Hair goes through three cycles:

  • The anagen phase (growing phase) can last from two years to eight years. This phase generally refers to about 85% to 90% of the hair on your head.
  • The catagen phase (transition phase) is the time that hair follicles shrink and takes about two to three weeks.
  • The telogen phase (resting phase) takes about two to four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out.

Your shorter hairs like eyelashes, arm and leg hair and eyebrows have a short anagen phase — about one month. Your scalp hair can last up to six years or even longer.

What are the types of hair loss?

There are three: anagen effluvium, telogen effluvium and FPHL.

  • Anagen effluvium: This is caused by medications that poison a growing hair follicle (like chemotherapy).
  • Telogen effluvium: This is caused by an increased number of hair follicles reaching the telogen phase, which is the stage where hair falls out.
  • Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)/baldness: This type is the most common. Hair thins over the top of the head and on the sides.

How common is hair loss in women?

Many people think that hair loss only affects men. However, it is estimated that more than 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss (FPHL), which affects about one-third of susceptible women, which equals out to some 30 million women in the United States.

Which women are likely to experience hair loss?

Any girl or woman can be affected by hair loss. However, it is usually more common in:

  • Women older than 40.
  • Women who have just had babies.
  • Women who have had chemotherapy and those who have been affected by other medications.
  • Women who often have hairstyles that pull on the hair (like tight ponytails or tight braids) or use harsh chemicals on their hair.
  • Menopausal women.

What are the myths about hair loss?

Myths about hair loss are widespread. Nothing in the following list is true:

  • You’re losing hair because you shampoo it too much, or because you’ve colored it or gotten a perm.
  • Dandruff causes permanent hair loss in women.
  • Stress causes permanent hair loss in women.
  • If you shave your head, your hair will grow back twice as thick.
  • If you stand on your head you’ll increase circulation, stimulating hair growth.
  • If you brush your hair 100 strokes a day that will make your hair healthier.
  • Hats and wigs cause hair loss in women.
  • Hair loss only affects intellectual women.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What are the common causes of hair loss in women?

What causes hair loss?

  • Hair style: Your style of hair can cause hair loss when your hair is arranged in ways that pull on your roots, like tight ponytails, braids, or corn rows. This type of hair loss is called traction alopecia. If hair follicles are damaged, the loss can be permanent.
  • Vitamin deficiency.
  • Dieting (rapid weight loss).
  • Restrictive diets.
  • Over processed scalp hair (breakage).

What causes anagen effluvium hair loss?

  • Toxic substances, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and some medications. These cause sudden hair loss that can occur anywhere on your body. It happens to hair in the growth stage. Sometimes, this type of hair loss can be permanent if your hair follicles are damaged.

What causes telogen effluvium hair loss?

  • Extreme physical stress or shock to your body: This causes temporary hair loss. This category includes events like losing a lot of weight, surgery, anemia, illness and having a baby.
  • Extreme emotional stress: mental illness, the death of a loved one, etc.
  • An abnormal thyroid.
  • Medications and supplements: blood pressure medicines, gout medicines and high doses of Vitamin A.
  • Hormone changes caused by pregnancy, menopause or birth control pills.

What causes FPHL (Female Pattern Hair Loss)?

  • Genes: Your family’s genes can cause thinning of hair along the top of your head.
  • Aging: Hormone changes as you age can cause balding.
  • Menopause: This type of hair loss often gets worse when estrogen is lost during menopause.

There are also some conditions that affect hair loss:

  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease that causes patchy hair loss on your head and possibly other places on your body. It’s usually not permanent.


What is the relationship between hair loss in women and menopause?

During menopause, you might see one of two things happen with your hair. You might start growing hair where you didn’t before. Or, you might see the hair you have start to thin. One cause may be changing levels of hormones during menopause. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall, meaning that the effects of the androgens, male hormones, are increased.

During and after menopause, hair might become finer (thinner) because hair follicles shrink. Hair grows more slowly and falls out more easily in these cases.

Your healthcare provider will do a thorough examination and take a detailed history to help you deal with changes in hair growth. You may be directed to have your iron levels or thyroid hormone levels tested. Your medications might be changed if what you take is found to affect hair loss or growth.

What are the signs of hair loss in women?

  • Seeing more hair fall out daily either on your brush, on the floor, in showers, on your pillows, or in the sink.
  • Seeing noticeable patches of thinner or missing hair, including a part on the top of your head that gets wider.
  • Seeing scalp skin through hair
  • Having smaller ponytails.
  • Seeing hair break off.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

How will a healthcare provider diagnose hair loss in women? What tests are done?

The tests performed to diagnose hair loss in women can be simple or complicated:

  • Gently pulling on your hair to see how many hairs come out.
  • Blood tests. These check for vitamin and mineral levels (like vitamin D, vitamin B, zinc and iron) and hormone levels (including thyroid and sex hormones).
  • Scalp examination under a microscope and trichoscopy.
  • Scalp biopsy to remove and examine a very small piece of scalp skin.

What questions might your healthcare provider ask to diagnose and categorize your hair loss?

Your healthcare provider might ask about your habits:

  • What kinds of hair products do you use?
  • What kinds of hair styles do you wear?
  • What types of food do you eat (protein is important for hair growth)?
  • Do you have a habit of pulling your hair out (trichotillomania)?

They might ask about your history:

  • Has anyone in your immediate family experienced hair loss?
  • Is there anything stressful going on in your life?
  • What medications and supplements do you take every day?
  • Has hair loss ever happened to you before?
  • What foods are in your diet?

And, they might ask about your observations:

  • How long have you been losing hair?
  • Have you been shedding more?
  • Have you noticed hair loss in places other than your scalp, like your eyebrows? Leg and arm hair?
  • Does anything worsen your hair loss?
  • Does anything improve your hair loss?
  • Have you noticed hair loss occasionally or has it been going on continuously?
  • Have you noticed if your hair growth has changed?
  • Has your hair been breaking more often?

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

What kind of healthcare provider treats hair loss?

You may be treated by a dermatologist.

How is hair loss in women treated? What medicines or supplements may help?

Treatment depends on the cause of your hair loss.

  • In cases where the loss is due to stress or hormone changes like pregnancy, there might be no treatment needed. The hair loss will stop after a period of time.
  • In cases of hair loss being due to hair styling practices, like tight braids or ponytails or certain chemicals, treatment means not doing the things that caused the damage.
  • In cases due to nutritional deficiencies, you might be told to take supplements. For instance, you might be told to take a multivitamin and three to five milligrams of biotin daily.
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is approved for treating FPHL. The 2% or 5% solution can be purchased in stores. However, you have to follow directions exactly and use the product indefinitely. Don’t use this product if you’re pregnant, if you plan to get pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding.
  • The HairMax Lasercomb® low light laser is approved by the US FDA to treat FPHL. Another FDA-approved laser product is the Theradome LH80 PRO® helmet and low light laser helmets and caps.

Other medications that have been studied, but not approved, for hair loss in women include:

  • Spironolactone and other anti-androgens.
  • Finasteride and other alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitors.
  • Estrogens.
  • Prostaglandin analogs.
  • Steroids.
  • Other light treatments.

It is important to note that premenopausal women should not take medications for hair loss treatment without using contraception. Many drugs, including minoxidil and finasteride, are not safe for pregnant women or women who want to get pregnant.

  • Hair transplant surgery is another option. Small pieces of scalp with hair follicles are taken from the back of the head and moved to slits in the areas of baldness. Potential problems with this treatment include the usual risks of surgery like infection, folliculitis and shock loss — where the hair falls out in the transplant area. In cases where the bald areas are large, there might be trouble trying to find enough hair to transplant. In addition, the surgery can be costly and is usually not covered by insurance.
  • Injections of protein-rich plasma (PRP) have also been done to encourage hair growth. PRP is generally made from blood drawn from a patient. The platelets are removed and concentrated and then added back to the blood for injection.
  • Microneedling of the scalp with and without the application of minoxidil.

Are there complications/side effects of treatment?

Minoxidil may irritate your scalp and cause dryness, scaling, itching and/or redness. See your dermatologist if this happens.

With Minoxidil you might also see hair growing in other places other than your scalp (cheeks and forehead, for example). Wash your face after you apply Minoxidil and make sure you avoid other areas when you apply it.

PREVENTION

How can hair loss in women be prevented?

Preventing hair loss is not possible when it is due to disease, aging, heredity or physical stressors like injuries. You can prevent hair loss caused by caustic chemicals or tight hairstyles by avoiding them. You might be able to prevent some hair loss by eating a healthy diet that provides necessary nutrients in terms of vitamins, minerals and protein. You can stop smoking.


What is the prognosis/outlook for women with hair loss?

Your diagnosis determines the prognosis:

  • Anagen and telogen shedding may stop with time.
  • Treat any diseases associated with hair loss.
  • Disguise or cover your hair loss using a wig or hat.
  • Early treatment of alopecia may reduce the speed of thinning and may promote regrowth.

While hair loss is not itself dangerous, women with hair loss tend to be very upset by the changes to their appearance. These negative feelings can affect self-esteem and social lives. Recent studies suggest that FPHL can be associated with conditions that include metabolic syndrome, endocrine disorders and diabetes.


What are some tips for dealing with hair loss in women?

There are some things you can do on your own. You might check with your stylist or try some of these:

  • Coloring your hair adds volume to the strands, making your hair seem fuller.
  • Massaging your head, like when you are washing your hair, can stimulate blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.
  • Getting your hair cut shorter, and having layers added, can make your hair seem fuller.
  • Using the right kind of shampoo can also help. Look for a shampoo that adds volume without using sulfate detergents.
  • Using the right kind of product at the right time can also help. There are products that add volume that you add while your hair is still wet. However, using too much product can add weight.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a dermatologist as soon as possible when you notice hair loss. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it will be.


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