Health

Women and Hair Loss – What You Need to Know

Published

4 years ago

August 24, 2020

Bchcomber

Have you ever noticed how clumps of hair stick to your hairbrush every time you run it through your hair? Hair loss or thinning is often associated with men, but did you know that there are a number of women who go through the same ordeal?

Yes, a woman’s crowning glory is not exempted from this after all. If you are worried about going bald, calm down. Hair experts say that going bald due to hair thinning only happens to men. Good news, right? Here’s another: you can actually get treatments for the telogen phase to save your head from losing your precious locks.

Why do we lose hair?

Before diving in to know about hair loss treatments, it is important to understand the nature of hair loss.

Hair loss is a natural phenomenon as new growths appear on our heads. A person can lose 50 to 150 strands per day and that is considered normal by doctors. However, if the amount of hair that falls away is more than what you think is average and you start noticing thinning at some parts of your head, then this may raise the red flag that something is wrong.

As reported on Foxeny.com, a health and beauty portal, hair growth undergoes three phases and it is in one of these phases that hair loss occurs. The first part of the hair cycle process is called the anagen phase. This phase can last from two to eight years and this is the period when the strands of hair start and continue to grow.

Next is the quick transition stage, called the catagen phase. During this time, the hair stops growing and readies to shed. The telogen phase is the final step in the hair growth process and this is the stage where the follicles release the hair strands from their hold. Follicles that shed hair become inactive for a few months until new strands of hair begin to grow.

What are the causes of hair loss?

Hair loss in women can be caused by various factors. These include:

An underlying medical condition or disease (e.g. autoimmune conditions)
Certain medications
Genetics
Hairstyles that cause the hair to be pulled tightly
Hair products and tools
Hormonal imbalance
Poor nutrition
Pregnancy
Stress

A hair loss condition that is rampant among women is known as androgenic alopecia. This condition usually occurs among women who are in the 40 to 50-year-old bracket. It is usually handed down through genes or is triggered by hormonal changes in the body due to menopause.

Also known as female-pattern hair loss, this condition progresses as thinning of the hair starts to develop at the top of the head and begins to be noticeable as this part widens over time. New hair growth may take longer and the strands that eventually sprout from the follicles are not as tough as the previous growths.

Hair loss from STD’s

While infections such as chlamydia and herpes have treatments that often cause temporary hair loss due to STDs, syphilis is capable of causing hair loss as a direct symptom. This normally occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis and can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

“The process for getting tested for sexual health problems is simple, and there are clinics in most local areas. Many STDs, even the most serious ones, can be easily remedied or managed, so there’s nothing to be scared of. And once you receive your STD test results, you should remember to properly read the results to make sure you understand them. If you don’t, you should ask the team member who is assisting you to explain them fully.

Many people also experience performance issues or loss of libido due to hormonal imbalances. We recommend testing for hormones with a simple at-home test kit. This can give you an idea of your blood levels and then you can make a guided decision on wether to should seek the advice from a urologist or endocrinologist to re-balance your hormonal profile.”

What are the treatments for hair loss?

One type of alopecia, known as frontal fibrosing alopecia, is another cause of hair loss in women. This condition is characterized by hair loss, followed by the scarring of the scalp close to the forehead. The effects of this condition may be permanent. What causes this condition is yet to be discovered, but medical experts say that genes, as well as the environment, may contribute to the development of this rare condition.

Other conditions that can lead to hair loss also include skin diseases that affect the scalp, such as eczema and psoriasis.

With the advancement of medical technology, more and more hair loss treatments have become available to the public. Hair loss can be treated by either of the following:

Medications
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Cosmetic options

Treating your hair loss will depend on its cause. Hair loss caused by certain diseases can be managed by applying treatment to the underlying condition with medication first. For some, this is usually done the trick as new hair begins to grow back. If hair growth remains stubborn, then it may be time to explore other options to regrow your locks.

Medications, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Spironolactone (Aldactone) are two popular treatments that doctors prescribe for women who suffer from hair loss. Minoxidil is a topical medicine that is applied to the scalp. While this medication is highly effective, it is not without side effects.

Answer to your hair loss problem

Some patients who used Minoxidil have experienced hair growth in unwanted places, as well as skin and scalp irritation. The other medication, Spironolactone, is frequently given to patients whose hair loss is not caused by hormones.

A more advanced way of treating hair loss uses your blood by separating its platelet-rich plasma away from the rest of the blood components with the use of a machine. The platelets are then reintroduced into the scalp’s target area by injection. Doctors have mentioned that this process is still not perfect and continues to be studied, but they have found that the platelets are able to stimulate the reconstruction of tissues in the scalp and hair follicles.

When all else fails or you are in search of an answer to your hair loss problem that does not require much from your pockets, then you can always turn to cosmetic options. A cheaper way to conceal those bald or thinning spots on your head is to purchase a wig.

Hair transplantation is another cosmetic option with a high success rate. This procedure, however, requires surgery and comes with a hefty price tag. Aside from being costly, hair transplantation is more effective for balding issues and may not address hair thinning among women in general.

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

Published

4 months ago

October 7, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2024

VORNews

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

Published

4 months ago

October 5, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP