Female Hair Loss and Pattern Baldness (Alopecia) in Women

Female hair loss occurs in more than one pattern. If you are a woman with loss of scalp hair, you should seek professional advice from a physician hair restoration specialist.

In most cases, female hair loss can be effectively treated. If you are a woman who has started to lose scalp hair, you are not alone if:

1. You are unpleasantly surprised by the hair loss
2. You don’t understand why you are losing hair

Common or "hereditary" baldness in women, also called female pattern alopecia, is genetic and can come either the mother's or father's side of the family. Various forms of estrogen can "oppose" androgens and thereby reduce their availability to the cell, by blocking androgen receptors. A woman who notices the beginning of hair loss may not be sure if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent - for example, if there has been a recent event such as pregnancy or illness that may be associated with temporary hair thinning.

In women more often than in men, hair loss may be due to conditions other than androgenetic alopecia. Because beautiful hair is a sign of youthfulness and longevity, hair loss can leave you feeling confused, helpless, frustrated and angry. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body. Alopecia means baldness, but just as in men, it does not have to be complete hair loss. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head. Treatment of this type of hair loss includes immunomodulating therapies such as glucocorticoids, topical immunotherapy, or anthralin, or biologic-responce modifiers such as Minoxidil. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age, as well as the extent of hair loss.

Causes of Female hair loss:

The most common causes of hair loss in women are not related to inherited genes, but to temporary metabolic problems associated with pregnancy, unusual stress, chemotherapy, crash diets/anorexia, thyroid hormone deficiency, major surgery, severe infection or high fever. Certain drugs can also take their toll on once lush and healthy tresses.

Symptoms of Female hair loss:

The main symptoms are:

1. Thinning of hair over the entire head.

2. Mild to moderate hair loss at the crown or hairline.

Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Women

A doctor can diagnose your hair loss on the basis of (for example) medical history. Other facts on which a diagnosis can be based are:

Regularly checking the pattern of your hair.

Treatment of Female hair loss:

Treatment options for women are more limited than those available to men. A consultation with a skilled specialist to discuss your options is advised. The popular topical treatment Rogaine for women (minoxidil) can be used by women. And many women do hair restoration surgery to restore their hair. Hormone replacement pills, such as Prempro, plus Aldactone are better after menopause. Experienced hair transplant surgeons can often achieve excellent results in women with the new follicular unit and minigraft techniques. If treatment fails, or is not desired professional counseling might be of help. Perms, dyes and other cosmetic options can be used to give a fuller appearance to hair.

If treatment fails, or is not desired professional counseling might be of help. Perms, dyes and other cosmetic options can be used to give a fuller appearance to hair. Contrary to common wisdom, shampooing doesn't increase real hair loss. Some salons specialize in the modern forms of hair additions; these have also made recent improvements in simulating a natural appearance. A consultation with a skilled specialist to discuss your options is advised.

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness.

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