Hair Loss in Women
August 19th, 2011While most people relate hair loss to men, the truth is that issues of hair loss in women are almost as common. In fact, the most common form of hair loss is known as “Female Pattern Baldness”, the female version of this same disorder that affects millions of men. Along with this, there are other forms of female baldness but in all cases, understanding the cause is the best method for getting effective and safe treatment.
Female Pattern Baldness
Because this is the most common form of hair loss in women, we will use this as an example of what many women around the world face. Along with a brief description, information specific to causes, risks, and treatment options currently available are provided. For balding of this type, hair would fall out in a standard pattern. While there are some women that would not benefit from treatments, most see some degree of improvement.
Causes of Hair Loss
In healthy hair, when a woman loses hair new hair would grow to takes its place but with this particular problem, once hair falls out new growth does not occur. There are a number of reasons for female pattern baldness to include the following:
- The normal aging process
- Hormonal changes specific to androgens, which are actually male hormones that often fluctuate during menopause
- Family history of hair loss in women of this type
Signs of Hair Loss
Every day, women lose about 100 strands of hair, which is evident when looking at the brush or comb used. While this seems like a significant amount of hair, it is actually considered within the norm. However, in cases of actual hair loss in women as it relates to female pattern baldness, signs of a problem would be distinct.
- Noticeable hair loss on the top of the head and crown area that begins to spread
- While hair falls out at the top of the head and crown, it would remain intact at the front hairline
- Some women might experience a good amount of hair loss but total baldness would be unlikely
Testing for Female Hair Loss
Medical professionals can use a number of methods to confirm cases of female pattern baldness, as well as other causes for hair loss in women. The more common aspects of medical testing include:
- Blood tests to rule out illness that might be causing hair loss
- Elimination of other reasons outside of female pattern baldness for the change
- Review of family and personal medical history
- Identify any abnormal hair growth to include hair growing on the abdomen or perhaps the face
- Change in monthly menstrual cycle
- Enlarged clitoris
- New acne outbreaks
- Skin biopsy
- Hair analysis whereby the hair’s structure would be carefully examined by a trained professional under a microscope
- Review of diet and lifestyle patterns
Treating Hair Loss in Women
Although women feel devastated when facing this kind of problem, the good news is that there are several effective and safe treatment options. One important note specific to female pattern baldness is that unless treatment is provided quickly, the condition could be permanent. Although most women only experience slight hair loss, it could become more intense if not corrected. The following are the treatment options that most doctors recommend.
- Minoxidil – For this, a 2% concentration would be applied to and massaged into the scalp. Currently, this is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for hair loss in women. When used as prescribed, women typically see as much as a 25% improvement. Even for those with lower results, the drug can slow down hair loss or prevent additional loss. Unfortunately, the cost of Minoxidil is expensive but it does work.
- Oral Spironolactone – In cases when Minoxidil is not effective or not providing desired results, oral spironolactone could be used in conjunction with Minoxidil or in place of it. This particular medication has been proven most effective when androgen hormone levels are excessive. The downside is that oral spironolactone has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and because it increases potassium in the blood, pregnant women or those with kidney disease must avoid using it.
Hair Transplant Surgery – While this method for dealing with hair loss in women is more invasive, when done by a qualified surgeon, the outcome is usually positive.