Female Pattern Baldness
If you are a woman experiencing hair loss, you are probably worried and scared. Women usually do not expect to lose our hair, even as we age. Although you may feel like you are alone, you should know that you are not. Millions of women have the same problem. A common cause of female hair loss is androgenic alopecia, or female pattern baldness.
Pattern baldness, also called androgenic alopecia, occurs in both men and women. It is caused by sensitivity to androgens, which are the male sex hormones. Androgens are present in differing levels in both men and women. For women, hair loss is often caused by a change in androgen levels. This often happens after menopause.
Hair goes through dormant stages and stages of growth. Hormonal changes can cause the hair to become stuck in dormancy. If it stays dormant too long, it will die. Dead hair falls out of the scalp. If hair is dying at a more rapid rate than it is growing, you start to see visible hair loss.
In men, the pattern of hair loss is easily detectable. It usually begins with a receding hairline, progressing to a “bald spot” with hair left on the sides and back of the head. In many cases, the end result is complete baldness. You will be encouraged by the fact that complete baldness is extremely uncommon for women. Although there may be a concentrated loss in the front or the back of the head, female pattern baldness normally appears as a thinning of the hair all over.
Since female hair loss does not follow the same obvious patterns as male hair loss, it is often necessary to visit a hair restoration specialist in order to determine the reason for the loss. Although female pattern baldness is one of the most common causes, there are many other conditions that can result in hair loss for women. These include stress, thyroid problems, and trichotillomania (the compulsion to pull out one’s own hair). Female pattern baldness is not a serious medical condition. However, any specialist should be sensitive to the fact that it can be embarrassing and emotional.
There are a lot of different methods available to treat hair loss. The FDA has approved one drug for the treatment of this condition, called minoxidil. In some women, this drug can cause hair to re-grow. In the majority of women, it can slow or stop the loss. However, many women rule out drug treatment because of the cost involved. Hair transplants are often ruled out for the same reason.
Because hair loss does not pose a serious health threat, less aggressive measures are often sufficient. Vitamins E, B and C have all proved effective in nourishing and strengthening hair. You can find supplements of these vitamins at any drugstore or health food store. You also might want to explore cosmetic fixes such as hair weaves, hairpieces or wigs.
Avoid dyes, perms, and any other aggressive chemical processes, as they will cause further damage and loss. The heat from devices such as blow dryers and hot curlers can strip away your hair’s natural oils. Choose loose styles that don’t pull the hair too tightly, and be gentle when combing or brushing out tangles. Treat your hair well, and focus on finding style and solutions that increase your confidence. When you find ways to be comfortable with your appearance, female pattern baldness does not have to be a problem at all.
Tags: Female Pattern Baldness, pattern baldness in women, women's pattern baldness