Female Hair Loss

Female hair loss occurs in more than one pattern. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women. One of the commonest forms of hair loss in women is a condition called telogen effluvium, in which there is a diffuse shedding of hairs around the scalp and elsewhere on the body. This is usually a reaction to intense stress on the body's physical or hormonal systems, or as a reaction to medication. Because telogen effluvium develops a while after its trigger, and causes generalised thinning of hair density rather than a bald patch, women with the condition can easily be diagnosed as overanxious or neurotic. Women with high or increasing levels of androgens, such as women who are menopausal, may find that the hair on the head is thinned, while facial hair is coarser. Although new hair is not produced, the follicles remain alive, suggesting the possibility of new hair growth. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head.

Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the family. Women with hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia tend to have miniaturizing hairs of variable diameter over all affected areas of the scalp. While miniaturizing hairs are a feature of androgenetic alopecia, miniaturization may also be associated with other causes and is not in itself a diagnostic feature of androgenetic alopecia. In post-menopausal women, for example, hair may begin to miniaturize and become difficult to style. Women's pattern of hair loss is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss in men. Instead, androgenetic alopecia causes a general thinning of women's hair, with loss predominantly over the top and sides of the head. Female pattern hair loss may begin as early as puberty. In these cases if there are signs of hormone imbalance, such as excess facial or body hair, a hormone evaluation should be done. Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss.

Emotional situations and elevated levels of stress can also result in hair loss.  High levels of stress are documented to have a strong correlation to hair loss, particularly in females.  This type of hair loss is called Telogen Effluvium. Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test. Hair analysis is not accurate for diagnosing nutritional or similar causes of hair loss, although it may reveal substances such as arsenic or lead. Treatment often starts with Rogaine. Perms, dyes and other cosmetic options can be used to give a fuller appearance to hair.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

The common causes of hair loss in women:

• Essential fatty acid deficiency.
• Severe infection.
• Starting or stopping birth control pills.
• Severe stress.
• Autoimmune disease such as lupus.
• Recent hepatitis B shot.

Symptoms of Female Hair Loss

The main sign and symptoms are:

• Hair loss at the crown or hairline, mild to moderate.
• Thinning of hair over the entire head.

Treatment of Female Hair Loss

Common treatment of Female Hair Loss:

• The only drug or medication approved by the FDA to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil, used topically on the scalp. Hair loss recurs when minoxidil is stopped.
• Finasteride is effective for treating hair loss in some men. It has a testosterone-blocking action similar to saw palmetto. Some women may take finasteride for female hair loss or hirsutism.
• 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.

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