Over 30 million women in America; or roughly 1 in 4 are affected by thinning hair or baldness. In women this can have severe ramifications for self esteem. A survey conducted by Rogaine in 2004 of more than 500 American women reported that 24% of the women surveyed equated hair loss with the loss of a limb.
There are nearly as many factors affecting hair loss in women as there are women affected. 90% of hair loss is genetic and will require medication to reverse. Thyroid disorders, menopause, pregnancy and hormonal imbalances may also be contributing factors. Hair loss during pregnancy is a red flag for many women, as it can be a sign of hypothyroidism which is the leading cause of mental retardation in children.
Women on average begin to deal with hair loss in their mid twenties to mid thirties. Male pattern baldness results generally in hair falling out in patches over time; but female pattern baldness is more often a reduction in hair volume. This reduces the possibility of hair transplants.
Causes of Female Pattern Baldness
Baldness occurs when hair falls out but replacement hair does not grow in its place. For women, female pattern baldness can develop from a number of medical conditions including genetic predispositions, aging and levels of endocrine hormones; especially androgens – the male sex hormones in the body.
Changes in androgens may affect hair production. Menopause may create a hormonal change that leads to thinning hair on the head and coarser facial hair. Even though replacement hair may not grow, the follicles may remain alive which offers the prospect that regrowth may be possible.
Patterns of Hair Loss in Women
Generally in women, the hair thins all over the head but the frontal hairline is generally intact. There may be loss of hair on the crown, but it rarely becomes a total loss as it may in men.
Other Reasons for Hair Thinning or Loss in Women
Medications, iron or vitamin deficiencies, certain skin diseases or thyroid disorders may lead to hair loss. Hair breakage and loss can also occur from styling treatment or damage from styling tools or products.
Treatment for Female Hair Loss
Female pattern baldness is considered a permanent condition according to the National Institute of Health in the UK. In many cases, no treatment may be required if the impact on appearance is minimal. The only FDA approved drug in the US is Minoxidil. Minoxidil may help hair regrowth in 20-25% of women, but can be expensive and hair loss may reoccur if treatment stops. Hair transplants may offer excellent and permanent results if the hair loss is such that the women is a viable candidate. Hair weaving, hair pieces or wigs may improve cosmetic appearances.
Natural Treatments for Female Hair Loss
According to WebMD, one of the best solutions for hair loss is a change in diet. High protein, low carb and reduced fat diets are healthier for hair. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are also important for maintaining current hair volume. Iron levels should be checked as iron deficiency, a common problem for women in reproductive years can be an undiagnosed cause of hair loss in women.
