Female Hair Loss, Thinning Hair in Women, and Pattern Baldness (Alopecia).

You get up in the morning and look at your pillow. More hair has fallen out during the night. You brush your hair and end up pulling more hair out of your brush. In an effort to hide your scalp, you try different hair styles; you tease it; you try volumizing shampoos. Nothing works.  Are you going bald or is it a sign of a serious illness?   Causes of Female Hair Loss and Thinning Hair in Women The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head.   PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS 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. Additionally, there may be another three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth.

This means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last six months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to thinning and baldness. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.
 

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Hormonal changes are a common cause of hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills.
 

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

Female hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting.

From a dermatologists's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.
 

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS AND MYTHS

• Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.

• Shaving your head will cause your hair to grow back thicker.

• Hair loss does not occur in women who are in their late teens or early twenties.

• Hats and wigs cause thinning and baldness.

• 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.

• Permanent thinning and baldness is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.

• There are cures available for androgenetic Alopecia.

• Stress can causes permanent thinning of a woman's overall hair density.

These are only a few of the common myths routinely heard by physicians and other specialists on a daily basis.
 

TREATMENT OPTIONS AND SOLUTIONS 

Medical therapy: Rogaine (topical minoxidil). Rogaine is the only FDA approved medication currently available option.

Laser Hair Rejuvenation. A non-surgical treatment utilizing therapeutic low level lasers to deliver light energy designed to cosmetically treat the appearance of thin, fine, damaged hair.

Transplant Surgery: Modern surgical techniques have made transplantation for females a viable treatment option.

Non-Surgical Replacement: Women's hair replacement systems and additions have the ability to simulate a true natural appearance while offering the client a significant increase in overall density.

View a list of Transitions International member hair loss centers and clinics worldwide.

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