The most common
type of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as
female pattern alopecia (baldness).
With
female pattern hair loss some excess loss of hair is noted, but
gradual thinning is what is what usually brings a woman to her
doctor. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top
and front of the head.
Female hair loss, thinning hair or
baldness is
emotionally traumatic for women. One in every five women in the
United States experiences hereditary genetic hair loss, called
female pattern hair loss. By comparison, male pattern baldness
occurs in approximately one in four men.
 THE
ONSET OF FEMALE HAIR LOSS
Over twenty million women in the U.S. alone, lose hair
for the same reason as men: a genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia).
Androgenetic alopecia causes over 90% of ALL hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either parent.
Hair loss and baldness in women exhibits different traits than in
men.
Most women are
fortunate enough to be able to retain frontal hairlines. Most
women's
hair loss (baldness) is a diffuse thinning.
WOMEN, BALDNESS,
ESTROGEN AND PREGNANCY
The onset of baldness, hair loss or thinning in women often occurs
during menopause. Although
there may be other influencing factors, we do know that anything,
be it drug or event, that alters protective estrogen levels in
women can lead to women's hair loss and the onset of baldness.
Likewise, birth control pills can cause of premature thinning of
hair,
because hormonal balance is being manipulated artificially.
As a result, permanent hair loss can and does occur.
After pregnancy, a woman's hormonal balances go through a period
of readjustment. As a result many women may experience
significant hair loss. Although many women will regrow much
of their lost hair over a period of several months to a year, many
will not.
OTHER CAUSES OF FEMALE HAIR LOSS
TRICHOTILLOMANIA
A known
obsessive compulsive disorder which involves the pulling out of
one's own hair. This condition is usually seen in pre-teen and
teenage girls and is often unconscious to the individual.
Trichotillomania can appear as alopecia areata and is in fact,
often mis-diagnosed as such.
AGE
As women age,
they lose estrogen which stimulates hair growth. More androgens
are present as we age which again are the main cause of the hair
loss. Unfortunately, even those without a genetic predisposition
to thinning hair and baldness begin to see changes in their hair as
early as their thirties.
 TIPS
FOR HEALTHY HAIR
It has been widely reported
that teasing, using hair color, other products, or
frequently washing hair increases hair loss.
According to the New England
Journal of Medicine (September 1999), normal hair care
does not affect either male or female hair loss. Although
chemicals such as perms and coloring do not cause hairloss, they
can damage the hair. Consult with your dermatologist or hair care
professional for appropriate recommendations.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Finding the
best treatment for your particular situation can be confusing.
To see what
treatment options are available,
click here.
It's easy to get expert advise and answers
to your questions and concerns from a
Transitions member HairLoss Center or Clinic near you.
It's completely confidential. It's also completely free.
So why not request your free, no-obligation consultation today.
Our passion is hair. But that's only the beginning of
what we can restore.
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