Female Pattern Baldness: Cause, Treatment and other options


Home / All / Female Pattern Baldness: Cause, Treatment and other options

Posted on : June 29, 2021 | Category : All | Author: Beverly Hills Hair Restoration Team

Female pattern baldness

Androgenetic alopecia, the term used for female pattern baldness, severely affects women's hair growth. Other than the fact that women can shed their hair in a distinct pattern than men, this condition is quite similar to male pattern baldness. With the growing number of ages, hair loss is normal to occur. About two-thirds of females undergo hair loss after their menstruation stops. It is analyzed that even less than half of most women with age 65 persists with the full head of hair. 

Female pattern baldness is genetic. After the menstruation stops, hair fall is expected to occur. Thus, this is also the reason to blame hormones. But if you are observing that you are dropping hair in clusters, then it is time to visit a doctor or dermatologist. Therefore, they would reach out whether you have female hair baldness or any other kind of hair loss. It is believed that you let the hair fall stop and start with regrowth as soon as you get yourself treated promptly. 

Following, you are going to have a deep glance at female pattern baldness by studying its meaning, cause, diagnosis, and treatment that will aware of these topics and assist you in making the right decision:

What does female pattern baldness look like?

Under the condition of female pattern baldness, the strength of the hair growth becomes fragile and slows down. Moreover, much of the time is consumed by the new hair to start growing. Under this, the hair follicles shrink, due to which the growth of hair is thinner and softer. This is the cause that affects the hair and breaks it. It is pretty normal for females to shed 50 to 100 inches every day. But in the case of female patterns, baldness can lead to severe hair loss than usual. If we talk about men, they begin losing hair from the front and moving towards the back of the head till they turn fully bald. At the same time, females shed their hair from all around their scalp, basically starting from their partition line. On a good site, females tend to be less likely to go completely bald, but you might have lots of thinning hair throughout your head. 

Doctors have isolated female pattern baldness into three categories:

  • Type I is a thinning of hair that arrives in a small amount from your part.
  • Type II includes broadening of the partition and raises thinning around it.
  • Type III is the thinning all around that can be noticeable very clearly at the top of your scalp. 

Can genetics cause female pattern baldness?

Hair loss is a condition carried from parents to their children, and distinct genes are included. Therefore, it is possible to have the female pattern baldness if someone from your family or any other close relatives undergoing hair loss.  

What else causes female pattern baldness?

Female pattern baldness is usually led by an endocrine state or a hormone-secreting tumor. However, if you have other signs like an irregular period, severe acne, or undergoing any distinct kind of hair loss, then the time has come to consult a doctor. 

Also, you can read Does SmartPRP® really work? Is there any evidence to support it?

Can women get female pattern baldness in their 20s?

In the stage of midlife, females are less expected to have female hair baldness. However, like males, females also tend to have hair loss as they get into the 40s, 50s, and above.

The male sex hormones, to the extent known as androgens, trigger hair loss in men. It is said that these androgens hormones are also liable for female pattern hair loss. Even smoking might also raise the risk of female pattern hair loss.  

How is it diagnosed?

As soon as you notice thinning of hair on your scalp, then the time has occurred when you are required to consult a doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor will evaluate your scalp to examine the female pattern of hair loss. In pattern baldness, there is no requirement for testing to diagnose it. 

But at the same time, if they suspect any other kind of hair loss, then your doctor might ask you for a blood test to check the level of thyroid hormone, sex hormones, iron, or other elements that could have an impact on your hair growth. 

Treatment for female pattern baldness

If you have female pattern hair baldness, then, in the beginning, you might be able to hide it by adopting new hairstyles. But with time, the thinning increases on top of the scalp, making it impossible for a person to hide. 

But early diagnoses are suggestable as this will encourage you to get on the treatment plan and effectively halt future hair loss. Your treatment will consist of one or two medicines to treat hair loss. 

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only medicine that the U.s have approved. Food and drug administration (FDA) to cure female pattern baldness. It is obtainable in 2% or 5% formulas. If possible, choose the 5% formula. For best outcomes, it is best to apply minoxidil daily on your scalp. Although this medicine would not be able to restore all the hair you have lost. Minoxidil can bring back the hair at a specific limit and provide a dense hair appearance. You might not be able to notice the effects for about 6 to 12 months. It is essential to use minoxidil to maintain the consistency of the results, or else it will stop working. And if it halts working, then your hair might return to the same position as they were earlier.   

The following side effects are possible:

  • redness
  • dryness
  • itching
  • hair growth on regions where you did not want it, such as your cheeks

Finasteride and dutasteride

Finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) are the medicines that are FDA approved to prevent hair loss in men. These medicines are not liable for males, but some doctors recommend these for female pattern baldness. There is still confusion about whether these medicines benefit women, but some studies have depicted that they help regrow hair in female pattern baldness.

Side effects comprise headaches, hot flashes, and a short-term sex drive, specifically in the initial year of use. In addition, females do not get pregnant if using these drugs. The reason being is that it can raise the threat of congenital disabilities. 

Spironolactone

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a diuretic; it implies that it excludes the extra liquid from the body. It also prevents androgen production, and it might help women in regrowing hair. 

This drug can lead to a number of side effects, including:

  • electrolyte imbalances
  • fatigue
  • spotting between periods
  • irregular menstruation
  • tender breasts

It is essential to have regular blood pressure and electrolyte tests when you intake this drug. In addition, it is suggested by the doctors that if you are planning to have a baby or are pregnant, then you should not use this medication, as this might lead to birth defects.

See More:- How Does Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Other options

If iron deficiency is triggering hair loss, your doctor might prescribe you an iron supplement. But at present, there is no proof that intaking iron will grow back your hair. Other medicines too, like biotin and folic acid, can also boost hair growth. 

One survey revealed that women developed thicker and dense hair after eating omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Although, it would be best if you consult a doctor prior to taking any medicines to grow your hair. 

Moreover, there are laser combs and helmets that are FDA approved to treat hair loss. They apply light energy to trigger hair regrowth. More study has to be done to analyze if this is effective. 

The therapy of PRP Hair Treatment might also be proved advantageous. The process involves, flowing of blood, moving it down, then injecting your platelets back into your head to promote hair growth. Although it is reliable, it still requires more research. 

You might also be able to camouflage the hair loss by wearing wigs or using hair products. 

Therefore, hair transplant is the perpetual remedy. During this procedure, your doctor extracts a thin strip of hair from one section of the scalp and grafts it in an area from where your hair is missing. As a result, the hair regrows the same as your natural hair.  

Is it reversible?

Female pattern baldness is not inconsistent. It effectively helps to develop the hair you have lost. If the condition is adequately treated, then hair loss can be halted. The treatment can consume about 12 months to begin working. 

Outlook

Therefore, female pattern baldness can be stressful and can influence a person's self-esteem and personality. Females who are undergoing heavy hair loss should consult their doctors or dermatologist. Thus, Dr. John Kahen will assist you in determining the reason and best treatment available for you. It is recommended to make an early diagnosis as this can prevent hair from getting further damage. Treatments at BHHR will help you restore your hair growth. The outcomes might differ depending on the therapy opted and the amount of hair loss. 

Here are a few more topics that you shouldn’t miss:
Everything You Need To Know About Beard Transplant?
Why do you lose hair?
 
Like this post? Don’t forget to share