Female Pattern Hair Loss – What Is It And How To Tackle It?

Female pattern baldness is a specific type of hair loss that is only found in women. This form of hair loss can be triggered due to various factors like ageing, hormonal imbalance, and hereditary or genetic reasons. Experts often refer to female pattern baldness as Alopecia Areata or Androgenic Alopecia. This form of baldness is generally experienced by women during menopause. In addition to the common factors, certain specific medicines and postoperative factors may also lead to Alopecia Areata. These days, even young women are found to experience acute hair loss due to factors like excessive stress, improper diet, and overuse of styling products. Consistent studies on female pattern hair loss reveal that less than 45% women enjoy a full head of healthy and thick hair throughout their lives.

Prime Causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Under normal circumstances, a woman tends to lose fifty to hundred strands of hair every day. Abnormal hair loss that goes beyond this average range can lead to female pattern baldness. A hair strand generally grows up to ½ inch every month, and continues to grow up to 6 years at a stretch. After this period, the full-grown hair falls out after some time. If the hair strands fall radically before their usual time, it can be referred to as androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata. Baldness takes place when hair falls at its normal pace but new hair does not grow back in its place. Here are some of the prime causes of female pattern baldness:

Breakage of hair due to medicinal treatments, hair twisting, or hair shaft abnormalities
Skin disorders and infections causing scars and wounds to the hair follicles
Autoimmune disorders
Hormonal imbalance, such as fluctuations in the thyroid hormone, and too much testosterone
Deficiency of iron and zinc
Deficiency of vitamins like Vitamin B or Biotin and other vitamins
Certain medications like laser therapy, beta blockers, or chemotherapy
Sexually transmitted infections such as Syphilis
Surgery, childbirth, or any major ailment

Major Symptoms of Female Pattern Baldness

Female pattern baldness is strikingly different from the male pattern baldness. The major symptoms of female pattern baldness include the following:

Hair thinning in female pattern baldness is observed mainly on the top and on the crown area. Balding generally starts with the widening of the center hair part.
The front hairline remains unaffected in most patients.
The hair loss may be acute but it does not lead to complete or near complete baldness, as it generally does in men
More hair loss due to bathing and combing

Diagnosis and Tests

Ruling out other factors leading to hair loss

The pattern and appearance of hair loss

Medical history of the patient

Experts generally look into the symptoms of excessive male hormone like androgen, while diagnosing female pattern baldness. These symptoms include the following.

Abnormal hair growth on the face and between the belly button and pubic area
Enlargement of the clitoris and abnormal changes in menstrual periods
Acne and pimples

A skin biopsy is often undertaken in addition to other blood examinations to diagnose certain skin disorders that might affect hair loss.

emale Pattern Hair Loss Solutions – Treatment and Medication

Female pattern baldness is a common problem that is experienced by millions of women every year. Medical science today is equipped with more than one option for treating this condition.

Several oral medicines and pills are available for slowing hair loss.
Advanced laser therapies are often practiced for treating female pattern baldness.
Hair transplant is another popular treatment carried for treating androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata.
If you’ve been experiencing unnatural hair fall and thinning of hair, don’t panic. It may or may not be something severe, but to prevent any damage, it’s better to immediately consult a good trichologist.