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According to the American hair loss association, females make up 40% of hair loss sufferers in the United States. For women, there are many different causes of hair loss including autoimmune issues, hormonal issues, diet, nutrition, stress, or genetics. The key to successfully treating hair loss or hair thinning is to identify the underlying cause of the hair loss and treat it appropriately. Some common causes are listed below:
The most common type of hair loss in women is the same as it is in men. It is called androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Female pattern hair loss looks very different from male pattern hair loss. The frontal hairline almost always remains intact but there is usually gradual thinning at the part line followed by increasing diffuse hair loss over the crown of the head. Females will have thick terminal hairs replaced by finer hairs causing a see-through appearance of the scalp. Women may also develop age related hair loss in their 60’s and 70’s. It is important to undergo a thorough exam and work-up in order to make an accurate diagnosis and then create an optimized treatment plan.
Is hair loss hereditary?
Hair loss has been observed to run in families and we know there are genetic components that contribute to hair loss. It can come from many different genes and from both male and female ancestors. Other contributing factors can influence hair loss such as hormones, health conditions, hair styling techniques, illness, etc.
Medical therapy
Women have many options when it comes to medical therapy that work to combat the underlying process that is causing their hair to lose volume and fall out. Even with transplant surgery, the hair loss process will continue to progress unless medical therapy is used to help address the cause. This is why Dr. Bender usually recommends some type of medical therapy as usually medical and surgical therapy can work together to give a patient the best result possible. Nearly every patient can benefit from one form of treatment that is currently available.
Surgical Therapy
Women can benefit from hair transplant surgery. The areas that need to be addressed for women are usually different from men. The focus is on adding fullness and density among existing hairs to reduce the visibility of the scalp. Women can also have shedding of hairs following a hair transplant and these hairs will grow back along with the new transplanted hairs. Women may also have scars from facelifts or browlifts or other scalp procedures that could benefit from a transplant for coverage. It is best to come in for a consult to see what options may be best for you!
On average, a person may lose about 100 hairs a day. That being said, hair shedding and hair loss are not the same thing. Hair shedding can follow a stressful event and be temporary or, less commonly, it can last for over 6 months. Hair loss happens when hairs become thinner and eventually stop growing. Thinning or see-through appearance of the scalp or loss of other body hair can signal an underlying medical condition. It is important to see a dedicated medical professional, like Dr. Bender, if you have concerns about your hair shedding.
Certain coloring agents, perming, or relaxing hair repetitively can damage hair and potentially lead to hair loss. Other appliances that use high heat like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair. Tight braiding can also cause something called traction hair loss. Any damage that occurs to a hair follicle is permanent so finding a good hair care regimen that can be used long-term is important.
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is helpful in people who have a known deficiency. Studies have not shown biotin to be helpful in healthy individuals without a deficiency. It can also interfere with laboratory tests, like thyroid tests and some other hormone levels, so it is important to let your healthcare professional know if you are taking it.
