Many hair clinics are compassionate and understanding towards females who are experiencing female pattern hair loss or hair thinning. They understand, that whilst men can find hair loss frustrating and overwhelming, for females it can weigh down their self-conscience and overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing Female Pattern Hair Loss, don’t worry, there are options to fix your problem!
Female Pattern Hair Loss Overview
If a woman experiences hair loss, she should first consult with her family physician to ensure that an underlying medical condition is not the cause. Hair restoration for women is similar to methods for men with the exception of the medication Propecia, which is FDA approved only for men.
Female pattern baldness is sometimes referred to as androgenic alopecia or female pattern baldness and is caused by the same hormone that causes male pattern baldness-dihydrotestosterone. It appears as diffuse thinning throughout the scalp with more thinning toward the back, toward the front and at the hairline. It is inherited and can come from the mother’s or father’s side.
Hair loss affects approximately 30 million women in the United States, and typically shows up after a woman turns 50. Some theories point to menopause as a cause for hair loss while others argue there is no cause-and-effect; rather, the two events-hair loss and menopause-tend to coincidentally happen at the same time.
What is the Ludwig scale?
The ludwig scale is a medical and diagnostic tool to assist in describing the stage of hair loss or hair thinning for a patient.
Causes of Female Hair Loss
Because female pattern baldness is less common than male pattern baldness, before a woman seeks hair restoration, she should rule out other causes:
- Hormone changes
- Pregnancy
- Illness
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopause
- Salon overtreatment
If your family physician diagnoses your hair loss as any of the above causes, with the exception of salon overtreatment, he or she will treat the causes and advise you to wait six months to a year for your hair to start regrowth. Salon overtreatments such as bleaching, drying or braiding can cause hair breakage, which can be mistaken for hair loss.
Hair Restoration for Women
Hair restoration for women comes in many forms. Hair weaves, braids and wigs are temporary solutions, but they can be uncomfortable and contribute to further hair loss known as traction alopecia. The FDA has approved Rogaine, or minoxidil, for use by women to treat thinning hair. It is an over-the-counter topical solution that can be shampooed or massaged on the scalp. It works only as long as the woman uses it according to directions, and it is not a permanent cure and should not be used if a woman is planning to become or is pregnant.
Surgical Hair Transplantation for Women
Surgical hair transplantation is the only permanent treatment for hair loss in men and women. Today’s methods are safe and effective, and if they are performed by a skilled, licensed and experienced hair restoration surgeon, the results will look natural and help restore a woman’s self confidence and youthful appearance.
Read our hair restoration surgery page to learn more about methods used and what to expect before, during and after surgery. Make notes of questions you want to ask your hair restoration specialist. Use our free consultation if you need help on finding the right method, clinic, etc.
What medical treatments are available for Female Hair Loss?
Hair transplant clinics offer a range of treatments that aim to provide the following outcomes:
- Grow More Hair with hair transplantation where genetically resistant hair on the sides and back are transplanted to the top/front that is thinning. This hair is permanent and to maintain simply requires it to be washed, combed and cut, that is it.
- Regrow Thicker Hair + Prevent Hair Loss with PRP for Hair – Platelet Rich Plasma for Hair Regrowth. This treatment is proving very popular and success for all patients.
- Micro Scalp Pigmentation to make your hair appear fuller and thicker.
To see what treatment option is best suited for you, feel free to send us a message for consultation!