Hair Loss in Women

Genetics – Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)

Have you ever found yourself ashamed and frustrated about your thinning hairline? The truth is, losing one’s hair can affect your confidence and increase anxiety, which itself only worsens health.

Statistically, men are more prone than women to experience hair loss at some point in their lives. However, female pattern baldness is common and not something to be ashamed of. 

Female pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, is hair loss that affects women. It is similar to male pattern baldness, except that women’s hair loss occurs in a different typical pattern. In men, hair loss is typically first seen at the forehead or crown of the head. In women, hair usually thins out on the top third or half of the scalp first.

At first, most women may not even notice that they are losing hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing 50 to 100 hairs each day is normal for women, but those with female pattern baldness lose more than this.

When you begin to lose hair, you may notice more loose hairs while in the shower or while brushing your hair. There is no need to worry. It could simply be excessive hair shedding (the medical term is telogen effluvium, caused by several things such as illness, stress, or giving birth).

If you are having issues with hair loss, trying oral finasteride or topical minoxidil can be part of your treatment program. However, more permanent hair loss solutions like hair transplants are also an option. 

In the past, people were less willing to treat hair loss problems with hair replacement surgery because it commonly involved cutting a linear strip from the scalp and then moving to other sections that require treatment. This results in the scalp being stretched to be sewn back together, frequently leading to an appearance of even thinner hair than before.

Currently, a procedure called follicular unit extraction (FUE) can be conducted, moving single hair follicles to other parts of the head or face. This procedure is difficult and tedious but usually comes with extraordinary results. 

While performing FUE, our hair transplant doctor takes 20% of hair follicles from densely populated areas of the scalp and moves them to parts of the scalp where hair is most thin, stopping at about 15% first to assess before continuing. 

The results are permanent, as the follicle continues to grow strands of hair as if it had never been distressed. While no new hair will naturally replace that taken from the donor site, it should not be noticeable. This is why our doctors stay within the 15 to 20% threshold.

Thyroid Conditions

A wide range of conditions can lead to hair loss. One condition is an abnormal hormonal activity that plays a vital role in why most people experience thinning or balding areas of the scalp. While some women lose their hair after childbirth and before they reach the menopausal stage, some women lose their hair because of genetic factors. 

Additionally, other causes of hair loss are severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

When women lose hair because of these abnormal hormone levels, they experience a diffuse type of hair loss pattern that affects the entire scalp rather than localized areas. In this case, hair regrowth can be achieved through successful treatment of the thyroid disorder, though it may take several months to complete. 

Treatment for any thyroid disorder typically includes medication. The tricky part is the diagnosis, particularly for some rare diseases. However, once there is a diagnosis, a treatment plan can be devised that successfully assures the individual’s hair grows back and returns to normal.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms including hirsutism, an excessive quantity of facial and body hair. In this case, PCOS causes excessive androgen levels (male sex hormones) that can result in one of three ways:

1. You could grow thicker hair on your face and body.
2. You could experience hair thinning and hair loss.
3. You could experience both.

When you lose hair because of PCOS, it will not grow back on its own. You should know that PCOS-related hair loss is caused by hormonal imbalance, so hormone regulation is an important part of treatment. You may also try a combination of different treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), and hair transplant procedures.

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Some people with lupus can also encounter hair loss issues. 

A clinical study showed non-scarring hair loss in four women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and found a variety in the extent of hair loss. Some women experienced widespread hair loss, while others lost their hair in localized parts of the head. 

Hair loss caused by lupus may be reversible if you are able to control the disease. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your medications as directed. Once it is under control, your hair loss should be minimized, and you can experience hair regrowth.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition that occurs when a person does not have adequate iron stored in their body, or the body cannot use iron sufficiently. This type of anemia is mostly found in women. While some people who have severe iron deficiency anemia can experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain, some also experience hair loss.

You can treat iron deficiency anemia by taking an iron supplement. Your doctor can recommend other hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral finasteride (Propecia), and surgical procedures such as hair transplants.

Severe Stress or Anxiety Disorders

Stress and hair loss should not be permanent. If you get your stress under control, your hair might grow back. Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or your hair falls out more effortlessly while washing, combing, or styling it. 

Any number of stressful situations can trigger hair loss, such as the following:

• Pregnancy
• Chronic illness
• Injury
• Relationship issues
• Financial concerns
• Poor nutrition
• Surgery
• Medications such as antidepressants 

Seek treatment for chronic stress and anxiety by trying cognitive behavioral therapy and sometimes medication. By eliminating the stressors that cause hair loss, hair regrowth is often possible.

Medication

Certain drugs can stimulate excessive hair growth, changes in hair color or texture, and sometimes hair loss.

Like any other type of hair loss, drug-induced hair loss can have unwanted effects on your self-esteem. However, in most cases, there is a good chance that hair will grow back on its own after you stop taking the medicine. Several types of drugs are believed to induce hair loss, some of them include:

• Retinoids
• Antidepressants
• Statins
• Birth control pills
• Immunosuppressants
• Beta-blockers
• Steroids
• Thyroid medications

Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of any medications you take. If stopping the drug does not make any progress, you may need hair loss treatments such as finasteride (Propecia), minoxidil (Rogaine), or medications that can minimize hair loss and enhance hair regrowth.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack hair follicles, which leads to hair loss. 

When you have alopecia areata, you may recognize patchy hair loss that usually presents as a single oval patch or multiple patches of asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, non-scarring alopecia. You may notice a small bare patch or you may lose all hair on the entire scalp. 

Common treatments include corticosteroids, immunotherapy (designed to create an allergic reaction that causes hair regrowth), and 5% minoxidil (Rogaine).