Female Pattern Hair Loss

The term alopecia refers to hair loss. There are several different types of alopecia. When the cause of hair loss is related to hormones (androgens) and genetics, it is called androgenic alopecia. About one-third of women experience hair loss at some time in their lives. Among post-menopausal women, as many as two-thirds suffer hair thinning or bald spots. In women, androgenetic alopecia begins with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing hair loss radiating from the top of the head. A woman’s hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald.

Another form of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, a reversible condition in which hair falls out after a stressful experience. The stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase. Then, within a few months, those hairs can fall out. Types of stress can include surgery, childbirth, and severe illness.

How Did I Get It?

There are many potential causes of hair loss, including medical conditions, medications, and physical or emotional stress. Androgenetic alopecia occurs because of a genetically determined shortening of your hair’s growing phase called anagen, It takes longer for your hair to start growing back after it is shed in the course of the normal growth  cycle (see Life Cycle of Hair). The hair follicle itself also changes, shrinking and producing a shorter, thinner hair shaft — a process called, follicular miniaturization. As a result, thicker, pigmented, longer-lived “terminal” hairs are replaced by shorter, thinner, non-pigmented hairs called “vellus.”

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your doctor will take a medical history and examine the scalp. She will observe the pattern of hair loss, check for signs of inflammation or infection, and possibly order blood tests to investigate other possible causes of hair loss, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and iron deficiency and hormone imbalance.

Treatment

Although hair loss is a serious problem, it’s important to note that most insurance companies rarely see treatment as medically necessary. Unfortunately, this means you will often have to pay cash for treatment.

Supplements

Many supplements, including biotin and folic acid, specific omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants are said to help grow and thicken hair. In some women, iron deficiency could be a cause of hair loss.
Your clinician may test your iron level, particularly if you’re a vegetarian, have a history of anemia, or have heavy menstrual bleeding.

Hair Loss Shampoos

While hair loss shampoos cannot regrow hair, or prevent hair loss from worsening they can:

• Help your hair hold moisture, which makes hair look fuller and thicker
• Lessen breakage, which can reduce thinning

Medicated Topical Treatments 

Minoxidil 5% which is the generic version of Rogaine, is available in liquid or foam solutions. Minoxidil can produce some new growth of fine hair in some, but not all, people. However, it can’t restore the full density of the lost hair. It can take two months before you see any results and the effect often peaks at around four months. If minoxidil works for you, you’ll need to keep using it to maintain those results. If you stop, you’ll start to lose hair again.

Directions for  Minoxidil

Be sure that your hair and scalp are dry. Using the dropper or spray pump that’s provided with the over-the-counter solution, apply it twice daily to every area where your hair is thinning. Gently massage it into the scalp with your fingers so it can reach the hair follicles. Then air-dry your hair, wash your hands thoroughly, and wash off any solution that has dripped onto your forehead or face. Don’t shampoo for at least four hours afterwards.

Possible side effects: 

• • Scalp Irritation: Some women have scalp irritation probably caused by the alcohol in the solution. Using the foam version seems to cause less irritation than the liquid.
  • Sometimes the new hair differs in color and texture from surrounding hair. 
  • Hypertrichosis — excessive hair growth in the wrong places, such as the cheeks or forehead. 

Anti-androgens

Androgen receptor–blocking drugs such as spironolactone (Aldactone) and finasteride (Propecia) act in two ways. First, it slows down the production of androgens in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Second, it blocks the action of androgens in part by preventing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to its androgenetic receptor. Case studies suggest that women who don’t respond to minoxidil may benefit from the addition of spironolactone. In the relatively uncommon cases where there is an excess of androgen, a clinician may prescribe an androgen receptor–blocking drug daily. Possible side effects include weight gain, loss of libido, depression, and fatigue.