Female Alopecia

Female alopecia or hair loss is an inescapable part of growing old. In fact, over 60% of women experience a decrease in hair density after menopause. Whilst it rarely leads to balding unlike in men, hair loss is still devastating and scary for most women.

Reports show that alopecia deeply affects women emotionally and psychologically more than men. This is mainly because society is still not very accepting of women who do not have a full head of hair. Most women feel that they need to possess thick, lustrous locks for them to look more feminine and attractive.

So, whilst hair loss is not a life-threatening condition, it has serious effects on women’s body image and self-esteem. Eventually, the emotional toll it brings can have dire consequences on their physical health, too.

The good news is that treatments for female hair loss are available. If you are experiencing hair thinning, please see a hair loss specialist right away. When it comes to female alopecia, proper diagnosis and early intervention have a huge impact on the overall outcome of the treatment. Here, at the Universal Hair & Scalp Clinic, we have trained and experienced hair loss specialists who can accurately determine the cause of the hair loss and come up with an effective treatment plan to prevent the problem from worsening.

What’s the Leading Cause of Female Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which affects males as well, is the top cause of progressive hair loss in women. Female pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, other terms for androgenetic alopecia, may start as early as the late teens, but it is more common after menopause. It is believed to be hereditary. Hence, you’re at a higher risk if your parents or relatives have AGA as well.

Compared to male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss is less severe. It rarely leads to a bald spot or a receding hairline. What androgenetic alopecia in women does is cause gradual thinning at the mid-line part. This eventually progresses to diffuse hair thinning starting from the top and crown of the scalp. This happens because follicles become miniaturised – they become shorter and thinner –  as a result of a shortened anagen phase, the hair’s growth phase.

Other Causes of Female Alopecia

Female hair loss may also be due to traction alopecia. This type of alopecia is usually brought about by tight hairstyles which cause trauma on the hair follicles. Unlike female pattern baldness, traction alopecia is not permanent for as long as it is treated early. However, if immediate treatment is not given, it can eventually lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.

Telogen effluvium is also one of the leading causes of hair loss in women. In this condition, most of the hair strands prematurely entre the telogen phase, the resting or shedding stage of the hair growth cycle. Physical trauma like child birth, major surgery or disease often triggers it. In most cases, complete remission happens a few months after the stressful event is eliminated.

What Are the Treatments for Female Alopecia?

Nowadays, successfully treating female alopecia is possible with the help of a hair loss specialist like a dermatologist. However, a lot of women who are losing their hair are still not getting the professional help they need. Some of them are ashamed to come forward and see a hair loss specialist because of the stigma associated with alopecia. There are also those who simply fail to recognise the early warning signs of hair loss. These missteps are costly in that it prevents intervention at the earliest possible stage. Early treatment is the key to minimising the effects of hair loss.

The highly recommended treatment for female alopecia is a medication which slows down hair loss and promotes hair regrowth in affected areas. Although highly effective, stopping hair loss in 80% of female patients, this medication is not a quick fix. Results are not seen until after three to four months of continued use. While it’s able to stimulate the growth of new hair, this medicine does not cure female pattern baldness.

Supplements may also be recommended, particularly in hair loss cases due to deficiencies in iron and other nutrients. If there is a scalp infection, which is sometimes the case for traction alopecia, medicines may be prescribed to address it. The doctor may also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to halt hair loss and prevent it from worsening.

Are you worried about female alopecia or hair loss? You don’t have to suffer in silence! We can help you! Call us at (0)1 6793618 and get the treatment you need right away!

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Photo by betsyjons