If you were given the option to keep a thick, beautiful head of hair for the rest of your life, you’d certainly go for it, just like most women would do. This is because your scalp hair is not just another body part; it is an essential component of who you are, of your self-image. This is one of the major reasons why women like you struggle coping with hair thinning.
Why Do Women Suffer from Hair Thinning?
Hair loss in women is characterised by the widening of parts because of excessive shedding and the thinning in the diameter of the strands. Fortunately, unlike in men, hair loss in women rarely leads to clumps of hair falling and bald patches. However, as significant number of hair falls and the strands become miniaturised, your once thick tresses start appearing thin and flat.
The top cause of hair thinning in women is female patter hair loss (FPHL) or androgenetic alopecia. This condition is responsible for 90% of hair thinning in women.
In most women, gradual hair thinning usually takes place at the part line. Then, diffused hair loss at the centre of or near the crown follows. There are also cases wherein hair thinning happens immediately all over the scalp. Unlike in male pattern hair loss, FPHL does not result in receding hairline.
What causes female pattern hair loss? Genetics is one of the reasons why women experience FPHL. Hence, if any of your parents or close relatives suffered from hair loss, you are also more likely to experience it. Androgenetic alopecia may also be brought about by an endocrine condition like the overproduction of androgen.
Why does female pattern hair loss happen? This type of hair loss happens because of an increased androgen level in the body, hence the name androgenetic alopecia. However, the exact role of this hormone in FPHL is still not understood. What is known so far is that the anagen phase or the hair growth stage of the hair life cycle becomes shortened. On the other hand, the period between the shedding of the hair and the beginning of the new anagen phase takes a while.
Simply put, in FPHL, it takes a while before the hair grows back. Furthermore, the hair follicles are altered, consequently producing strands which are thinner and shorter.
When Do Women Experience Female Pattern Hair Loss?
The popular notion is that female pattern hair loss only takes place around menopause. The truth, however, is that it can occur anytime after puberty.
In fact, the number of 20-something women claiming to experience hair thinning is increasing. Meanwhile, according to research, 33% of women may experience hair thinning in their 30s.
As you get older, hair loss increases, thereby making the problem more prominent. This explains why most women notice the hair thinning or widening of part around menopause.
What Is the Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Androgenetic alopecia cannot be avoided. But there are treatments for female pattern hair loss that can minimise the hair shedding and prevent the problem from escalating rapidly. If you suspect that you are suffering from this condition, it is highly recommended that you see a dermatologist right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of female pattern hair loss often play crucial roles in achieving positive long-term results.
The treatment plan for androgenetic alopecia involves the use of approved hair loss medications. In some cases, supplements may be prescribed if you are suffering from any nutritional deficiency.
Learn more about why hair thinning in women happens. Please call us at +353 (0)1 6793618.
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