We typically think of pattern baldness as only affecting males, but females, it can happen to you too. Just as male pattern baldness is genetic, it is also genetic in females. Another term for female baldness, and the most commonly seen in women and unrelated to genetics, is androgenetic alopecia, or a sensitivity to the effects of male hormones on scalp hair follicles. Baldness, just as in male pattern baldness, doesn’t always mean the total loss of hair; in fact, it usually just refers to the loss of hair on top, in front, and near the back of the head. Female pattern baldness affects about 1/3 of susceptible women; it mostly affects women after menopause, but can occur at an earlier age. Going to a doctor about pattern hair loss is the best move because the doctor will take the necessary steps to begin the treatment; he or she will very likely have to identify the cause first because it will help in choosing which route treatment will be taken. Don’t ever hesitate to see a physician who specializes in hair restoration.
Cause of Female Pattern Hair Loss
Believe it or not, there is an amount of hair loss that is considered normal for everyone. It ranges between 100 and 125 hairs per day; it is normal because just as quickly as these hairs fall out, a new ones begin to grow in that same place. Quickly, however, is a loose term, because the whole process can takes months or years. When there is no replacement of new hairs or the rate of hair loss is much greater than that of replacement, we start to see a pattern. This is when it becomes a problem. There are quite a few factors that can contribute to female pattern hair loss.
Treatment for Female Pattern Baldness
The first step of treatment is identifying the cause. Female pattern baldness is genetic, so in this case, the cause is known. It is also permanent. In many cases, however, the cause is androgenetic alopecia; additionally, the cause could be an underlying medical condition. Treating the medical condition is the key to restoring hair. Since female pattern hair loss is the only one that requires surgical methods to treat, it is necessary to rule out all other factors that cause only temporary hair loss and don’t need surgery to fix.
Hair transplantation. Hair transplantation should only be used on women who have true female pattern baldness, because temporary hair loss doesn’t need such invasive techniques. A physician should fully inform any woman desiring to undergo such treatment, including information about cost, time, details of the procedure, possible side effects and complications, and what she should expect as a result of the transplantation. The procedure involves removing tiny plugs of hair from areas on the head where the hair is thicker, and placing them in areas where it is needed. It often involves more than one treatment, which gets expensive, but it works really well and is permanent.
Rogaine. This is a topical solution to hair loss, and is sometimes used in conjunction with hair restoration surgery. It helps stimulate new hair growth and to prevent any further hair loss after the surgery. Rogaine (minoxidil) is an FDA approved medication.
Hair weaves, hairpieces, and changing hairstyles. Anything a woman can do to change the appearance of her hair and make it look fuller will help with the effects of female pattern baldness.
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