Hair Loss In Women

Hair loss in females is much more common than one might think. Female pattern hair loss is often referred to as female pattern alopecia. The hair loss may often be only partial much like that seen in male pattern baldness. Female pattern hair loss is most often seen after women reach menopause and may affect up to one third of women prone to this disorder. The thinning tends to be gradual in onset. Genetically the hair loss can come from either side of the family.

Female hair loss typically has a gradual loss of hair which is replaced by shorter and shorter hairs until the visible hair is gone or greatly thinned in the affected area. The hair loss occurs most commonly on the front and and top of the head. The effect can be very dramatic and devastating to many women.

Though it is most commonly seen after menopause it is also possible to see hair loss after pregnancy or after you stop taking birth control pills, and it may be seen as soon as puberty. Other possible causes of female pattern baldness are illness or stress, these causes may lead to only temporary hair loss and the hair will regrow without intervention though it may take some time to do so.

Treatment typically involves the use of Rogaine (minoxidil) which is the only FDA medication currently approved for female hair loss. It is a topical application to the skin done on a regular basis. Propecia is reported to be ineffective in women. Another medication, Aldactone, may help many women but takes to time to begin working and is most effective for those that have hair loss beginning before menopause. Some hormone replacement pills have been seen to be effective following menopause. Hair transplant is also an option in some women.

In attempting to minimize the effects of hair loss, one ought to first investigate the different options available. The quality of hair additions and wigs has been improving, although these methods are not necessarily guaranteed to improve a woman's appearance. Other options that seek to make hair loss less noticeable include treatment, which does not always work, as well as cosmetic methods including perms and dyeing.