Hair Loss in Women

Genetics: Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)

Men are more likely than women to face hair loss problems at some point in life. However, female pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia, affects women. 

Similar to male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia follows a specific pattern for hair loss. In men, hair loss occurs at the forehead or crown of the head. In women, hair generally gets thin on the top third or half of the scalp.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that women generally shed between 50 to 100 hairs each day. However, individuals who exhibit female pattern baldness shed more hair.

When you start losing your hair, you may find more loose hairs after you take a shower or brush your hair. These loose hairs may be caused by excessive hair shedding, a condition called telogen effluvium. This hair loss form can result from factors such as illness, stress, or childbirth.

Women who experience hair loss may decide to choose an oral finasteride or topical minoxidil as part of their hair loss treatment program. However, more permanent hair loss solutions may remain another option. 

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) could be a solution for some individuals. While performing FUE, our hair transplant specialist at The Hair Transplant Center – Virginia will harvest approximately 20% of hair follicles from areas of the scalp with dense hair growth and reposition the follicles to parts of the scalp where hair is considerably thin, stopping at approximately 15% to review the results before continuing. 

FUE results are permanent; the follicle will continue to grow strands of hair. While no new hair naturally replaces hair extracted from the donor site, the absence of hair in this area shouldn’t be noticeable.

Thyroid Conditions

Some medical conditions can contribute to hair loss. Abnormal hormonal activity can help explain why many individuals could experience thinning or balding areas on their scalp. Although some women lose hair after childbirth and before reaching menopause, others lose their hair due to genetic factors. Severe, prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also trigger hair loss. 

When abnormal hormone levels come into play, women may experience a form of hair loss that affects their entire scalp rather than specific areas of the scalp. As such, women can achieve hair regrowth by pursuing treatments for thyroid disorder. However, a treatment may require several months to complete.

Treating thyroid disorders typically involve medication. Once diagnosed, a doctor can create a treatment plan that helps an individual’s hair return to normal growth.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves a disorder in the body’s hormones that result in hirsutism, excessive growth of facial and body hair. In this case, PCOS stimulates the body to create excessive androgen, male sex hormones, that result in the following:

1. Growing thicker hair on the face and body.
2. Experiencing hair thinning and hair loss.
3. Encountering both conditions.

When you lose hair due to PCOS, the hair does not regrow by itself. PCOS-related hair loss stems from a hormonal imbalance. Regulating hormones becomes an important part of treatment. 

You can try a combination of treatments that include minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), and hair transplants to confront hair loss.

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels, brain, joints, skin, lungs, and kidneys. Some individuals with lupus may experience issues with hair loss. 

One clinical study found that non-scarring hair loss took place in four women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with hair loss of varying extent. Some women had substantial overall hair loss; others lost hair in specific areas of their head. 

Hair loss resulting from lupus may be reversed if the individual receives treatment. Follow a doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications as instructed. Once lupus gets under control, one’s hair loss should be minimized, and individuals can experience hair regrowth.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) results when an individual does not have the proper level of iron in the body or the body cannot process iron sufficiently. This form of anemia commonly occurs in women. While some women may have severe iron deficiency anemia with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain, others face hair loss.

To treat iron deficiency anemia, you can try iron supplements. Your doctor may suggest hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral finasteride (Propecia), and hair transplants.

Severe Anxiety Disorders or Stress

Stress can contribute to hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you discover sudden or patchy hair loss or if your hair pulls out of your head when you wash, comb, or style it.  

Several types of stressful situations can trigger hair loss:

• Chronic illness.
• Financial worries.
• Injury.
• Medication usage, such as antidepressants.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Pregnancy.
• Relationship issues.
• Surgery.

Cognitive behavioral therapy or medication as treatment for chronic stress and anxiety may help. By eliminating the stressors that cause hair loss, hair regrowth is often possible.

Medication

Certain medications can result in excessive hair growth, hair color or texture changes, and hair loss.

In many cases, you can regrow your hair after you stop taking the medication. Several drugs that can induce hair loss include the following:

• Antidepressants.
• Beta-blockers.
• Birth control pills.
• Immunosuppressants.
• Retinoids.
• Statins.
• Steroids.
• Thyroid medications

Speak with your doctor about side effects of medications. If stopping the medication does not yield results, you may need to seek hair loss treatments such as finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil (Rogaine) to minimize hair loss and foster hair growth.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. 

Alopecia areata manifests itself as patchy hair loss resembling a single oval patch or multiple patches of asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, non-scarring alopecia. You may discover a small bare patch or lose all your hair.

Alopecia areata treatments include corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and minoxidil (Rogaine) at 5% strength.