At some point in our life, approximately one-third of women will suffer from hair loss (also known as androgenic alopecia); amongst postmenopausal women, as much as two-thirds will suffer from hair loss or bald patches. Alopecia can have a significant negative impact on a woman’s mental health as well as her quality of life. Because it is less socially desirable for women to experience hair loss than for men, baldness in women usually has a more significant influence than it does on males.
The most common cause of hair thinning in women is also the most common cause in men. Androgenic alopecia, often known as male or female pattern hair loss, is the name for this type of hair loss. When it comes to women, the first sign of androgenic alopecia is a progressive thinning at the portion line, followed by an increasing dispersed hair loss that radiates from the crown of the head. It is scarce for a woman’s hairline to recede, and it is even rarer for a woman to lose all of her hair.
If you’re having trouble dealing with your emotions, you should speak with your clinician about getting referred to a support group or therapist. Loss of hair in women can be distressing, but in recent years there has been an expansion in the number of tools available to help women deal with androgenic alopecia.
Androgenic Alopecia: What Does That Term Mean?
Nearly all women will, at some point in their lives, experience hair loss to varying degrees. It can begin at any point after the beginning of puberty. Still, most women detect it around the period of menopause, which is also when the rate of hair loss accelerates typically. The risk increases with aging, even more, significant for women with a family history of baldness.
Androgenic alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by the action of hormones known as androgens. Androgens are necessary for the proper growth of male sexual characteristics and serve a variety of other essential roles in both sexes, such as regulating healthy hair and sex drive. There is a possibility that the disorder is hereditary and that multiple genes are involved.
It is also possible for it to be the consequence of an existing endocrine disorder, such as excessive production of testosterone or a tumor located in the pituitary, ovary, or adrenal gland that secretes androgen. In contrast to hair loss in men, it is more difficult to define the precise role that androgens play in women. Evaluating androgen levels in women with noticeable female-pattern hair loss is vital.
Treatment For Androgenic Alopecia
If you suffer from female pattern baldness, changing your hairstyle may help you conceal your thinning hair during the early stages of the condition. However, it frequently gets to the point where it is impossible to conceal the receding hairline. Experts recommend that you get a diagnosis as soon as possible because this will allow you to begin a treatment regimen and may help prevent further hair loss. The treatment plan will likely include one or more medicines authorized to treat the illness.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine, is the only medication that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized for treating female pattern baldness.
Two different concentrations, 2%, and 5%, are offered for purchase. If you can, go with the five percent formula based on some older studies. According to Reliable Source, it is of higher quality. It can take anywhere from six to twelve months to see any results. In addition, you will need to continue using minoxidil to sustain the impact; otherwise, it will cease to be effective.
Finasteride With Dutasteride to Stop Androgenic Alopecia
The FDA has approved the use of finasteride and dutasteride (Avodart) to treat male pattern hair loss. Although there is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of these treatments for people who suffer from AFAB, some studies indicate that they help regrow hair in cases of female pattern baldness.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone, also known by its brand name Aldactone, is a diuretic. It means that it helps the body get rid of excess fluid. Additionally, it inhibits the production of testosterone, which may facilitate the regrowth of hair loss due to female pattern baldness.
While taking medication, you might need to have your electrolytes and blood pressure levels checked frequently. Because of the possibility of congenital disabilities, you should avoid using this drug if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant soon.
Alternate Solutions for androgenic alopecia
As a treatment for hair loss, helmets and laser combs have also been granted FDA approval. They use light energy to encourage hair regrowth. However, additional research is required to discover whether or not this method is successful.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is another potential treatment option. This procedure includes extracting blood from the patient, spinning it down, and injecting the patient’s platelets back into the scalp to accelerate hair growth. Even though the results are encouraging, additional research is required.
Similarly, no evidence consuming iron will cause your hair to grow back. However, if your low iron levels are causing your hair loss, your doctor or another healthcare professional may still recommend that you take an iron supplement. Other nutritional supplements, like folic and biotin acid, are also touted for their ability to thicken hair.
A study conducted in 2015 found that those who took omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids had thicker hair after consuming the supplements. However, before consuming any supplements to achieve this goal, it is crucial to confirm with a healthcare practitioner.
Hair Implantation
Hair implantation is a remedy that lasts for a more extended period. During this operation, a healthcare practitioner will extract a small hair strand from one section of the scalp and implant it in another balding area of your head. The transplant will regrow in the same manner as your natural hair will.
Conclusion
Hair loss in women is caused by a wide variety of factors, including medical disorders, the use of certain medications, as well as emotional or psychological stress. If you notice any unexpected hair loss, it is vital to consult your primary care physician or a dermatologist as soon as possible so that experts may determine the cause and the right therapy.