Causes of baldness in women

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A woman's hair is her crowning glory and loosing it can be a serious blow to her self-confidence and self-esteem.

What is female pattern hair loss?

When women age their hair tends to thin out, women's hair loss tends to be an even overall thinning. Women tend to lose hair on the crown and at the hairline, which is referred to as female-pattern hair loss. The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia. Alopecia means baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head and commonly seen after menopause .

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

In women, thinning of hair mainly at the crown complete balding is rare. Excessive shedding of hair associated with various illnesses and drug treatments, rapid weight loss, anemia, stress or pregnancy, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss.

Mechanical damage:

Damage to the hair can be self inflicted either by intentional or unintentional means. Some people going through stress continuously pull at their hair until it comes out. Styling hair by bleaching, braiding and straightening can also cause damage and results in hair being lost.

Trichotillomania or hair pulling - This can be part of a behavioral problem that is often done unconsciously. If the behavior is not stopped permanent hair loss can result from the constant stress on the hair. seek the help of a mental health professional to solve this problem.

Hair styling treatments - Many people change the appearance of their hair by using chemical treatments like dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, relaxers and permanent waves. Some chemical relaxers do contain powerful chemicals and there have been instances of people get chemical burns from these products resulting in permanent hair loss.

Hair braids/weaves - if the braids are wrapped too tight, they put a constant strain on the hair follicle. This is known as Traction Alopecia and is common among people who braid or weave their hair.

Prevention for hair loss:

The first and foremost method of hair loss prevention is to take care of your hair. Many women stretch the hair by braiding very tightly and this can lead to significant hair loss as well. Eating the right foods is something else you can do for hair loss prevention. When you wash your hair, you should use a good shampoo and hair conditioner. Keep the split ends trimmed and avoid using hairdryers whenever possible. Wearing a cap for long periods of time also leads to hair loss. If your hair loss is caused by a condition called androgenic alopecia, there are no hair loss prevention methods that you can use.

Treatment therapies for hair loss:

For women minoxidil has been proved to show improvements in 50 percent of women and moderate improvements in 13 percent. Any gain achieved with minoxidil will be lost if the patient stops using the product. The most common treatment for hair loss is a 2 percent solution of minoxidil .

Medical therapy:

Minoxidil is the only approved medication available for female pattern hair loss.

Laser Hair Rejuvenation:

A non-surgical treatment utilizing therapeutic low level lasers to deliver light energy designed to cosmetically treat the appearance of thin, fine, damaged hair.

Hair Transplant Surgery:

Modern surgical techniques have made transplantation for females a viable treatment option . A new method, called micro graft hair transplantation, uses single hair grafts and has been successful in selected patients.

Non-Surgical Hair Replacement:

Women's hair replacement systems and additions have the ability to simulate a true natural appearance.