Female Pattern Baldness

Female Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss seen in women. It is caused due to hormonal changes, ageing and genetics.

Female Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia in women is the most common hair loss problem found in women, especially for those who are above the age of 50. Initially you will find it simple, but it can get worse over the time. Female pattern baldness is different from male pattern baldness. Here, it is an over-all thinning where the normal hairline is maintained.
Female pattern baldness is usually hereditary in which genes from parents affect the hair growth that leads to develop smaller follicles and thinner strands. Age is also one of the major reasons that causes female pattern baldness. It is more often happens after menopause when estrogen levels reduce.

Since female pattern baldness is hereditary, chances are there for you to get affected in your teenage years itself. However, studies show that this condition mostly affects female above 50 years of age. Other causes include:

• Hormonal changes - levels of androgens

• Family history

• Heavy loss of blood during menstrual periods

• Certain medications

When to see your doctor?

As per sources, female pattern baldness has been linked to various other diseases including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hence, it is advised to consult your dermatologist when you find severe hair fall.

Your dermatologist will thoroughly examine you after hearing the symptoms. And the cause of baldness is diagnosed based on certain aspects including

• Other causes including thyroid disease or iron deficiency

• The appearance and pattern of hair loss

• Previous medical history

Medications for female pattern baldness include:

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is used to apply to the scalp. It is an over-the-counter medicine. And for women, the 2% solution or 5% foam is recommended. It helps grow the hair in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone, also known as Aldactone is a diuretic, used to remove surplus fluid from the body. By using this medication, androgen production is blocked and it may help regrow the hair.

Transplantation

Hair transplantation has now become common and it involves taking hair from other parts of your body and grafting it onto the scalp.