Female Pattern Baldness

Female Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss in women.

 

Causes

Each strand of hair sits in a tiny hole in the skin called a follicle. In general, baldness occurs when the hair follicle shrinks over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. Eventually, the follicle does not grow new hair. The follicles remain alive, which suggests that it is still possible to grow new hair.

The reason for female pattern baldness is not well understood, but may be related to:

• Aging

• Changes in the levels of androgens. For example, after reaching menopause, many women find that the hair on their head is thinner, while the hair on their face is coarser.

• Family history of male or female pattern baldness. 

Symptoms

Hair thinning is different from that of male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness:

• Hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually starts with a widening through the center hair part.

• The front hairline remains unaffected except for normal recession, which happens to everyone as time passes.

• The hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may in men.

Itching or skin sores on the scalp are generally not seen.

Treatment

 

Hair loss in female pattern baldness is permanent, if not treated. In most cases, hair loss is mild to moderate. You do not need treatment if you are comfortable with your appearance.

Medication

The only medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil:

• It is applied to the scalp.

• For women, the 2% concentration is recommended.

• Minoxidil may help hair grow in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women. In most women, it may slow or stop hair loss.

• You must continue to use this medicine for a long time. Hair loss starts again when you stop using it.

If minoxidil does not work, your doctor may recommend other medicines, such as spironolactone, cimetidine, birth control pills, ketoconazole, among others. Your doctor can tell you more about these if needed.

Hair Transplant
During hair transplant, tiny plugs of hair are removed from areas where hair is thicker, and placed in areas that are balding. Minor scarring may occur where hair is removed. There is a slight risk of skin infection. You will likely need many transplants, which can be expensive. However, the results are often excellent and permanent.

Other Solutions
Hair weaving, hairpieces, or a change in hairstyle can help hide hair loss and improve your appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest way to deal with female pattern baldness.

For more details, please visit - www.hairtransplantsurgery.co.in