The most common type of hair loss in women in androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia (baldness).
With female pattern hair loss, some excess loss of hair is noted, but gradual thinning is what usually brings a woman to her doctor. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head.
Female hair loss, thinning hair, or baldness is emotionally traumatic for women. One in every five women in the United States experiences hereditary genetic hair loss, called female pattern hair loss. By comparison, male pattern baldness occurs in approximately one in four men.
THE ONSET OF FEMALE HAIR LOSS
Over twenty million women in the U.S. alone lose hair for the same reason as men: a genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia).
Androgenetic alopecia causes over 90% of ALL hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either parent. Hair loss and baldness in women exhibits different traits than in men.
Most women are fortunate enough to be able to retain frontal hairlines. Most women's hair loss (baldness) is a diffuse thinning.
WOMEN, BALDNESS, ESTROGEN, AND PREGNANCY
The onset of baldness, hair loss, or thinning in women often occurs during menopause. Although there may be other influencing factors, we do know that anything, whether a drug or event, that alters protective estrogen levels in women can lead to women's hair loss and the onset of baldness.
Likewise, birth control pills can cause premature thinning of hair, because hormonal balance is being manipulated artificially. As a result, permanent hair loss can and does occur. After pregnancy, a woman's hormonal balances go through a period of readjustment. As a result, many women may experience significant hair loss. Although many women will re-grow much of their lost hair over a period of several months to years, many will not.
OTHER CAUSES OF FEMALE HAIR LOSS
Trichotillomania
A known obsessive compulsive disorder which involves the pulling out of one's own hair. This condition is usually seen in pre-teen and teenage girls and is often unconscious to the individual. Trichotillomania can appear as alopecia areata and is in fact, often misdiagnosed as such.
Age
As women age, they lose estrogen which stimulates hair growth. More androgens are present as we age, which again is the main cause of the hair loss. Unfortunately, even those without a genetic predisposition to thinning hair and baldness begin to see changes in their hair as early as the thirties.
TIPS FOR HEALTHY HAIR
It has been widely reported that teasing, using hair color, other products, or frequently washing hair increases hair loss.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine (September 1999), normal hair care does not affect either male or female hair loss. Although chemicals such as perms and coloring do not cause hair loss, they can damage the hair. Consult with your dermatologist or hair care professional for appropriate recommendations.
