Although many people think of hair loss as a men’s problem, at least a third of women also suffer from alopecia. However, unlike men, women typically experience hair thinning without becoming bald, and the root cause of the problem can vary.
“Some hair loss is related to inflammation in the body, and some hair loss is unique to women,” says Dr. Deborah Scott, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the hair loss clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. speak But the good news is that in many cases this hair loss can be stabilized and potentially reversible with treatment. If not, there are many new cosmetic approaches that can help.
understanding hair loss
The first step to dealing with hair thinning is to identify what’s going on inside your body that causes excess hair to cling to your shoulders and brushes. Some hair loss is normal. Everyone loses hair as part of the natural hair growth cycle. This growth cycle occurs in three stages:
The anagen phase refers to the period when hair is actively growing. This stage lasts from 2 to 8 years. The catagen phase is a short transition period that lasts up to three weeks. At this point, hair growth stops and preparations for hair removal begin. The telogen phase is the part of the hair cycle in which hair is expelled from the hair follicle (the structure that produces and holds hair). After hair falls out, the hair follicle typically remains dormant for about three months, after which new hair begins to sprout.
Normal hair removal varies greatly from person to person. Most people know how much hair loss is normal. If you suddenly notice that you’re losing more hair than usual, that your hair is falling out in clumps, or that your hair looks visibly thinner, it could be a sign that something is wrong, Dr. Scott says. I say.
root cause of hair loss
Various problems can cause hair loss in women. There are also external influences, such as taking certain medications, frequently wearing hairstyles that pull your hair too tightly, or even stressful events such as surgery. Hair thinning can also be caused by something going on in your body, such as thyroid issues, hormonal changes, recent pregnancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Hair loss can also be genetic. The most common genetic disorder is known as female pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia. Women with this condition may notice that the area at the top of their head is widening. It often begins when women are in their 40s or 50s. This can occur if you inherit certain genes from one or both of your parents. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can also exacerbate this.
Another trigger for hair loss in women is inflammatory conditions that affect the scalp. It can be eczema, psoriasis, or a condition called frontal fibrosing alopecia, which causes scarring and hair loss (sometimes permanently) in the front of the scalp, usually above the forehead.
Other common causes of hair loss include overuse of damaging hair products and overuse of hair dryers and other devices that heat the hair. Underlying medical conditions, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances can also cause hair loss.
medicines to treat hair loss
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, says Dr. Scott. In some cases, addressing the medical condition that causes hair loss may be enough for hair to regrow. In other instances, women may consider medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) to help with certain types of hair loss, or another treatment to replenish or regrow lost hair.
Another option that may be used to treat hair loss is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. In this treatment, doctors draw blood, divide it into its separate components, and recombine the blood fluid (plasma) with a high concentration of platelets (structures in the blood that help with blood clotting and other functions). Introduce the resulting formulation. Return to scalp.
“The science behind this is not completely understood. The mechanisms behind PRP are still not fully understood, but growth factors found in platelets also stimulate the regeneration of hair follicles and other tissues. “It’s possible,” Dr. Scott said.
Additionally, low-level LED laser light has been shown to help regrow hair in some cases. More treatments may be developed in the near future.
Cosmetic options for hair removal
If medical treatment is inadequate, women may also consider cosmetic options to replace lost hair, such as wearing a wig. At the other end of the spectrum is hair transplantation. This is a surgical procedure that moves active hair follicles from the back of the scalp to areas where hair is thinning. Hair will grow normally after the transplant.
Hair transplantation is usually performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. While it can be very effective in the right patients, it doesn’t work for everyone, Dr. Scott says. One drawback is that it is expensive. It can cost thousands of dollars and is not covered by insurance. This step also requires recovery time. Also, it may not be suitable for women who experience diffuse thinning of the entire scalp. More effective when treating smaller, more defined bald areas.
