Hair Loss in Women: Exploring Female Pattern Baldness
Hair is undoubtedly the defining feature of beauty, confidence, and most importantly, your identity. For most women, the mere thought of losing hair is not just distressing, it is personal. It is true that hair loss is not just a female problem, most men around the world also experience hair fall. However, it has been observed that many women around the world experience hair thinning and sometimes, even baldness.
If you notice more hair in your hairbrush, know that you are not alone. Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common reasons why women experience hair loss. While Hair Loss in Women might be emotionally challenging, understanding the underlying causes will help you decide on treatment options that will help you get your hair and confidence back.
What is Female Pattern Baldness
Androgenetic Alopecia or Female Pattern Baldness is a hereditary condition that is responsible for hair thinning over time. It is different from male pattern baldness in which men observe receding hairline and bald spots. However, in females, this condition is characterised by gradual thinning of hair that starts at the crown or the part line.
One thing to understand is that female pattern baldness will rarely lead to complete baldness but it can affect the hair volume significantly. While the condition is not age-specific, it mostly affects women after menopause, when the hormonal changes become significant.
What Leads to Female Pattern Baldness
Instead of losing your confidence if you notice your hair thinning, it is important to understand the reasons behind Female Pattern Baldness. There are many factors that are responsible for this condition, but the most important ones are genetics and hormones.
Genetics- If anyone in your family (females) has experienced hair thinning, there is a high probability that you will develop it as well. Female Pattern Baldness is usually inherited from your parents and it tends to run in the family.
Aging- Who has been able to reverse age? Hair will naturally thin when we start ageing but in some women, this change is significant. This is because of the change in the health of hair follicles and reduced production of hair. As we age, the hair follicles enter the telogen or the resting phase as opposed to the anagen or the growth phase. This leads to thin hair that struggles to grow back. The good thing is that with the availability of hair loss treatment in Hyderabad, you can consult a dermatologist to deal with your issue.
Hormonal Changes- Androgen is a male hormone that is present in both men and women. This hormone has a huge part to play in hair loss in women. As women start ageing, the hormonal shifts lead to increased hair shedding and slower regrowth. This is known to happen especially after menopause because that is when the estrogen levels drop, making androgens dominant, which makes the follicles and the hair thin. Some women are more sensitive to androgens like dihydrotestosterone which makes the follicles thin and leads to hair loss.
Medical Conditions- This is a common cause of hair loss in women. Conditions like PCOS lead to an increase in the male hormone androgen, which leads to hair thinning on the scalp and growth of hair in areas such as the face. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are also responsible for hair thinning because of hormonal imbalances. Certain autoimmune conditions like lupus and alopecia areata attack the hair follicles which can lead to hair loss. Furthermore, if you have iron deficiency anaemia, the low levels of iron reduce the oxygen supply to the hair follicles, which leads to hair shedding.
Environmental & Lifestyle Factors- Deficiency in nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may weaken the structure of hair and are responsible for excess hair shedding. Additionally, going through excess stress pushes your hair follicles to the telogen phase, where you are not growing as much hair as you are losing. Also, overusing hair styling products can lead to product buildup, which can damage the hair follicles with time, leading to excess hair loss in women. Also, let’s not forget that smoking or consuming alcohol can also reduce the blood circulation in the hair follicles, which will lead to poor hair health.
Signs of Female Pattern Baldness
As opposed to hair shedding caused because of medical conditions, Female Pattern Baldness is known to progress gradually. If you understand the early signs, it will be easier for you to visit your dermatologist for early treatment options.
Observing the widening of the hair part- The widening of the hair part is one of the most obvious signs that your Female Pattern Baldness is starting. You will start to see more scalp when you are styling or parting your hair.
Increased visibility of the scalp at the crown- Female Pattern Baldness is characterised by diffuse thinning on the crown area. This means that the hair on top of the head will start losing density. Whenever you are in bright light, this will start to show. In the case of men, total bald spots are observed but that is not the case in women. However, they will observe gradual thinning.
Increase in hair shedding- Another obvious sign is starting to notice more hair than before in your combs, towels, or pillows. If you notice this, it is time to make your appointment with the dermatologist.
Why Dermiq
Dermiq is the leading hair clinic in Hyderabad with board-certified dermatologists. With us, you will get a range of effective hair loss treatments personalised based on your hair and scalp condition. From medications for hair regrowth to mesotherapy to platelet-rich plasma therapy, we have it all. We also conduct advanced laser therapies based on the condition of hair of an individual. We have a track record of successful outcomes and happy patients and that is what has made us a successful hair clinic in Hyderabad. Book your treatment with us at Kondapur, Khajaguda or JubileeHills.
Key Takeaways
Know that you are more than just your hair. While your hair is important, it doesn’t define how beautiful you are. The good thing about Female Pattern Baldness is that when detected at early stages, it can be controlled. Know that you are not alone in this and seek the necessary support you need to reverse your condition and get your beautiful hair back on track.