Female Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is an issue that can affect anyone. While most often associated with men, this condition occurs in millions of women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Nearly 40 percent of women are thought to experience some type of hair loss in their lives, either temporary or permanent, and it can have a devastating effect on their well-being and quality of life. At Leonard Hair Transplant Associates, our extensively trained hair restoration surgeons, Dr. Matthew Lopresti and Dr. Mary Lopresti, are committed to helping women treat this distressing problem. Our advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques are designed to help you stop progressive hair loss and to restore your hair.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, we can help. Don’t let this common condition prevent you from enjoying your life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more.

What is female pattern hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss, medically referred to as androgenetic alopecia, can occur at any age. It is by far the most common cause of hair loss in women. Similar to male pattern baldness, it is mostly a genetic condition. If you look back at the women and men in previous generations in your family, you will very often see hair loss. Although due to the same underlying factor as male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss typically occurs differently from what many men experience. The hair loss often begins as thinning hair on the top and sides of the scalp, although sometimes the back of the head may also be affected. Hair loss often will continue unless treated.

Hair loss can be a trait inherited from either or both sides of the family. Hair loss in recent generations often occurs earlier in life than that of the mothers, aunts, or grandmothers in your family tree. We don’t know exactly why, but it is quite commonly observed. Also, even if you don’t know of anyone with hair loss in your family, this condition may have occurred in prior generations of women who are no longer known to your living relatives.

What are the causes of female hair loss?

Some women experience medical (non-hereditary) causes of hair loss that must be investigated. In these situations, our skilled hair restoration team will work in conjunction with your family physician or endocrinologist to identify the cause. Then, we will work together to effectively treat it.

Some of the factors that can cause hair loss in women other than androgenetic alopecia include hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid conditions, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, going on or off birth control pills, and skin conditions. Additionally, certain hairstyles (braids, tight ponytails), chemical hair treatments, and styling tools can damage hair and lead to temporary or permanent hair loss in women.

What are some common female pattern hair loss symptoms?

Female pattern hair loss can present differently than male pattern hair loss. You may notice gradual thinning all over the scalp or in certain areas, or you may simply notice more hair in your brush or in the shower drain. Some of the signs of hair loss can include:

• Gradual thinning
• Specific thin areas, such as in the crown or right behind the hairline
• Significant hair present after brushing or running fingers through the hair
• Sunburn of the scalp

Most types of hair loss indicate female pattern hair loss while other types may be caused by a medical issue. We shall work with you to identify the underlying issue and assist you in finding a treatment that helps halt hair loss and restores your hair.

What should I do?

The most important thing to remember is: Do not ignore your hair loss; do not dismiss it because you hope it will get better on its own, and do not try to rationalize that it is a side effect of your shampoo, hair coloring, or daily routine.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens with many women because they are simply given bad advice. Many of our patients first approach a physician with their concerns. But, oftentimes, that doctor dismisses their hair loss concerns. They’re told it is “normal,” that “there’s nothing that can be done,” and to “get on with your life.” However, in many, many cases, something can be done. There are numerous options available to help treat hair loss, stimulate regrowth, and restore the hair with beautiful results.

Most physicians are not trained to recognize and treat hair loss. While they may be able to cure a variety of illnesses, they oftentimes fail to understand that hair is an integral piece of our individual identity. For many women, losing your hair means losing who you are. The good news is, we can help.

What female pattern hair loss treatments are available?

If you suspect you are losing your hair, seek out the opinion of a leading hair restoration surgeon like those at Leonard Hair Transplant Associates. We’ve helped women with their hair loss for more than 30 years. We’ll work together to stabilize your hair loss, and then develop a treatment plan for restoration.

Presently, there are several wonderful and effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for female pattern hair loss that we offer to our patients:

• Platelet Rich Plasma with ACell Injection Therapy – A revolutionary treatment that helps stimulate the activity of hair follicles without surgery using your own blood and growth factors.
• Auxo A300™ is a non-surgical treatment that uses low level laser light energy to decrease hair loss and to stimulate hair follicle growth.
• ROGAINE^® not only stabilizes hair loss in most women, but it actually can stimulate new hair growth.
• Propecia^® is another medical treatment. While it is not FDA-approved for women, it can be very effective in certain circumstances. It may be considered in specific situations.
• Hair Transplant Surgery is also an option for many of my female patients.

Many times at our practice we will combine some of the above approaches to help patients achieve the fullest, most natural result possible. The bottom line is that we will work together to help you to begin to feel like your old self again.

Is there anything I can do to prevent female hair loss?

While we cannot overcome our genetics, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing hair loss from other causes. Some preventive tips you can use to preserve your hair include eating a healthy diet to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep hair strong and growing. Other advice includes:

• Avoid very tight hairstyles, including braids, buns, and ponytails
• Try not to compulsively twist, rub, or pull your hair
• Wash and style your hair daily to keep your scalp clean and healthy
• Minimize the use of harsh cosmetic treatments like hot rollers, straightening and curling irons, hot oil treatments, and permanents

If you have any questions about how to reduce the chance of hair thinning and loss, our physicians will be happy to provide advice and additional tips to assist you.

We understand you may have questions. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can provide additional information or help you to schedule a complimentary consultation. Simply contact our practice today.