FEMALE HAIR LOSS SOLUTIONS

Female pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss seen in women usually occurring in the 40-60s years of age.

It is due to genetic and hormonal factors. There is gradual thinning of scalp hair at the center and increased shedding. Female pattern hair loss may be associated with conditions in which androgen (a group of hormones) levels are elevated such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Acne, increased facial hair, irregular periods and infertility are all signs of PCOS. Bald patches are uncommon in women.

Yes. It can be inherited from either or both parents.

There is widespread thinning of the hair, mainly on the crown of the scalp. It may initially start as widening of the hair parting areas. In females, the hairline at the front of the scalp often remains normal unlike in men where receding of the frontal hairline is observed.
Hairs in the affected areas are initially thinner and shorter compared to hairs in unaffected areas, before they become absent. Female pattern hair loss usually manifests after 40 years of age. Earlier onset may be seen in PCOS patients.

A dermatologist diagnoses female pattern hair loss chiefly on history and clinical examination; a simple test such as dermatoscopy aids in the clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis is usually based on the history of gradual thinning of hair or increased hair shedding on the top of the head, the pattern of hair loss and any family history of similar hair loss.
Most female pattern hair loss patients do not have any underlying hormonal abnormalities except a few cases where excess androgen levels are found. Sometimes tests are done to rule out PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Female pattern hair loss can be controlled with appropriate treatment. However, it tends to progress very slowly and it may take several years to decades.

Topical minoxidil and various hormonal treatments can be used to treat Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Minoxidil

2% to 5% minoxidil liquid or foam applied to the scalp may slow down the progression of hair loss and partially restore hair in some women. It is applied to the affected scalp (not the hair) using a dropper or pump spray device and should be spread over the affected area lightly. Minoxidil solution should only be applied to the scalp. Any spillage to the forehead or cheeks should be cleansed to avoid increased hair growth in these areas.
Minoxidil can cause reactions such as dryness, redness, scaling and/or itchiness at the site of application and should not be applied if there are cuts or open wounds. Minoxidil should be used for at least 6 months for any significant results to be noted. Minoxidil solution may cause hair fall initially in the first 2-8 weeks of treatment, and this usually subsides when the new hair starts to grow.

Minoxidil has been shown to promote hair thickness as well as dilation of small blood vessels around the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Results can be seen in as little as a couple of weeks however the maximum benefit of this medication is usually visible after some months of consistent use. Pre-treatment states can return within 3-4 months of stopping the treatment.

FINASTERIDE

Finasteride lowers the levels of DHT on the scalp and thus it can help reverse the balding process. It does not affect the hair on other parts of the body. Women with mild to moderate hair loss can expect to achieve best results out of treatment with Finasteride.
While commercial brands of Finasteride are available, MySkinCare.in offers the benefit and convenience of a tailored dose for each patient as well as the benefit of combining herbal and mineral ingredients such as Saw Palmetto and Zinc which are thought to minimize hair loss and promote hair growth.

Saw palmetto and zinc supplements

Many studies have proven the role of zinc and inhibition of 5-alpha red. Enzyme for better management of hormonal hair loss.
Zinc also helps in balancing hormone levels, offering an all-round solution for the prevention of hair loss.
Zinc methionine supplements are available and are better tolerated and absorbed than conventional zinc sulphate supplements.

Oral treatments such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide and cimetidine can block the action of DHT (hormone) on the scalp, which may lead to some improvement in treating hair loss.

Spironolactone and cyproterone acetate should be avoided during pregnancy as they can cause feminization of a male foetus; hence both these compounds should be avoided during breast feeding. Flutamide carries a risk of damaging the liver.

Surgical treatments

Hair transplantation is a procedure where hair follicles are plucked from the back and sides of the scalp and transplanted onto the bald areas.

Wigs and hair pieces

Wigs, toupees and hair extensions are helpful in disguising hair loss.

Female pattern hair loss is not only a cosmetic issue, but causes significant psychological distress. Women suffering from female pattern hair loss have low self-esteem, depression, and feelings of unattractiveness.