Women’s Hair Loss: Frequently Asked Questions

Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

For most women with hair loss, the most come type is androgenetic alopecia which is often referred to as female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss refers to hair thinning predominately over the top and sides of the head. Over one third of all susceptible women are affected by it. While it is most often seen after menopause, it can begin even in the early stages of puberty. On a daily basis women lost 100-125 strands of hair per day. This is a normal amount of hair loss and these hairs are replaced. Hair loss occurs when the hairs are not regrown or when the normal amount of hair shedding exceeds the 125 hair strands. Genetically hair loss can come from either side of the family, and not just the mother’s side like some people have been told.

There are two types of hair loss that are medically known as Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium. Anagen effluvium can occur because of medication such as chemotherapy that poisons the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter into the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Some of the more common causes of telogen effluvium are:

• Physical stress: illness, surgery, anemia, or rapid weight change.
• Emotional stress:  death of a family member, mental illness.
• Thyroid abnormalities.
• Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
• Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.
• When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered normal hair growth should return.

Hormonal Considerations

One of the most common causes of female hair loss is from hormonal changes. Many women may not know or realize that hair loss can happen after a pregnancy or even after discontinuation of birth control pills. You should know that hair loss can be delayed as long as three months following any hormonal changes and an additional three months will be required for new hair to grow and be fully achieved.

Do shampoos and topical treatments work for women?

Today you can find lots of shampoos on the market that claim to give you thicker and full hair. It is completely up to you if you want to try them and see for yourself if they do what they promises.

Monixidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment that is widely used to promote hair growth in both men and women who suffer with androgenic alopecia. Finasteride, is used to treat male pattern baldness but is not approved for women that are of childbearing age due to the risk of birth defects in a developing fetus. However, it is sometimes given to menopausal or post-menopausal women off-script.

What type of wig should I choose?

Wearable hair comes in all styles, colors, and sizes. You even have a choice on what hair is used in your wig, choosing from synthetic or human hair. It is important that you choose a wig that has a breathable cap and fits your head well as it will be something you will be wearing all day and you want it to be comfortable.

Can a hair stylist help?

Absolutely yes. A professional hair stylist is skilled in advising you about the best style for you based on the shape of your face, your age and your colouring. A stylist will know how to deal with thinning hair and may work in layers, mis dark and light tones, use hot rollers to add volume and a host of other everyday strategies to make your hair look thicker.

Proven Hair Loss Solutions for Women

At International Hair Restoration Systems in Jacksonville, Florida, we offer all proven surgical and non-surgical hair replacement, hair restoration, and hair loss treatment solutions for women experiencing female hair loss and thinning hair. Whether you are suffering from hair loss due to Alopecia, or medical treatments such as Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatments, we invite you to contact us for a free, private, no-obligation hair loss evaluation and consultation.  We will work one-on-one with you to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect hair restoration solution for you.