Women’s Hair Loss

According to the American Hair Loss Council, one out of four women suffers some degree of hair loss, which can be due to a multitude of causes: inherited pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), hormonal changes caused by thyroid abnormalities, menopause or birth control pills, physical stress from surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight loss, emotional stress, and medications.

While myth has held that the gene for baldness is passed among generations from father to daughter to son, some studies have now proven that this is not completely true. Actually, the genes for baldness are transmitted equally from both parents to all children. Whether or not the genes express themselves depends on gene regulators. These variables are unpredictable and are contingent upon hormonal levels and other changes.

While women may have the genes for baldness and they may express themselves in the form of thinning hair, women generally don't progress to total baldness. Ninety percent of women who are balding experience thinning hair in the central top region of the head. The other ten percent bald more like men with loss of temporal hair.

In addition to genetic baldness, women can experience post-partum hair loss. During pregnancy a woman’s body slows down the normal shedding process (effluvium). Approximately 90 days after delivery, the shedding can begin to occur at an accelerated rate. This condition is temporary and will return to normal after a short time.

Today there are a variety of medical, surgical, and cosmetic options for women's hair loss. Correcting underlying medical problems and/or decreasing stress are important steps to take before your hair replacement procedure begins.

Most importantly, you should consult a physician who specializes in diagnosing the cause of your hair loss and can prescribe a treatment plan that will help restore your hair and your self-esteem.