subject: Hair Loss In Females And Medical Management [print this page] Hair loss in females is nearly as common as in males. But as the pattern of hair loss is different (diffuse most of the times), and it is gradual in progression the clinical manifestations like frank baldness are slow to appear and they realize only when the scalp start showing through the thin hair.
The hair loss can be diffuse from all areas of the scalp; it can involve only top of the head sparing hair line; it can be like Christmas tree pattern involving central hair line and extends back in triangular shape; rarely it mimics male pattern baldness, says Dr. Balasubrahmanyam (Medical director Oliva Hair Transplant & Cosmetic Surgery Center)
As in males the majority of cases of hair loss in women are genetic in origin. The onset can be as early as in teen years with steady progression. Female pattern androgenic hair loss occurs in approximately 10% in women.
Hair loss in women can be caused by variety of other causes, hormonal alterations such as thyroid problems, menopause, traction alopecia because of excessive pulling of hair while pleating, hair weaves, or hair systems, nutritional deficiencies like Iron and biotin, drugs like oral contraceptive pills, statins, beta blockers, coumarins, poststress alopecia (telogen effluvium) due to fever, pregnancy, scalp infections and chemotherapy. Most of the times the hair loss due to these causes, are temporary and reverses itself with resolution of the underlying problem except in few situations.
As the hair loss due to thyroid problems is irreversible and it is more common in Indian women and it can be easily diagnosed and treated well with simple medication, it has to be properly attended. Another problem which can cause hair loss, common in Indian women, can be diagnosed and treated easily is iron deficiency anemia.
Hair loss in women inflicts enormous psychological toll. Scalp massages and other stimulatory treatments have placebo effect, inefficient and do not have any scientific basis.
In genetic hair loss the progression of hair loss can be slowed to a good extent by the available and proved drugs when diagnosed early.
Surgical hair restoration remains the only permanent treatment for hair loss even in women. It restores hair growth in areas experiencing thinning or frank hair loss. Watch this space for surgical hair restoration in females.
