Hair loss is typically associated with middle-aged men, but women are also prone to hair loss. Nearly two-thirds of women older than forty suffer from thinning hair. This natural phenomenon is called female pattern baldness and it is first noticeable when the part line in your scalp appears to be widening. The good news is that if you suffer from this condition you will likely still be able to keep most of your hair. Here are some facts about the causes and treatments for female hair loss.
Debunking the Myths
You may have heard that female pattern baldness is genetic. While this is usually the case for hair loss in men, the genetic patterns for females are less certain and there is no exact connection. Additionally, there is a belief that women who have a hormone level similar to male hormone levels can cause hair loss in women, but there is no connection between women with hair loss and women with higher levels of estrogen. Although there is little biological evidence as to where women inherit this hair loss, there is still concrete evidence of what could cause it.
Learning About the Causes
There are a number of medical reasons that could cause female pattern baldness, such as iron deficiency anemia or an abnormally active/inactive thyroid. Both iron deficiency and thyroid problems can be checked through blood tests. Hair loss could also be the result of trauma, stress, or other psychological challenges. You may have had a major illness or have gone through childbirth. There is a large range of psychological and emotional stress that may trigger hair loss. Whether your hair loss is triggered psychologically or internally, it is important to seek treatment to control your hair loss.
Treatment
The leading treatment recommended by dermatologists is minoxidil. This has been used to treat hair loss in men and is approved by the FDA to be used with women as well. As the most recommended product, consider using this to help you treat hair loss. There are also many leading professionals who can provide treatment for hair to help with any current hair loss as well as help prevent any future hair loss. These range from soaps to creams and even hair spray.
Whether it is you or a loved one who is suffering from hair loss, consider seeking professionals in the hair industry to help control or prevent hair loss.