While most people think of hair loss as a problem that affects mainly men, it can affect women, especially if they are over 50 years old. Hair loss has multiple possible causes, so our first step in hair loss treatment for women is determining the cause of the thinning hair.
What Is Female Patterned Hair Loss?
Also known as androgenetic alopecia, female patterned hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Just as male patterned hair loss always causes a receding hairline, female patterned hair loss always causes the hair on the top of the patient’s head to become thinner and scantier. The patient actually has the same amount of hair, but it’s becoming thinner, shorter and wispier. The most obvious signs of female patterned hair loss are an increasingly wide part and/or a smaller and thinner ponytail.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, androgenetic alopecia affects 30 million women in the US, and it usually affects women in their 50s and 60s. The condition runs in families.
What Else Can Make a Woman Start Losing Her Hair?
If a female has suddenly started losing her hair, she doesn’t have a family history of hair loss and/or her hair follicles are all the same size, we may start checking for other medical conditions. Common medical conditions that can cause hair loss in women include the following:
• Thyroid disorders
• Anemia
• Pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Skin disorders including seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis
• Some autoimmune diseases
• Surgery or acute illness
Other causes can include extreme stress, dramatic weight loss and taking too much Vitamin A. Hair loss in women can also be caused by bad habits like braiding one’s hair too tightly. Flat irons, blow dryers and dyes can also damage hair and make it thinner and weaker over time.
What is the Right Hair Loss Treatment for You?
At Hair Restoration of the Palm Beaches, we are proud to offer a number of hair loss treatment options for both men and women. During a consultation at our office in Wellington or Boynton Beach, our specialist can assess your situation and determine the right plan of action for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started!