Female Pattern Baldness : Causes, Treatment

What You Should Know about Female Pattern Hair Loss

What is Female Pattern Baldness?

The female pattern baldness or hair loss is the genetically caused hair loss similar to the male pattern baldness but presents in a different form and pattern unlike, the male pattern baldness. It is also termed as the Androgenic alopecia as occurs due to the genetic factor and the hormonal effect. The genes and hormone (Testosterone), which is actually the male sex hormone, but also affect the women. However, it is also transferred from one generation to the next. The female pattern hair loss is more common after menopause and a severe thinning except the hair loss that affects the crown part mainly rather than the frontal area. The hair loss in woman presents in a different grade and state that is classified in the Ludwig scale and one can identify his/her state of loss on this scale of loss.

Using the Ludwig Classification to diagnose & Treat Female Pattern Hair Loss:-

The Ludwig classification to diagnose the female pattern hair loss is segmented into 3 categories and each one has a characteristic that identifies the particular state of hair loss.

Loudwig Female Pattern Baldness

• Type I Hair Loss: This stage of female pattern hair loss is considered to be mild as the loss affects the crown areas that are gradually changed into a severe state when the partition of hair on the crown parts are becoming more noticeable. The hair loss may occur on the top and front areas and become more noticeable when parted down the centre of the scalp.
• Type II Hair Loss: The type II state of female pattern hair loss is considered as the moderate state that presents the situation of the shedding, thinning as well as the general decrease in the volume. The centre part of the scalp becomes wider and a wide gap between the partitions gets more visible in this state.
• Type III Hair Loss: This is an extreme state of hair loss that is more severe in terms of hair thinning and it makes the difficulty in camouflaging and becomes more visible. This stage seriously needs the hair transplant procedure and one can receive it in order to get the best outcomes.

The Genetics Behind the Female Pattern Hair Loss:-

The genes are primarily responsible for presenting the female pattern hair loss. The hair loss is passed down from parent to their offspring and after the combined effect of the genes and hormone presents the case of the female pattern hair loss (FPHLS). You are more susceptible to the female pattern hair loss if your mother, father, grandmother, or other close relatives have affected by the same.

Reason for the Female Pattern Hair Loss other than the Genetics:-

The reason for the female pattern baldness other than the genetics may include the factors such as endocrine condition, stress, and smoking behaviour. The other factors are associated with both externally as well as internally. However, it is good to consult with your Doctor if you are experiencing the issues like irregular period, severe acne, or an increased unwanted hair growth.

When Do women Get into the Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Women are more likely to develop female pattern hair loss once they get into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. However, we can say that the female pattern hair loss is a bit different from the male pattern hair loss as the male pattern hair loss occasionally starts when the men get into their 20s or 30s. The Androgen hormone, which is a male sex hormone, is only responsible for presenting the hair loss or baldness problem. The same things apply in the case of women, despite the extent and effect is less, but Androgen (Testosterone) at play in women pattern hair loss.

Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss:-

The treatment for the female pattern baldness is available with the particular medications as well as the surgical option of the hair transplant procedure. What kind of treatment will be most suitable in your case is only decided after a careful assessment of your scalp status. The female pattern hair loss is primarily treated with the medications like Minoxidil (Rogaine) or Finasteride.

How to Use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is an FDA approved a drug to treat female pattern baldness. It is needed to be applied thoroughly on your scalp every day. It is recommended to opt for 5% formulae of Minoxidil.

The Hair Transplant Procedure:-

The procedure of hair transplant is a single permanent option to treat the pattern baldness, as it works on the basis of the regrowth of hair. The female hair transplant procedure is just like the male hair transplant, but different in the sense of the hairline design, and the areas which are needed to be covered as the crown area are primarily concerned with the hair transplant procedure.

Only the expert hair transplant Surgeon is allowed to do the procedure as it needs an extreme precision and skill to perform the surgical job.

Points to be considered for a Female Hair Transplant is Described below:-

• The Making of utmost aesthetic Hairline Design.
• The choosing of technique, whether it is FUT or the FUE for the procedure.
• The selection of the surgeon and the clinic to receive the procedure.
• The implantation of the particular graft/hair roots at the particular location.

So, it is always advisable to receive the initial consultation if you are experiencing the hair loss problem and wants to get the best solution as suited your state of loss and the physiological and anatomical status.