Hair Loss in Women: Be in the Know

Hair loss in women is becoming a widespread occurrence. It has been reported that an estimated 30 million of women are affected by some type of hair loss, at earlier ages even. As the number of affected women are steadily increasing, it becomes more important that women become aware of this disorder that may affect them at one time or another.

Experts have time and again informed us that it is quite normal to lose a few strands of hair each day as this is the body's natural process of replacing old hair with newer and healthier ones. Unfortunately for some women, they have a genetic predisposition to hair loss. Hair loss in women occurs when a group of hormones called androgens disturb the body's natural process.

What causes loss of hair in women

When you are genetically prone to hair loss, what happens is this: When testosterone reacts with enzymes in the hair cells, it is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which then adheres to receptors in the hair follicle. As DHT builds up, the hair follicle gradually shrinks. This miniaturizing then causes a significant change in the natural resting and growth phases of the hair. When this happens, some of the hair follicles die, while some become incapable of producing or maintaining a healthy growth.

For a long time, doctors were of the belief that the main cause of hair loss in women was androgenic alopecia. However, it was recently discovered by the experts that that is not true, for women anyway. Experts have found that there are many other types of enzymes, hormone receptors and blockers that could influence hair loss in women. Fortunately, hair loss in women does not necessarily develop to total baldness, unlike in men.

Common medical causes of hair loss

When it comes to hair loss in women, culprits could include polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormonal problem in women. In this situation, hair loss is the obvious sign. Aside from that, there are times when specific types of autoimmune disorders lead to slightly different and often less dramatic hair loss than when compared to alopecia areata, an inflammatory condition that causes hair to fall out in clumps or patches. Other causes of hair loss include developing a temporary hair shedding known as telogen affluvium.

How hair loss in women is treated

Most doctors prescribe both oral and topical estrogens as treatment for women hair loss. For those women who would rather take oral contraceptives, they are advised to choose one that does not have androgenic activity. Women with androgenetic alopecia are also warned against using testosterone or androgen precursors. Treatment of alopecia areata includes the use of immunomodulating therapies like glucocorticoids, topical and immunotherapy, or anthralin, or biologic-response such as modifiers such minoxidil. But before that, correct diagnosis is the most basic requirement in the search for the most suitable treatment today. The main rule for women suffering from hair loss is to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who specializes in female pattern balding.