Facts on Thinning Hair and Hair Loss in Women:
As they age, the occurrence of thinning hair in women is as common a problem as their male counterpart. However, hair loss patterns between men and women differ due to certain factors. Hair loss in women most commonly occurs in a diffuse pattern. This condition is called Androgenic Alopecia.
Though this condition in women, usually characterized by the thinning of hair in a wide area of the scalp, is widely believed to be mainly due to heredity, this author adamantly contends that it is likely a combination of improper hair maintenance/neglect and one’s pre-disposition to baldness.
Genetics may pre-dispose a person to baldness but if the hair and scalp is optimally maintained, hair loss or thinning hair can be avoided all throughout a person’s natural life span.
Thinning hair can also be brought about by other factors including underlying medical conditions and medications.
Androgenic Alopecia:
Also called Female Pattern Baldness (also reffered as Male Pattern Baldness in men), this common type of baldness is said to be “hereditary” in nature. Genes coming from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family affects a woman’s predisposition to baldness. This is attributed to the over production or imbalance of a specific hormone called androgen which produces an enzyme harmful to healthy hair growth.
The enzyme 5a-reductase becomes a catalyst converting Testosterone into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Although DHT causes thinning hair and a receding hairline in men, the effect in women is manifested in a different manner.
In women, hair usually thins out throughout the scalp rather than being completely bald. It may start at the temple or on a wide area at the top of the head though hair around the nape remains normal.
NOTE: On the other hand, there is more evidence that suggest that this type of hair loss in women is generally brought about by improper hair maintenance due to misconceptions in proper hair maintenance. This website provides vast information on how to properly maintain one’s hair.
Though there is no known cure to this type of baldness if the condition is in its highly advanced stage, it is possible to regain a majority of lost hair through natural methods, topical solutions or medical procedures if given proper attention on its onset.
Thinning hair in women needs to be properly diagnosed in order to find out the root cause – if it is genetic in nature, due to poor maintenance or is caused by an underlying medical condition.
Medical conditions that can bring about hair loss in women:
• Anemia- iron deficiency
• Connective tissue diseases such as Lupus
• Poor nutrition- protein/calorie deficiency, essential fatty acid or zinc deficiency, hypervitaminosis A, rapid weight loss, unbalanced diets
• Menopause
• Obstetric and gynecologic conditions- post-partum and post-menstrual states or ovarian tumors
• Stress and Trauma- major surgery, poisoning, serious emotional problems
• Thyroid disease- Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
The consumption of certain drugs can also cause diffuse hair loss in women. Fortunately, hair loss can be reversed once the medication is discontinued.
Drugs that can bring about hair loss in women:
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone, cortisone
• Blood thinners (anti-coagulants) such as warfare, heparin, coumadin
• Blood pressure medication specifically b-blockers (such as Inderal) or diuretics
• Chemotherapy
• Medication for gout- colchicines, alopurinol (Xyloprim)
• Medications to lower cholesterol and other lipids
• Mood altering drugs- Elavil, lithium, Prozac, tri-cyclics
• Oral contraceptives particularly high in progestins
• Seizure medication- dilantin
• Thyroid medications
• Overdose of Vitamin A, diet pills
• Street drugs – cocaine
Considering that the hair is an essential part of a woman’s overall self-concept and body image, the effect of thinning hair in women can be devastating.
Psychological effects of thinning hair in women:
1. Anxiety
2. Helplessness/ loss of control
3. Feelings of decreased attractiveness
4. Feelings of isolation- withdrawal from interacting with other people
5. Feelings of a diminished quality of life
6. Loss of self-esteem
7. Poor body image
Thinning hair in women causes tremendous psychological or emotional problems. It should always be taken seriously. A personal support system consisting of family, friends, and the woman’s personal physician is crucial at this time.
For more information on how to prevent Hair Loss in Women, visit this related article in this website or check out the topics in the related information located in the top right portion of this page.