Female hair loss / hair loss in women / female pattern
baldness
Although hair loss is largely considered a male only
condition, there is a significant amount of women who
also suffer a slightly different loss, not usually associated
with baldness. Only about 15% of women suffer hair loss
and it usually occurs later in life, however the psychological
effect can be more devastating. Bald patches aren't commonly
found in women, but a universal thinning occurs and the
remaining hair becomes brittle and lifeless.
Female patterned baldness
Noticeable patterned baldness in women usually starts
after menopause when the production of the female hormone
estrogen slows down dramatically or stops altogether.
This clears the way for testosterone to dominate the hormonal
system and it gets broken down into a destructive variant
hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) when coming
into contact with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (found
in the skin). DHT is responsible for inhibiting the follicles'
ability to produce new hair strands. Since hair is constantly
falling out and being replaced, dysfunctional reproduction
soon becomes apparent. Regrettably it is an irreversible
process caused by heredity.
Women however do not suffer from the characteristic U-shaped
baldness commonly observed in men. Instead there is thinning
all over the scalp, particularly noticeable in 'spots'.
Telogen effluvium (TE)
A less common, but sometimes more devastating, condition
is TE. In this case all the hair rapidly begins to fall
out, leaving the sufferer with a bald head. The reason
for this is that the follicles all begin rejuvenating
simultaneously, usually as a result of a major stress
occurrence (such as dealing with the death of a spouse
or close person), or hormonal imbalances. Chemical treatments,
such as chemotherapy can also trigger this condition.
To put your mind at ease, it's useful to understand the
hair reproduction and rejuvenation cycle to accept that
this condition is a temporary one lasting about six months.
All hair strands eventually die and fall out, following
which the follicle goes through a rejuvenation (or resting)
process, taking up to six months to produce a strand.
When a trigger causes all follicles to follow this cycle
simultaneously you end up with a bald head.
Elsewhere on this site are several pages of information
and advice on hair loss prevention and treatment, as well
as suggested remedy products, and they apply to both sexes.
