Female Hair Loss: Conditions and Possible Treatments

When people think of hair loss they may assume that is predominantly a male condition, but it is also relatively common in women, particularly from middle age onwards. For women experiencing hair loss it can often be more unsettling because of the well-defined norms of female beauty portrayed in the media. Fortunately though there are treatments available for the hair loss conditions which women commonly suffer from.

Alopecia Areata in women

is a type of hairloss that affects both men and women. The first signs of the condition usually present themselves in patchy hairloss across the scalp, though it can progress to the stage of total hairloss from the scalp, known as Alopecia Totalis. Alopecia is caused by a dysfunction of the immune system, in which the body’s natural defences attack healthy hair follicles. The exact reasons for the condition are currently unknown, but it is thought that it may be triggered by stress.

Alopecia can be treated through the use of Minoxidil cream, though it is essential to seek treatment in the early stages, as the prognosis is less favourable when the majority of hair on the scalp has been lost.

Telogen Effluvium in women

is another common hair loss condition which affects women. It is characterised by a diffuse pattern of hair loss across the whole of the scalp, and is often caused by prolonged periods of stress or shock. It occurs when a large proportion of hair follicles go into the resting, or telogen cycle prematurely. Hair loss is often first noticed months after the onset of the condition when the hairs are shed and no new hair grows to replace them. Telogen Effluvium can affect women of any age.

Though it can be highly upsetting at the time, hair loss from Telogen Effluvium is usually temporary in nature and hair re-growth often takes place. However, it is important to deal with and eliminate the underlying causes for the condition, and this is something that a trained hair loss expert can help identify.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

The most common hair loss condition to effect women is Genetic Hair Loss, or Female Pattern Hair Loss. This type of hair loss is usually spread out, but localised around the top of the head. As with Male Pattern Baldness, it is caused by increased levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but women generally experience thinning hair rather than baldness.

Genetic Hair Loss in women can be treated with Minoxidil, which is scientifically proven to prevent further hair loss and initiate re-growth. The Belgravia Centre regularly treats women suffering from Genetic Hair Loss, using Minoxidil, our own hair loss products and a programme of close monitoring by our hair loss experts.

Contact The Belgravia Centre

In many cases, female hair loss conditions are treatable. If you think you might be suffering from any of the above types of hairloss, contact The Belgravia Centre for a consultation with no obligation. Alternatively, fill in our online diagnostic form to see how we can help.