Hair Loss Solutions For Women

Thinning hair in women can be only temporary--but it can also be permanent, setting the stage for an uphill battle as you struggle for a hair loss solution. Although hair loss in women can be caused by any number of diseases and underlying medical conditions, androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness, is usually the culprit. Hair loss solutions for women that actually work are very limited, says the American Hair Loss Association.

Understanding Hair Loss

Alopecia is the medical word used to describe any kind of hair loss that's noticeable and excessive. Androgenetic alopecia refers to the type of hair loss in women influenced by hereditary factors. This type of hair loss is the same as that experienced by men; however, it presents in a different pattern. Female pattern baldness is typically characterized by a diffuse pattern of hair loss--that is to say, the hair thins all over the scalp, making it difficult to recognize, says the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. However, sometimes your hair will thin more toward the back or front of your scalp; hair loss may also result in a receding hairline.

Topical Treatment

According to the ISHRS, topical minoxidil is the only nonsurgical solution for women who suffer from female pattern baldness. Minoxidil, which is sold under the trade name Rogaine, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is sold without a prescription. Formulations are available for men and women. The manufacturer of this medication recommends that women use the 2 percent solution, although there are stronger solutions available that have been approved for use in men, says the AHLA. Your doctor may recommend that you try 5 percent minoxidil formulated for men, as long as you remain under his or her supervision. The ISHRS states that women who use minoxidil get better results than men.

Hair Restoration Surgery

Women most often chose hair transplantation as a surgical method to address hair loss, says the ISHRS, which goes on to say that most women who opt for this procedure are satisfied with their results. Not all women are good candidates for hair transplantation, however. The diffuse pattern of female pattern baldness can make it difficult for a surgeon to harvest enough donor hairs. Also, the expectations of some women seeking this procedure are simply too high. The ISHRS explains that while hair transplantation can significantly improve your appearance, it cannot make your hair look and feel as full and dense as it was pre-hair loss.

Other Treatments

When looking for a solution for your hair loss, make sure not to buy into sham treatments. As GreyHairLoss.Com, a consumer education website, points out, natural hair loss treatments that use herbs and other botanicals don't have the Food and Drug Administration seal of approval, so there's no proof that they work. Laser hair combs, although marketed widely, have received clearance by the FDA as a cosmetic device--not as a medical treatment. In fact, the AHLA and ISHRS do not promote use of the laser hair comb to treat hair loss. A limited number of hair loss treatments that work have been approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.

See Doctor

Hair loss in women isn't always caused by androgenetic alpecia. The American Academy of Family Physicians cites a number of causes, including hormonal imbalance, medications, infections and underlying medical conditions. Before seeking a treatment, the ISHRS advises you to consult with a doctor or hair restoration specialist so the cause of your thinning hair can be diagnosed and an appropriate treatment recommended.