For a woman, hair loss can be devastating and take a physical and psychological toll. According to the Hair Loss Learning Center, women usually notice hair loss between their 20 and their 40s, and hormonal changes often are the cause. However, Harvard Medical School reports that emotional or physical stress, medical conditions and medications also can cause hair loss in women. There are several treatments available if you suffer from this unfortunate condition.
Minoxidil
According to Harvard Medical School, a 2 percent solution of minoxidil is an excellent medication for the treatment of thinning hair in women. Most physicians ask you to apply the solution twice daily and massage it into the hair and scalp. However, minoxidil can leave a deposit on your hair that can irritate the scalp, resulting in a condition called contact dermatitis.
Iron Supplements
According to Harvard Medical School, a lack of iron can sometimes cause hair loss in women, and physicians often recommend iron supplements when your iron level falls below 70 nanograms per milliliter. However, there is no evidence that iron supplements work for hair loss in women, according to Harvard Medical School.
Corticosteroids
Monthly corticosteroid injections directly into your scalp can help to treat hair loss in women, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Some physicians prescribe corticosteroid pills for women who have more extensive hair loss. New hair usually begins to show about four weeks after the corticosteroid injections.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants -- including punch grafts, mini grafts, micro grafts and slit grafts -- can be a very effective way to treat loss of hair in both men and women. According to Harvard Medical School, transplanted hair fosters the growth of new hair within three months after the procedure; after six to nine months, most women have 60 percent of their new hair growth.
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