Thinning hair is not just a man's problem. Women may also develop thinning hair and bald spots, particularly as they age. Whether hair loss is sudden or gradual, balding in women causes considerable distress. Treatment of female hair loss is aimed at regrowth or replacement of hair to provide a natural appearance.
Female Pattern Baldness
Female pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in women, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. The condition often occurs after menopause, but does not necessarily cause complete hair loss. Hair loss begins gradually, eventually resulting in thinning hair. Affected hairs don't stop growing completely, but grow back shorter than normal, resulting in a peach fuzz appearance in certain areas of the scalp.
Other Causes
Vitamin and iron deficiencies, skin diseases, scalp infections, diabetes or lupus may cause hair to thin or fall out. Hormonal problems, including an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, can also result in hair loss. Hormonal changes may cause hair loss that occurs approximately three months after pregnancy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Certain medications, such as antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, heart and high blood pressure medications, blood thinners, gout medication and birth control pills can cause hair loss in some women. Hair loss may occur if you constantly wear your hair in tight ponytails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based on the appearance of the scalp and hair. Female pattern baldness may be diagnosed if you have hair loss at the crown of your head, but not at the front of your hairline. Your doctor may want to do a skin biopsy to determine if you have scalp infection that could be causing hair loss. During the biopsy, a small piece of your scalp is removed and tested in a laboratory.
Treatment
Treatment of female hair loss depends on the cause of your problem. Treating underlying diseases, such as thyroid disorders, scalp infections or diabetes, can result in new growth. If you have been wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, avoiding these hairstyles may solve the problem, although baldness may be permanent if the scalp is scarred. The prescription drug minoxidil can be helpful in regrowing hair and stopping or slowing hair loss. If minoxidil use is stopped, hair loss will begin again.
Considerations
Hair transplants can be used to restore hair in balding areas. During a hair transplant, small plugs of hair are removed from healthy areas of the scalp and transplanted to other areas of the scalp. Multiple sessions may be required to restore natural appearance. Hair weaves, wigs and hairpieces can also be used to make the hair appear fuller.
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