Health Information on Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss in women, also known as female pattern baldness, is a condition that can severely affect your appearance. MedlinePlus indicates that genetics, hormones and aging are to blame for causing this problem.

Symptoms

MedlinePlus indicates that manifestations of female pattern baldness include thinning of your entire head of hair or thinning at your hairline.

Treatment

The American Academy of Osteopathic Dermatology says that initial treatment of female pattern baldness includes application of topical minoxidil. This is available as an over-the-counter medication, and you should use it as the package instructions indicate.

Other Causes

MedlinePlus says that female pattern baldness can also be attributed to skin diseases, iron deficiency, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), vitamin deficiencies and medications.

Alternative Treatments

Using a wig, dyeing your hair or getting a hair transplant are alternative treatment methods if minoxidil does not work.

Other Names

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says that female pattern baldness is medically known as androgenetic alopecia.

References

• MedlinePlus: Female Pattern Baldness
• American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Female Pattern Hair Loss