Although hair loss is more common in men, women can also develop what is known as female pattern baldness. Women normally shed approximately 100 strands a day, but women with female pattern baldness shed more and the hair that grows back is shorter. Women have several treatment options for hair loss that they can discuss with their doctor.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical solution that can be used on both men and women to reduce hair loss. The formulation recommended for women contains 2 percent minoxidil. Rogaine is a well-known manufacturer of minoxidil-based treatment products. To apply, part your hair to reveal the scalp. Fill the dropper to the appropriate line and massage gently over the area where you are experiencing hair loss. Repeat twice a day. The minoxidil opens up the follicles to encourage new hair growth. Potential side effects include irritation and dryness at the application site.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
According to the American Osteophathic College of Dermatology, female hair loss is often caused by hormone fluctuations. Post-menopausal women are most prone to female pattern baldness. To cure the hair loss, hormone replacement pills may be given by your healthcare provider. Prempro is a commonly prescribed hormone replacement pill for hair loss sufferers. Potential side effects are blood clots, stomach upset and headaches.
Hair Transplant Surgery
If other treatment methods are not successful, consider speaking with a hair restoration specialist about surgically replacing lost hair. During the procedure, a doctor will surgically graft new skin that contains healthy hair follicles to the scalp. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, if some type of trauma has occurred, hair loss may be treated with scalp reduction surgery. The damaged parts of the scalp are removed to restore normal hair growth. Pain, bleeding and scarring are possible side effects of hair transplantation surgery.
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