Hair loss (alopecia) affects one-third of women at some point in their life. Up to two-thirds of postmenopausal women have thinning hair or bald patches. Because it’s less socially acceptable, hair loss in women has a large effect than it does in men. Emotional well-being and overall quality of life may suffer greatly when a woman has alopecia areata (hair loss).
Women are more likely to have a single kind of hair loss. Hair thinning on the top of the head, frequently leading to baldness, starts above the temples in males. As a result, the receding hairline creates a distinctive “M” shape.
Female pattern baldness starts with thinning at the portion line and progresses to diffuse hair loss that spreads to other parts of the body and arms over some time. Rarely does a woman’s hairline shrink, or does she become bald.
The three cycles of hair growth are as follows :
The anagen phase (growing phase) may last from two months to eight years, where your hair grows during it. It is the stage when 85 to 90 percent of your hair is in the growing stage.
The catagen phase (transition phase) occurs between two and three weeks, in which hair follicles decrease and prepare to fall.
The telogen phase (resting phase) takes anything from two to four months to complete. The hair starts to fall out towards the conclusion of this stage.
The anagen phase of your shorter hairs, such as your eyelashes, arm and leg hair, and brows, lasts just approximately one month. The hair on your scalp may survive up to six years, and in certain cases, it can stay much longer.
There are three types of hair loss:
Anagen Effluvium: Medication-induced hair loss is the result of drug-induced hair follicle poisoning (like chemotherapy).
Telogen Effluvium: More hair follicles are entering the telogen phase where hair starts falling out.
Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)/baldness: This is the most typical hair loss type. Hair thins out on the crown and sides of the head.
Get a blood test done at the doctor’s office first. There may be underlying issues that only a doctor can identify. It’s okay to search the internet for over-the-counter remedies as long as your doctor says everything is fine under the hood.
Some kinds of hair loss may be effectively treated with effective therapies. Hair loss may be slowed or even stopped if not reversed. Hair may regenerate without therapy in a year in certain cases, such as alopecia areata (patchy hair loss). Medication and surgery are some hair loss treatment options.
Medication
If your hair loss is the result of an underlying illness, you’ll have to seek medical attention for that illness as well. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking a drug for a few months if it’s causing the thinning.
There are medications to treat genetic pattern baldness. The most popular choices are as follows:
Minoxidil is available as a shampoo, foam, and liquid. Apply the cream to the scalp skin twice daily for males and once daily for women to get the best results. Foam applied to damp hair is preferred by many.
Using minoxidil-containing products may help many individuals re-grow their hair or slow down the pace at which they are losing it. To stop additional hair loss and begin hair regeneration, you’ll need to undergo therapy for at least six months. To know whether the therapy is working for you, it will probably take a few more months. If the medication is working, you’ll have to take it for the rest of your life to reap the rewards.
Hair growth on the surrounding skin, such as the face and hands, is possible as a side effect.
These pills are prescribed to males alone and are taken once a day. In many men, finasteride slows hair loss, and in others, new hair growth occurs. It may take many months before you can determine whether or not it is working for you. To maintain the advantages, you’ll have to keep taking it. Finasteride may not be as effective for men over 60 as it is for men in their 50s and 60s.
Reduced libido and sexual desire are two rare but serious adverse effects of finasteride. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer is also increased. Pregnant women and anyone who may become pregnant should avoid handling broken or crushed pills.
When it comes to permanent hair loss, the most frequent kind affects just the top of the head. Hair restoration surgery, such as a hair transplant: may help you make the most of the hair you do have left.
A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon performs a hair transplant by removing hair from a healthy scalp area and transplanting it to a bald area. There are too many hairs in each bald spot (micrografts and mini grafts). A bigger section of skin, including many hair clusters, may be used on occasion. Although you won’t need to stay in a hospital for this operation, you will be given a sedative to help with the pain. Bleeding, bruising, oedema, and infection are all potential side effects. You may need more than one procedure to achieve your goals. Despite surgery, hereditary hair loss will worsen over time.
Insurance generally does not cover alopecia surgical treatments.
