Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair Loss in Women
Unlike hair loss in men, women are less likely to begin losing hair at a younger age. It is more common for a woman to notice thinning hair in her 40s or 50s. To make matters more challenging, there are typically multiple factors contributing to a woman’s thinning hair besides genetics – and most of these hair loss patterns all look the same at a glance. In order to formulate an effective treatment plan, a proper evaluation, including lab testing and a thorough scalp exam, is necessary to establish the cause(s) of hair loss.
Ludwig Hair-Loss Scale
Like their male counterparts, the most common cause of scalp hair loss in women is genetic. Also known as female-pattern hair loss, it results in a gradual decline in the health of the hair follicle resulting in shorter, finer hair over a period of years. The distribution of hereditary hair loss for women is quite different than the distinctive male-pattern alopecia most people would recognize on sight. There are no bald spots and the hairline remains relatively intact.
Variations on female-pattern hair loss
- Diffuse thinning throughout the top of the scalp, with more noticeable thinning toward the front and temples, but not involving the frontal hairline
- Same as above, with mild to moderate thinning/recession of the hairline
- Diffuse thinning of hair over the entire scalp, including the crown and back of the scalp
Other factors that commonly contribute to hair loss in women include:
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Thyroid imbalance (hyper and hypothyroid conditions)
- Metabolic diseases such as diabetes
- Menopause
- Prescription medications
- Smoking
- Poor diet
Hair Loss Treatments in Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane, WA
With all these additional diagnoses to consider when evaluating hair loss in women, the value of working with an experienced, board-certified hair restoration physician is clear.
Explore the many treatment options available for female-pattern hair loss by contacting Northwest Hair Restoration of Tacoma, Seattle, or Spokane, Washington. For a consultation with Dr. Robert Niedbalski, call (253) 572-2949 or you can request one online.