Female Hair Loss Treatment Options

In the past, hair loss was often considered to be a “guy problem” but there are a large number of female patients that also suffer from hair loss. The issue of female hair loss can occur for a number of reasons such as changes in hormone levels, genetics or simply the aging process impacting the hairline of a person. Thankfully, hair restoration for women can be addressed using a variety of techniques that help to lessen the amount of female hair loss suffered by a person. Here is a look at some of the most popular female hair loss treatment options currently being used by patients across the United States.

Popular Female Hair Loss Treatments

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication that is used by patients to treat hair loss. Minoxidil, which is sold under the name Rogaine, can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies across the country. The medication is used to stimulate hair growth as well as increase the total hair growth cycle. In addition, minoxidil causes hair on the scalp to thicken in appearance which leads to a reduction in the overall appearance of balding or patchy areas on the scalp. Minoxidil is designed to be used daily by patients and it is available as a 2\\% solution or a 5\\% solution. According to a study that was posted to International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, it has been found that 2\\% minoxidil is most effective for female patients that suffer from pattern baldness. Patients should be aware of the fact that minoxidil must be used on a consistent basis to maintain the results. If a person stops using the medication on a regular basis, the results will eventually disappear and the hair will return to its former condition.
Hormone therapy can help to treat hair loss if the loss is the result of hormone imbalances such as the kind of imbalances caused by menopause. Hormone therapy treatment options include hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills.
Light therapy is sometimes not effective enough on its own to treat female hair loss. However, it can be used to enhance the impact of other hair restoration treatments for women such as minoxidil. A trial that was posted to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology showed that adding low light therapy to a regular 5\\% minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia worked to improve the overall recovery of the hair that was lost by patients.
Hair transplant has been proven to be the most effective method of treating hair loss by moving hair from the donor area of the body to the balding areas on the scalp. The hair from the donor area on the back and sides of the scalp is resistant to balding so the transplanted hair will not fall out of the scalp once it is transplanted.
Corticosteroids injections are a hair loss treatment option for conditions such as alopecia areata where the hair falls out of the scalp in random patches. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation says the injection of corticosteroids directly into the hairless sections of the scalp can encourage the growth of new hair. In addition, topical corticosteroids that are available as lotions and creams can also help to reduce the amount of hair loss suffered by a person.
Hair loss shampoo can treat minor hair loss issues that are caused by something as simple as clogged pores on the scalp. Medicated hair loss shampoo clears the dead skin cells from the pores to help promote the growth of healthy hair.
A healthy diet can work to support a full head of hair. People that enjoy a diet filled with fruits and vegetables will get a good amount of vitamins and nutrients that help them enjoy a healthy head of hair. In addition, the level of iron in the body can have an impact as females with an iron deficiency might suffer from hair loss.

Female Hair Loss Causes and Consultation

One of the most common causes of hair loss in female patients is androgenetic alopecia and the age when hair loss begins can range from the early 20s to the age of 40 or older. Females that suffer from androgenetic alopecia will often see the hair parting, which is located at the center of the hair; begin to become wider in appearance. In addition, female patients might experience patchy areas of baldness as well as thinning hair because of a shorter life cycle for the hair. The hair loss will continue over time and become more noticeable when being viewed by others.

In addition to androgenetic alopecia, females can also suffer hair loss due to inflammatory conditions that impact the scalp and hormone imbalances as described earlier in this article.

Female patients suffering from hair loss should schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor experienced in performing female hair transplant. The doctor will examine the scalp of the patient to identify the cause of the hair loss as well as determine the best treatment option to address the balding areas of the scalp and also how to prevent any future hair loss.