Female Pattern Hair Loss or Baldness
Gradual thinning of scalp hair occurs over a period of several years in Female Pattern Hair Loss…
About Female Pattern Baldness Causes and Symptoms
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a common cause of hair loss in women presenting with a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline.
Gradual thinning of scalp hair occurs over a period of several years in Female Pattern Hair Loss. It may commence as early as in the teens to as late as post-menopause.
FPHL tends to occur in genetically predisposed patients with miniaturization of hair follicles leading to the transformation of thicker terminal hairs to shorter and finer vellus hair follicles.
Treatments For Female Pattern Baldness
Minoxidil
Treatment if initiated early, effectively arrests hair loss progression. Minoxidil is the first-line therapy, others include anti-androgens. Long-term treatment is mandatory as FPHL is a progressive disease and requires sustained effect.
Nutritional supplements rich in amino acids, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Iron, etc.), and vitamins, including biotin, are considered to be beneficial and are prescribed along with minoxidil.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy
PRP, an autologous preparation of plasma with a high concentration of platelets is an adjuvant therapy. It contains various growth factors and cytokines that improve hair growth. PRP therapy is used for treating hair loss. It helps in reducing hair fall and strengthens the hair follicles.
The next generation PRP includes, PRF AND GFC. Injectable PRF and Growth Factor Concentrate are the newer methods that are relatively painless and require lesser sessions.
Other adjuvant treatments include Cyclical Therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Fractional Lasers, etc.
LLLT
LLLT or Low Level Laser Treatment is FDA-approved for hair loss treatment. It prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle and inhibits the early transition to the regression phase. Additionally, they help in the production of terminal hair from follicles that have been producing miniaturized hairs. This treatment can be helpful to improve the density and quality of hair.
HAIRESTART
HAIRestart is an effective method of treating hair loss which is focused on stimulating dormant hair follicles to promote hair growth. This procedure helps in the prevention of further hair loss, increases of hair density and thickness and promotes new follicle growth.
Medical therapy may be supplemented with cosmetic concealment in those desirous of greater hair density with Scalp Micropigmentation, Hair Transplantation etc.
FAQs
What is Female Pattern Baldness?
FPHL happens due to genetic susceptibility and hormones. It usually begins with thinning of hairs or baldness on the crown area of the scalp with preservation of frontal hairline.
What are the other causes of hair loss?
Other causes include stress, hormonal changes, scalp infections, alopecia areata, hair pulling disorders, nutritional causes, other associated skin diseases, medications, radiotherapy, chemotherapy etc.
How Female Pattern Hair Loss can be diagnosed?
Female Pattern Baldness requires clinical diagnosis. Consult your Dermatologist who would diagnose the condition by asking few questions regarding hair fall, family history, etc, examine your scalp, do a Trichoscopy, and helps you with the management.
Is Female Pattern Baldness Treatable?
Yes, medications can slow down the disease and also help in the regrowth of new hairs, depending on the grade of hair loss.
Can Female Pattern Baldness be Prevented?
Female Pattern Baldness cannot be prevented when the underlying cause is related to genetic or hormonal imbalance. However, it can be controlled to some extent with the help of phytoestrogens and correction of lifestyle.
What treatments are available for female pattern hair loss?
Female pattern baldness can be treated with topical and oral medications, PRP/GFC, lasers or surgically through hair transplantation.
What medications are used to treat Female Pattern Baldness?
FPHL can be treated by using topical medications like minoxidil, peptides and oral medications like anti-androgens, oral finasteride in menopausal women, nutritional supplements etc.
How effective are these medications?
These medications helps by slowing down the progression of the disease and strengthening the hair follicles. Effectiveness depends on how early you have started the treatment, stage of hair loss, adherence etc.
Are there any side effects to these medications?
Few minor side effects like irritation over the scalp, headache, etc. are noticed with topical medications
How long does it take for hair loss treatment to work?
For you to notice the changes it takes anywhere between 3-6 months, after starting the treatment.