Female Pattern Hair Loss or Baldness
Gradual thinning of scalp hair occurs over a period of several years in Female Pattern Hair Loss…
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 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.
About Female Pattern Baldness Causes and Symptoms Treatments For Female Pattern Baldness
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, 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.
Other adjuvant treatments include- Cyclical Therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Fractional Lasers etc.
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 regarding 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 help of phytoestrogens and correction of lifestyle.