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Hair loss is a significant issue for many women, regardless of age or background. Typically, if a woman sheds more than 150 hairs a day, it may indicate female hair loss that requires attention and potential treatment.
The most common times for the onset of female hair loss are during puberty, the postpartum period, and menopause. Each of these life stages can bring hormonal changes and stress, which may trigger hair loss. This can be emotionally challenging, as hair has long been regarded as a symbol of femininity and beauty.
The causes of female hair loss are varied and can be either normal or pathological. Normal hair loss is often a seasonal phenomenon, particularly noticeable in the autumn months. In fact, most women will experience some degree of hair thinning or shedding at some point in their lives.
Recognizing the underlying cause of hair loss is essential for managing and treating the condition effectively. Seeking professional advice can help restore confidence and well-being.
One important type of female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss. This condition is inherited and typically results from polygenic factors. Unlike male pattern baldness, which follows a dominant inheritance pattern, the genes responsible for female pattern hair loss are inherited as either autosomal or X-linked recessive traits. As a result, female hair loss of this type is less common, as it usually requires a genetic contribution from both parents.
The clinical presentation of androgenetic alopecia in women differs from that in men. It usually appears as diffuse thinning across the scalp, particularly at the crown, while the frontal hairline is typically preserved. Complete baldness is rare in women. This type of hair loss often becomes noticeable during menopause, when hormonal changes can trigger or worsen the condition.
The Ludwig scale is commonly used to classify the severity of female pattern hair loss, ranking it into stages based on the degree of thinning.
Cicatricial alopecia refers to a group of disorders that cause permanent hair loss due to scarring of the scalp. The two most common forms of cicatricial hair loss in women are caused by lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, scalp, and mucous membranes. It leads to cicatricial alopecia, characterized by smooth, shiny patches of hair loss with hyperkeratosis (scaly buildup) around hair follicles. Hair in affected areas often appears doll-like (thin and brittle), and the condition is irreversible due to scarring.
Treatment for lichen planus-induced hair loss may include:
The second most common autoimmune form of cicatricial alopecia in women is due to discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), a manifestation of lupus erythematosus that affects the skin and scalp. It presents as erythematous (reddened), inflamed patches that eventually lead to atrophic scarring and hair loss.
Diagnosis of DLE-induced hair loss is typically confirmed through biopsy and immunofluorescence studies. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying lupus and may include:
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition causing hair loss in both men and women. It presents in various forms, such as monolocularis (single patch), multilocularis (multiple patches), circumscribed, diffuse, ophiasis, total, or universal. Often, it coexists with other autoimmune diseases like thyroiditis. Diagnosis is made clinically or via biopsy.
Hair loss in women can have a profound psychological impact, often worsening the condition. Treatment includes topical corticosteroids, steroid injections, minoxidil, calcineurin inhibitors, local sensitizers, and PUVA therapy.
Female hair loss of fungal origin is usually caused by dermatophyte infections, particularly species of Trichophyton. Diagnosis is confirmed through microscopy and fungal cultures. Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications (e.g., griseofulvin, terbinafine).
Hair loss in women can also result from microbial infections of the scalp, such as bacterial folliculitis. This condition presents as pustules that may discharge pus. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring alopecia. Bacterial folliculitis can affect women, men, and children alike, and is usually managed with antibiotic therapy.
Diagnosing female hair loss begins with a thorough patient history and is supported by blood tests, hormonal assessments, phototrichogram, and, when necessary, scalp biopsy, depending on the type of hair loss.
The prognosis varies based on the cause. In general, women of childbearing age tend to have a better prognosis for diffuse hair loss compared to men, thanks to the protective effect of female hormones. When hair loss is due to underlying factors such as iron deficiency, poor diet, or stress, addressing these issues can often reverse the condition.
At Advanced Hair Clinics, every case of female hair loss is approached individually. We begin with a thorough diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. With extensive experience, we have successfully treated thousands of cases across Greece, Europe, and the Middle East, making us a leading center in the field of female hair restoration.
Minoxidil (2%) is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the shrunken hair follicles, promoting their growth and thickening. Minoxidil extends the growth phase of hair follicles and stimulates new hair growth. It is typically applied once or twice daily as a topical solution to the areas affected by hair thinning.
Common side effects include irritation, redness (erythema), oily scalp, and skin peeling, which usually improve when the dosage is adjusted.
Finasteride, an anti-androgen medication, is prescribed only for postmenopausal women. The recommended dose is 1 mg per day, and it works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor in hair loss.
Hair transplantation is an effective and long-term solution for many cases of female hair loss. It is particularly suitable for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, as well as other types of diffuse or cicatricial hair loss.
At Advanced Hair Clinics, we specialize in treating both male and female hair loss using advanced techniques. Our expert medical team performs FUE hair transplantation, a state-of-the-art method that involves no stitches, causes no pain, leaves no visible scars, and delivers completely natural results.
For most female patients, we use the Unshaven FUE method, which allows for hair restoration without shaving the scalp. This ensures there are no visible signs of the procedure, and patients can return to their daily activities immediately, with no downtime.
The hair life cycle consists of the anagen, catagen and telogen phases. Female hair loss occurs when there is a rapid transition from the anagen phase to the catagen phase and then to the telogen phase.
In the scalp, 95% of the hair is in the anagen phase, which lasts several years, while the catagen and telogen phases last a few months. In some forms of female hair loss, the anagen phase lasts only a few months. A daily loss of 100-150 hairs is normal and does not constitute female pattern hair loss.
The loss of these catagen hairs occurs mainly during shampooing and combing and does not necessarily indicate female pattern hair loss. A woman should seek hair loss treatment if she loses more than 150 hairs per day.
The Alopecia DNA Test analyzes nearly 500 genetic regions, offering valuable insights into a person’s genetic predisposition to hair loss. This advanced analysis helps identify specific factors contributing to hair thinning, allowing for personalized prevention strategies and targeted treatments based on each individual’s genetic profile.
Female hair loss can arise from a variety of normal or pathological causes:
Normal Hair Loss
Pathological Causes
Diffuse hair loss refers to widespread thinning across the entire scalp. Common causes include:
Telogen hair loss occurs when a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase, leading to increased shedding. Common causes include:
Patchy hair loss refers to localized bald spots rather than diffuse thinning. The most common causes include: