Female Hair Loss

While the basics of hair loss in females are similar to those in men, female hair loss has its own set of complications. Because most reasons for hair loss originate as a result of the changes a woman’s body may be going through, hair loss in women can be of various types.

Nonetheless, no matter how it originates, hair thinning and shedding are problems that most females see as signs of aging and of course, distress. Hence, the emotional costs of hair fall are great, with severe depression and anxiety topping the list.

Before we go into details regarding the categories of hair loss in females, a notable difference between baldness patterns in both genders should be kept in mind. Do you ever wonder why you never spotted hair loss till you turned 40? With the experience and qualifications in General and Cosmetic Surgery, it will be easy for Dr. Agullo to answer this basic question. As mentioned previously, hair loss in men significantly affects the hairline, making the phenomenon more noticeable. In women, however, hair start to fall uniformly from all over the scalp without disturbing the hairline; thereby, staying unnoticeable for many years.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Females

Apart from permanent hair loss, temporary hair loss and thinning is a phenomenon found in women more than men. Following are the details of both along with their causes:

• Permanent Hair Loss in Females

Permanent hair loss in women is spurred because of two main reasons. It is either a result of a condition called Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), which has previously been discussed, or a result of Non AGA factors.

• AGA or Genetic Causes: AGA is a hereditary problem that cannot be stopped easily. If you have inherited this condition from your parents, you will experience thinning of hair uniformly over the scalp. What’s worse? There is no age for AGA to show effect, making it sudden and sporadic.
• Non AGA Causes: Non AGA causes are also major reasons behind female hair loss. These reasons starkly differ from those in men and include the following:
• Alopecia Areata: Alopecia Areata is the shift from severe thinning to widespread balding on the entire scalp.
• Scarring Alopecia: Heavy scarring as a result of injuries or accidents can cause heavy hair loss.
• Loose-anagen Syndrome: This syndrome is spotted when hair fall off while combing.
• Trichotillomania: Conscious or unconscious plucking or pulling of hair can lead to permanent loss of follicles.
• Scalp Infections: Severe bacteria or fungal attacks can result in the formation of bald patches on the scalp.
• Temporary Hair Loss

While Southwest is a Plastic Surgery Practice, women going through temporary hair loss are also welcomed to visit and get a check up by Dr. Agullo. It is highly imperative for every female to get hair loss symptoms checked to make sure if it’s temporary or permanent. In either case, the surgeons will thoroughly examine all relevant aspects and suggest a way forward.

Causes of temporary hair loss in women are:

• Pregnancy.
• Postpartum or post-menopause stages.
• Anemia.
• Thyroid Deficiency.
• Compulsive dosage of medication such as those containing blood thinners or substances to lower cholesterol.
• Presence of Ovarian Tumors.
• Connective Tissue Disease.

Classification of Female Hair Loss

Just as hair loss was categorized into three main types for men, in women the same can be done by defining this condition in terms of levels i.e. the extent of hair loss experience and whether it justifies a hair transplant or not.
These levels include:

• Type I: Type I is a mild level of thinning, which is hardly noticeable. With proper care and styling, most women are able to hide hair thinning in this stage. Hair Transplant is not recommended for Type I.
• Type II: Type II is a moderate level of thinning in which the increased width of the side part is the biggest indication of hair loss. If a hair transplant must be sought, it would require Dr. Agullo to examine the donor areas, namely the sides of the scalp, first.
• Type III: Type III is severe hair thinning that makes bald patches visible even if the hair is not parted clearly. Hair transplant is recommended for Type III hair loss.

Opting for a hair transplant may be one of the biggest decisions of your life. At Southwest, the surgeon and his team understands the emotional aspect of such a decision. Therefore, not only do they provide highly professional, medical services, but you will also find yourself comforted emotionally and psychologically as well.