Hair loss - it's a girl thing too

Many women think thinning hair is abnormal or unnatural - a man's problem. But that's not the case. Thinning is commonly referred to as hereditary hair thinning or androgenetic alopecia. Both men and woman can experience androgenetic alopecia, and for every five men with the condition, three women are also affected.

Temporary conditions such as pregnancy, medication, diet or stress can cause hair thinning, but 70% of women who experience the condition can attribute it to hereditary androgenetic alopecia.

Pattern of loss different from males

While men experience "male pattern baldness" (vertex balding and/or receding frontal hairline), women generally experience female pattern baldness, which is a diffused thinning over the top of the head or crown while maintaining a frontal hairline.

Hair growth reduces with ageing

Hair loss is not something that happens to women only after the menopause. Female pattern baldness usually begins about the age of 30, becomes noticeable around age 40, and may be even more noticeable after menopause. By the age of 50 almost half of women will experience some degree of hair thinning.

As people age, a combination of hereditary factors, the effects of hormones, and age, cause certain hair follicles to get smaller. This prevents the hair from fulfilling its regular growth process. Hair follicles gradually become smaller and the period of time in which the hair grows is reduced.

Consequently, hair that can only grow for a short time is shorter, thinner and even colourless.

Causes of hair loss in women

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that often happens abruptly. It is an immune system disorder, which causes hair follicles to stop producing hair. Typically, it can be recognised by patchy hair loss with some areas of thinning or complete baldness.

Telogen effluvium, another kind, begins abruptly and is also a temporary condition. It is normally brought on by a "shock to the system" such as stress or illness, which results in excessive hair shedding.

Traumatic alopecia may be due to the use of hair reshaping products (relaxers, straighteners, hot combs) or hair braiding methods. Specific types of traumatic alopecia are:

• Traction alopecia - the persistent physical stress involved with tight rollers and tight braiding. Appears as severe thinning above ears with marked recession of hairline, and can occur as thinning at the forehead as well. Prolonged practice of these styling methods can result in irreversible hair loss.
• Chemical alopecia - damage of the scalp and hair shaft caused by commercial relaxer products. Looks similar to hereditary hair thinning, but also includes scarring of the scalp.
• Follicular degeneration syndrome - the excessive use of fragranced products with a hot comb or iron. Fairly distinct appearance with scarring that begins in the crown and spreads symmetrically.

Anyone with one of the above problems should stop current styling practices that may be the cause of hair loss.

Also see: Temporary hair loss

Treatment for women

Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) can be slowed by topical (rub on) treatments such as minoxidil solution, available from the pharmacy. Minoxidil appears to prolong the phase of hair growth known as the anagen phase.

Continued treatment is needed to maintain hair growth, which usually starts at the edges of the balding area with fine hairs. New hair growth may take up to four months to appear, and treatment response is more successful if used when hair loss first starts.

Treatment must be ongoing to maintain regrowth

While topical minoxidil can slow progressive balding, not all hair will grow back. If treatment is stopped, regrowth ceases and hair loss will start again. Minoxidil should not be used by women during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Finasteride tablets are available on prescription for androgenetic alopecia in males only.

For further information and support talk to your local pharmacist or family doctor.

Related topics

See our topic on male pattern baldness for diagrams and more info on hair growth phases.

Article reproduced courtesy of Pharmacy Today. Copyright 2003 UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.