Female Hair Loss
What is female hairloss?
Androgenetic alopecia in women is less common than in men, affecting 25% of women by the age of 50, with increased frequency after menopause.
It differs in pattern, as it is characterized by gradual shrinkage of the hair follicles, which produce thinner, colorless hairs with a reduced growth rate. This leads to progressive scalp visibility and thinning.
The frontal hairline is preserved, while diffuse thinning and shedding occurs at the top of the head, rarely progressing to complete baldness.
Hair loss before menopause affects about 10% of women, but after menopause, 50% experience significant thinning due to decreased estrogen levels, which normally protect the hair follicles.
- Immediate & Effective Treatment of Female Hair Loss
- Trichoscopy-Guided Therapy, based on identifying the true cause of the problem
- The most Advanced Therapeutic Methods for every type of Hair Loss
- Comparative trichoscopic evaluation for monitoring treatment effectiveness
- Post-treatment guidelines for protecting and maintaining hair health
- Years of Experience and Expertise in Hair Loss Treatment
Etiology
Hair loss in women is often associated with hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, and adrenal gland disorders, as well as the use of contraceptives, corticosteroids, or Cushing’s syndrome.
It is also influenced by hormonal changes during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Other factors include iron deficiency, anemia, rapid weight loss, use of certain medications (contraceptives, vitamin A, tranquilizers, beta-blockers), and autoimmune diseases.
After childbirth, estrogen levels drop, triggering significant hair loss, as more hairs enter the resting phase. This process is temporary, but full hair regrowth may take up to 12 months or more, especially in breastfeeding women.
Other forms of hair loss
Diffuse alopecia is characterized by widespread thinning, especially on the crown of the head. It does not cause frontal hairline recession or complete hair loss.
Alopecia areata causes hair loss when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It can range from partial to total hair loss. The condition may also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, or hair across the body.
Other forms include lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Diagnosis
Due to the psychological impact of hair loss, accurate diagnosis and staging are essential for effective treatment. Timely intervention is critical to slow down or even halt hair loss.
Diagnostic tests such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) screening, iron measurement, and hormonal analyses assist in accurate diagnosis. At Optimum Dermatology, we use trichoscopy both for diagnosis and for evaluating treatment.
It is a precise method of scalp analysis using a dermatoscope or videomicroscope with polarized light. The data collected is digitally recorded and analyzed using specialized software, providing a complete picture of follicle health. Results are compared before and after treatment.
Specifically, key parameters such as the number and quality of follicles, hair thickness, and density are recorded. The information is stored electronically, facilitating long-term monitoring of the treatment.
Trichoscopy forms the foundation for scientifically validated hair loss treatment and is useful for:
✓ Diagnosing the type of hair loss
✓ Evaluating the effectiveness of medical or other treatment
✓ Calculating available hair follicles for hair transplantation
✓ Ongoing monitoring via a complete digital patient file
Treatment
Depending on the diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan is created, which may involve a combination of methods.
Hair filler with hyaluronic acid and biomimetic peptides
An innovative option is injectable therapy with hyaluronic acid and biomimetic peptides. It is applied topically to the scalp, gradually releasing the hyaluronic acid and peptide complex over 15 days. It enhances the hair growth phase, inhibits genes that cause hair loss and inflammation, improves microcirculation, revitalizes follicles, and stimulates new hair formation.
Pharmaceutical Treatment
Medical treatment for hair loss aims to both stop further hair loss and stimulate regrowth. Depending on the case, topical or oral substances may be administered, such as minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, corticosteroids, or antiandrogens.
PRP hair mesotherapy
This treatment is injected using the patient’s own blood plasma, which enhances follicle development thanks to its regenerative properties.
Additionally, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) provides a natural, side-effect-free form of phototherapy that activates hair growth.
Hair Transplantation in Women
Modern transplantation methods like FUT and FUE make many women eligible candidates for hair loss treatment. However, hair transplantation in women differs significantly from that in men.
This is because it typically involves “density restoration” and the donor area in women is smaller, with lower follicular density and fewer hairs per follicular unit. These factors require careful strategic planning and high surgical expertise.
The demands are higher and require strict planning, complete patient education, and precise technique application to ensure excellent results that improve patients’ quality of life.