Female Pattern Baldness. Can I Stop It?

What is female pattern baldness?

Female pattern baldness (also called androgenetic alopecia) is a hereditary hair loss that affects women especially as they age. Usually, as women approach menopause, female pattern baldness may set in, and it is normal. Thanks, hormones.

Female pattern baldness is similar to male pattern baldness, except that women tend to lose their hair in a different pattern than men.

So, if you ever notice that you’re losing large chunks of hair, see your doctor or a dermatologist. That’s the first step to confirm if you’re experiencing female pattern baldness or another type of hair loss.

And you should know that earlier treatment can help you stop hair loss faster — and possibly, even regrow hair.

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Types of Female Pattern Baldness

You will rarely see a woman going completely bald, but there usually will be a lot of thinning throughout the hair.

There are generally three types of female pattern baldness. They are:

Type I: small amount of thinning starts around a part.

Type II: widening of the part, and increased thinning around it.

Type III: thinning throughout, with a see-through area at the top of the scalp.

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How to treat female pattern baldness

The various methods for treating female pattern baldness include:

Drug therapy

Minoxidil, Finasteride and dutasteride, and spironolactone are medicines approved for the treatment of hair loss.

Nonetheless, first, consult with your doctor before taking any hair treatment drug.

Hair transplant

Yes! Hair transplants are a thing. It involves hair grafting.

Iron supplementation

Low levels of iron promote female pattern baldness. To treat hair loss, iron supplementation is usually recommended by a doctor.

Other nutrients to look out for are biotin, folic acid, Omega -3 and Omega- 6 fatty acids are great for hair thickening, protection, and health.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

This hair loss treatment therapy is similar to a hair transplant but involves the extraction and reintroduction of a patient’s plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Laser Therapy

Laser combs and laser helmets have also been reported to stimulate hair growth. The use of Laser-powered tools in hair loss therapies continues to increase over the years.

It is important to note that treatment may take a long time usually up to 12 months. So patience and a positive attitude are very crucial in any hair treatment regimen.

Can you stop a female baldness pattern?

You can’t prevent female pattern baldness because it is genetic most often than not. However, you can protect your hair from breakage and possible loss by following these tips below.

Eat healthy diets

You have heard the saying “You are what you eat,” and indeed, that goes for your hair too. Obtaining all the nutrients, you need from balanced diets can provide your hair with all it needs to grow thick and long.

Ensure that your meals contain enough iron.

Dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals are rich sources of iron.

Avoid hair procedures that can break or damage your hair

Straightening irons, bleach, perms, tight and highly manipulative hairdos, and every other hair treatment that is capable of pulling at your hairline or edges, is a no-no at this point. Embrace protective hairstyles, if possible. Wash hair less frequently; 2 – 3 times per week is recommended to help retain and maintain hair thickness.

Ask your doctor if any of the medicines you take can promote hair loss

Your doctor should help you guide you on medications that will improve and promote general wellness.

Don’t smoke

Smoking may be associated with female pattern baldness, and it is most likely because smoking damages hair follicles and can speed up hair loss.

Cover your hair as often as you can

Wear a silk head wrap or even a hat when you go outside. Too much sun exposure can damage your hair. Also, these headwraps will help your scalp conserve moisture needed for growth, and to avoid dryness which is a significant factor for breakage to occur.

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Final thoughts

Female pattern baldness is not a life sentence and so, should never be embraced with shame or resentment. It is as physiological as baldness in men.

Instead of seeing wigs as a way to “cover shame”, embrace it as an opportunity to rock various wig styles and try to genuinely enjoy yourself while you are at it. Spray hair products are also an alternative you should seek out.

Live your best life and avoid the stress that may arise from worrying about your hair. You should also know that there is a link between stress and hair loss. So, don’t go that route.

References:

http://www.bad.org.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/coping-tips-for-women/