Treatments For Female Hair Loss

Female hair loss is probably more common than most people realize, this female hair loss is usually referred to as female pattern alopecia. The hair loss may only be a partial amount, much like that which is common in male baldness. Female hair loss is most commonly seen following menopause and can affect as much as one in three women that are prone to it, starting out as gradual thinning. Genetically female hair loss may be from either the mother's or father's side of the family.

When looking at women with hair loss, it's typical to see a slow thinning of hair. Increasingly shorter hairs grow back in the place of lost hairs until hair appears to be drastically thinned in affected areas. It is most common to see dramatic loss on the front and top of a woman's head. This problem can be devastating and extremely embarrassing for many women.

Though it is most commonly seen after menopause it is also possible to see hair loss after pregnancy or after you stop taking birth control pills, and it may be seen as soon as puberty. Other possible causes of female pattern baldness are illness or stress, these causes may lead to only temporary hair loss and the hair will regrow without intervention though it may take some time to do so.

Treatment typically involves the use of Rogaine (minoxidil) which is the only FDA medication currently approved for female hair loss. It is a topical application to the skin done on a regular basis. Propecia is reported to be ineffective in women. Another medication, Aldactone, may help many women but takes to time to begin working and is most effective for those that have hair loss beginning before menopause. Some hormone replacement pills have been seen to be effective following menopause. Hair transplant is also an option in some women.

The treatment's effectiveness is not certain. Other approaches like perms, dying, etc. can make the effect of hair loss less noticeable. These days there are great quality in wigs and hair additions. A woman's appearance can be greatly improved through any of these methods. If you are suffering from hair loss it is best to check out all of the options available to you before you commit yourself to one treatment.