Alopecia (Hair Loss) is a ubiquitous issue for both sexes and it is definitely a distressing problem for most women. Strong, healthy hair is widely recognized in society as a symbol of beauty, youth, femininity, and overall health, all of which contribute to one's sense of sexual attractiveness. After our discussion of male pattern hair loss in the previous topic, today, I'd like to delve into the topic of hair loss in women.
Good to know this
1. Alopecia can be categorized as scarring alopecia and non-scarring alopecia.
2. The two major types of hair follicles in the human body are terminal hair follicles and vellus hair follicles.
3. Hairs produced by terminal hair follicles are long, coarse, and usually at least 0.06mm in diameter while vellus hairs are short, fine, and usually less than 0.03mm in diameter.
4. Hair follicles undergo lifelong cycling characterized by a period of growth (anagen), transformation (catagen), resting phase (telogen), and shedding phase (exogen).
5. The individual follicles cycle independently to prevent en mass shedding of hair.
6. On the scalp, the rate of terminal hair growth is 0.3mm per day.
Normal hair loss ranges from 50 to 150 strands per day. Losing hair every day is a regular part of everyday life. In most cases, daily hair shedding is nothing to worry about but it is just the hair's normal cycle. However, when it surpasses 150 strands daily, it is not merely ‘shedding’ anymore. It is hardly possible for you to physically count how many strands of hair have been discarded from your scalp, but you are advised to take a photo yourself to monitor the progress.
Common Types of Hair Loss in Women
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL)
Telogen Effluvium
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and male pattern hair loss share a common pathway, mediated by actions of androgen which leads to progressive follicular miniaturization and a subsequent reduction in the number of hairs. Although FPHL can manifest at any stage of life, including childhood, it most commonly occurs following menopause. It often has a hereditary component, running in families. The exact pattern of FPHL can vary, but the most prominent characteristic is frontal scalp thinning, resulting in a 'Christmas tree-like’ pattern when hair is parted at the midline. Diffuse central thinning is another prominent feature of this condition. Let's take a look at male pattern hair loss in case you haven't read about it yet.
Not to forget FPHL may be associated with medical disorders, for instance, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian tumors, adrenal tumors, insulin resistance and acne vulgaris.
What is Telogen Effluvium ?
Telogen Effluvium presents as an acute or chronic loss of hair, due to an abnormal shift in hair follicular cycling (the follicles that normally would have remained in the anagen phase shift into the telogen phase) that leads to the premature shedding of hair. It is a reactive process, triggered by metabolic stress, hormonal changes, or medications. Common triggering events are acute febrile illness, major surgery, postpartum (after childbirth) hormonal change, hypothyroidism, crash dieting for rapid weight loss, significant emotional stress, protein or caloric malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Many medications have been linked to telogen effluvium for example beta-blockers, retinoids (including excessive vitamin A), anticoagulants, and carbamazepine.
Is Telogen Effluvium reversible? Yes, absolutely. It is essential to identify and address the underlying causes whenever possible. Spontaneous improvement can be expected if telogen effluvium is linked to an isolated event, such as post-childbirth shedding. However, if the shedding persists for an extended period, it may signal underlying medical conditions that necessitate further medical attention and treatment.
‘If you're currently grappling with hair loss, ever wondered which type it might be?’
When a woman's hair thins or recedes at the temples, it can sometimes lead to a self-perception that her hairline is less feminine, a notion often reinforced by societal standards. It is essential to not let this hair loss issue make you undermine your confidence. At Dream Clinic, we understand these struggles and offer a variety of cutting-edge treatments, ranging from topical hair loss shampoos to PRF and hair fillers, as well as laser therapy. Our goal is to effectively combat hair loss and help you regain the confidence and vitality that a full, healthy head of hair can bring. You deserve it, and we're here to make it a reality for you.
*** Warm Reminder:
-To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the treatment details for both men and women dealing with hair loss, kindly check out my previous topic “From Mane To Dome: Male Pattern Hair Loss Demystified”