Hair loss can occur at any age. Early treatment saves hair.
Early intevention will help you to prevent further hair loss and regain your hair.
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Female hair loss is more common than we imagine. As many as 50% of women will experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetime. Female hair loss is more widely encountered with advancing age, and this rate increases significantly after menopause. The importance of a woman's hair cannot be underestimated. Quality of life studies have shown that women with hair loss have reported lower self-esteem, negative body image and impaired functioning at school, work and relationships. Nowadays, many younger women are seeking earlier treatments to combat female hair loss.
Female hair loss is a prevalent and often distressing condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It can manifest in various forms, ranging from diffuse thinning to more pronounced balding areas, and can significantly impact a woman's psychological well-being and quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes, available treatments, and supportive measures is crucial in addressing this complex issue. With over a decade of experience treating both male and female hair loss, Dr Ng. will help you diagnose and customise a treatment plan to help you restore and maintain your hair.
By far the most common cause of hair loss in females; female pattern hair loss can start in your 20s and affects up to 50% of women in their fifties and the prevalence increases with age. In contrast to male androgenetic alopecia, the role of androgens (male hormones) in female pattern hair loss does not appear to play a role. Many women may complain of seeing more scalp when they part their hair or notice the volume of hair being half of what is used to be when they tie it up.
Female pattern hair loss is characterised by a reduced density of hair at the central portion and temporal portions of the scalp. The hair gets thinner due to the presence of more immature (vellus) hairs due to hair follicle miniaturization. Most patients can be reassured that FPHL does not lead to complete balding.
Female pattern hair loss appears to be genetically determined and the role of androgens is less certain in females compared to male pattern hair loss. From studies, we know that there is an increased in androgens receptors, heightened sensitivity of scalp hair follicles to androgens and higher levels of 5-alpha reductase (the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT).
FPHL affects up to 50% of women, and the prevalence increases with age. Affecting up to 10% of premopausal women, it increases around the time of menopause. It appears to be more common in Caucasian than oriental women.
Female pattern hair loss is progressive, the rate of which is variable. It can increase in times of stress or may progress gradually over years. Treatment response is better if you are treated earlier, have smaller area of hair loss involvement and have a shorter history of hair loss. Treatment results take at least 6 months and must be continued indefinitely. If treatment is stopped you may experience severe rebound shedding.
In telogium effluvium, there is early shedding of the hair as the growth (anagen) phase of the hair is shortened. It does not cause complete baldness or hair thinning. In this condition, women may notice an increase in hair shedding after a shock to the system, such as childbirth, illness, accidents or even weight loss. However, there is no specific trigger in the majority of cases. Telogen effluvium can be acute or chronic in nature. The condition may lasts for several months to years, but will self-correct in the majority of cases.
Alopecia areata is quite unlike the above 2 conditions. A single or multiple patches of hair loss may appear at rather sudden onset. It is believed to be autoimmune in origin, and may be associated with thyroid disease, vitiligo and stressful events. Most cases of alopecia areata are able to recover without any treatments. However, medical treatments are available for more stubborn cases.
Scarring alopecia can be due to a variety of causes. There is typically the permanent loss of hair follicles associated with scarring of the scalp. This diverse group of rare alopecia often have an inflammatory component. The main goal of treatment is to halt the progression of further hair loss. Examples of scarring alopecia include:
Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by the recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The frontal and temporal areas are mostly affected. Psychological management is most appropriate in these cases.
Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs due to prolonged tension or pulling on the hair. This condition is particularly common among individuals who frequently wear hairstyles that exert excessive stress on the hair follicles. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp. It can cause permanent and scarring hair loss if left untreated. There is patchy hair loss, scaling and various degree of inflammation. Anti-fungal treatments are the most effective chance of cure.
During the initial consultation, the doctor will ask you questions in relation to how long you have noticed your hair loss, whether you are on any medications, and whether there is a history of hair loss in the family. An examination of the scalp to look for the pattern and distribution of the hair loss will allow us to determine the diagnosis in most cases.
A blood test to check for underlying factors that may cause the loss of hair may be carried out. We normally tests for thyroid status, iron levels, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and folate levels. A biopsy may be done in rarer cases of hair loss to help establish the diagnosis.
This section discusses about female pattern hair loss treatments as it is the most common cause of hair loss. To date, only topical minoxidil is an approved treatment, while the others are considered off-label treatments.
Female pattern hair loss can occur at any age, but it is most commonly seen after menopause, typically starting in a woman’s 40s or 50s. However, it can also begin earlier in life, particularly in women with a family history of hair loss.
Signs and symptoms of female pattern hair loss include gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, widening of the part line, increased visibility of the scalp through the hair (reduced hair density), and a reduction in hair volume and diameter.
While female pattern hair loss cannot be fully reversed, various treatments can help slow down the progression of hair loss, promote hair regrowth, and improve the appearance of thinning hair. Treatment options may include topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral medications such as spironolactone, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and hair transplantation.
Female pattern hair loss is a chronic condition that tends to worsen over time without treatment. However, with appropriate treatment, it is possible to stabilize the condition and slow down or halt further hair loss, allowing women to maintain their existing hair density and volume.
While lifestyle factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and certain hairstyles or hair treatments may contribute to hair shedding or breakage, they are not direct causes of female pattern hair loss. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical treatments can help promote overall hair health.
Over-the-counter products such as minoxidil (Rogaine) can be effective in treating female pattern hair loss for some women. However, results may vary, and it’s essential to use these products consistently as directed for several months to see improvement. For more severe cases, prescription medications or other treatments may be necessary.
It’s advisable to see a dermatologist or healthcare provider if you are experiencing significant hair loss or thinning. They can evaluate your condition, rule out other possible causes of hair loss, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs and concerns. Early intervention can help slow down the progression of hair loss and improve outcomes.
Female Hair Loss
Female hair loss is a multifaceted condition requiring a comprehensive approach for effective management. By combining medical treatment, procedural interventions, lifestyle changes, and psychological support, we can significantly improve the outcomes for women experiencing hair loss. Ongoing research and advancements in treatment options continue to provide hope for better management and potential cures in the future.
Dr. Moses Ng
To receive the best female hair loss treatment results, Dr.Ng offers a personalised treatment plan that is unique to your condition. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr.Ng.
Dr. Moses Ng is a distinguished professional in the field of aesthetic medicine, renowned for his expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures. With over 15 years of experience, extensive training and a keen eye for detail, Dr. Ng specializes in a wide range of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, and acne scar management.
Dr. Moses Ng’s commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach have earned him a reputation as a trusted clinician in aesthetic medicine. His continuous pursuit of the latest advancements in the field ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care and the most effective treatments available.
