The Need to Understand Various Patterns of Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is a phenomenon that is known to affect about 15-20 percent of the world’s female population but because the number of males suffering far exceed in terms of count, the hair loss resulting in women doesn’t get the kind of exposure it deserves. However millions of women do suffer from this problem and are tackling it through the use of hair loss tablets, hair loss shampoos, hair weaving and transplant. However understanding of the type of hair loss affecting you is key for future course of action. In this article, we enlist the various patterns of hair loss in women.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Similar to men, the most likely cause of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. However unlike the case of men where hair loss starts at the front of the scalp and slowly recedes backwards, women with androgenetic alopecia tend to have miniaturizing hairs of variable diameters over all affected areas of the scalp. Genetics have a key role to play in this type of hair loss but this effect can also be triggered by usage of birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, etc.

Alopecia Areata: It is caused from the immune system attacking the root of the hair follicles. It is one to be wary of because the symptoms can be sudden and include loss of patches of hair. This type of hair loss varies in its severity – from small, round patches of hair that re-grow without medical help to chronic extensive hair loss that can involve the loss of the all hair on the scalp or body. Treatment of this type of hair loss involves therapies such as glucocorticoids, anthralin or biologic-response modifiers such as Minoxidil. However despite treatment, most patients fail to re-grow 100% of the lost hair.

Anagen Effuvium: Diffuse hair loss refers to the thinning of hair which is not always even. These can result in severe thinning of hair in some hairs while the other areas remain full. It is primarily known to occur on the top of the head. It is commonly observed in people undergoing cancer treatments or can be the result of ingesting toxic substances.

Telogen Effluvium: This is a type of disorder in which handfuls of hair shed together. The causes may be hormonal, nutritional, drug associated or stress associated. However treatment can provide an effective cure.

Triangular alopecia: Triangular alopecia doesn’t strike at any fixed ages and can occur in childhood itself. The hair loss mostly occurs in the temple areas. The cause of triangular alopecia is unknown but the condition can be treated medically or surgically.

Thus if you are a women who is experiencing thinning or baldness, the first necessary step is in having the condition correctly diagnosed by a doctor dealing with hair treatment. After the diagnosis, the physician’s recommendations will help you to determine the next course of action.