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Hair loss in women increases with age
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(AP Photo/Andre Penner)
You’ve heard of male pattern baldness, but did you know that 50% of all women experience significant hair loss by the time they reach 50? According to one study, major hair loss increased to 75% for women over age 65.
While harsh chemical treatments like bleaching and perms can contribute to hair loss in women, factors such as stress, poor nutrition, heredity, medical conditions, and chemotherapy are more common factors that cause the hair to fall out, and in some cases, permanently.
So if you’ve noticed more hair in the drain after shampooing, or some extra strands of hair in your brush, don't panic. Not all hair loss is permanent. However, female pattern baldness is permanent, and is more prevalent in women as they age.
Here's what you need to know about female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), which is the most common type of hair loss from the scalp:
- Nearly all cases of head-only hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, which is when hair follicles become sensitive to the hormone androgen.
- Androgenetic alopecia tends to be heredity and can come from either side of the family. However, approximately 12% of women who get it have no trace of androgenetic alopecia in their genetic history.
- Alopecia means baldness, although women do not usually go bald to the extent that men with male pattern baldness do. Women typically experience a gradual thinning of their hair instead, either on top or all over their head.
- Hair loss from androgenetic alopecia is permanent, and the thinning continues with the aging process.
If you're not sure whether your hair loss is temporary or permanent, ask your physician who can refer you to a dermatologist. You can also find a dermatologist in your area who specializes in treating diseases of the skin and hair by visiting the American Academy of Dermatology Web site. Click on "Find a Dermatologist" to search by state, city, area code, zip code, or last name.
In the meantime, don't be afraid to wash your hair if you're experiencing hair loss, but do avoid excessive brushing and teasing, both of which can cause additional thinning of the hair. You can also perm or color your hear, but avoid hair extensions or weaves, which put too much pressure on the hair, making it break. Go for hair styles with layers to make your hair look fuller.
There is also such a thing as temporary hair loss due to pregnancy, childbirth, or birth control pills, all of which alter hormone levels; thus, creating temporary hair loss for a period ranging from a month to six months, at which time hormones return to their normal state. If you experience hair loss due to any of these factors, talk to your gynecologist. Likewise, hair loss from cancer treatment can also cause temporary hair loss or baldness, but in nearly all cases, the hair grows back once the chemotherapy stops.
In the meantime, don't be afraid to wash your hair if you're experiencing hair loss, but do avoid excessive brushing and teasing, both of which can cause additional thinning of the hair. You can also perm or color your hear, but avoid hair extensions or weaves, which put too much pressure on the hair, making it break. Go for hair styles with layers to make your hair look fuller.
There is also such a thing as temporary hair loss due to pregnancy, childbirth, or birth control pills, all of which alter hormone levels; thus, creating temporary hair loss for a period ranging from a month to six months, at which time hormones return to their normal state. If you experience hair loss due to any of these factors, talk to your gynecologist. Likewise, hair loss from cancer treatment can also cause temporary hair loss or baldness, but in nearly all cases, the hair grows back once the chemotherapy stops.
For more info: Check out https://www.google.com/health/ref/Female+pattern+baldness.
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