Womens hair loss poses some different challenges that hair loss in men. Most of the work that has been done on hair loss treatments has been focused on getting hair to grow on a mans head instead of a womans. It has only recently been that women had any options other than a wig.
A wig does a good job of covering up the hair loss but it is not practical for an active woman. Wigs tend to fall off when the woman moves around too much. Women today want to be able to ride their Harley, ski the back country, and go jet boating.
These physical activities have forced the medical establishment to look at hair loss treatments for women. Some of the old methods used by men can be applied to females and some can’t. With the high numbers of women looking for relief from hair loss a lot of research is being conducted into this problem.
The main cause of hair loss in both women and men is androgen alopecia or pattern baldness. This is caused by a build up of DHT at the blood supply for the hair follicles. This buildup slows down and eventually halts the transfer of nutrients to the follicle roots which eventually causes it to die. Treatment of this condition is necessary for control of hair loss.
DHT, dihydrotestosterone, is a metabolite of the hormone testosterone. Although this hormone is thought of as being male it is found in both men and women. One drug that is effective for this condition in men is Finasteride which is marketed as Propecia. This was originally developed as treatment for male urinary problems.
Unfortunately for most women, the potential side effect of birth defects makes it not suitable for females of child bearing age. Another FDA approved drug that can be used by women is Minoxidil which is marketed as Rogaine. This substance acts to enlarge the blood vessels and thus increase blood flow to the hair follicles
Hair implants are another procedure that were originally not applicable for women. Female pattern baldness is usually associated with thinning hair over the entire scalp. The standard hair implant process required an area of the scalp with good hair growth to be used as a donor area. Most women did not have this thick hair anywhere on their head so they couldnt use hair implantation surgery.
The solution to this problem is an implantation method known as Follicular Unit Extraction. With this procedure individual hair follicles can be removed from any area of the body with hair growth. These hairs can then be transplanted onto the scalp. Now it is possible for women with thinning hair to get hair implants to treat their pattern bald areas.
As more women look for ways to treat their hair loss the hair industry is taking note. Wigs are no longer the only option when it comes to female pattern baldness.
If you are interested in treating your hair loss then the Hair Implant Guide blog is a great resource. Find out all about hair transplants for women.
categories: hair loss women,hair implants for women,hair restoration for women,female hair loss,hair loss,hair implants,hair restoration,women issues,beauty,hair
You must log in to post a comment.