Female hair loss is an uncomfortable problem

Hair loss can cause a lot of distress for women. Female-pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a hereditary problem which can be treated.

Why does hair grow thin?

Hair falls out in chunks and the drain is full of hair. Hair loss can occur due to hormonal changes, quick weight loss, anemia, stress, infections, many illnesses and hypothyroidism. Certain scalp problems such as seborrheic dermatitis can also affect hair loss. The hereditary female-pattern hair loss or balding can however be perceived as hair growing slowly thinner, not as chunks of hair in the drain.

How does female hair loss differ from other types of hair loss?

Men get bald spots for example on their temples but women rarely go completely bald. Hair grows thinner slowly. Women’s hairline doesn’t recede but scalp can be seen through hair. Hair loss caused by for example stress can make a lot of hair fall out from different areas but in this case the hair will also grow back. In alopecia areata (spot baldness) hair falls out from some areas of the head resulting in bald spots.

Balding can be inherited from both parents. However, even if the mother’s hair has grown thin the daughter could still have a strong hair. The thickness of the hair doesn’t play a role in hair loss. On a person with naturally thin hair the hair loss can just be seen more visibly.

Is hair loss treatable?

If you suffer from hair loss, the sooner you start treatment, the more effective it will be. It is possible to strengthen hair which is growing thinner with treatments but it is impossible to make the hair regrow from dead hair follicles. Minoxidil applied onto scalp or spironolactone eaten as tablets can be used as medicine. Medicine is usually effective but it has its own side effects. Minoxidil is expensive and it needs to be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles, whereas tablets are not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You can also try supplements which include for example biotin (vitamin B7) and zinc which help to maintain normal hair growth. Evonia® provides products for different problems related to hair growth, such as hair loss. The product line has been developed in cooperation with the experts of the Finnish HairAcademy which researches hair loss and scalp problems. For example Evonia Hair Booster has been developed to specifically prevent hair loss.

Read also our previous blog post about the Evonia product line.