Androgenetic alopecia is in women most common type of hair loss, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent's side of the family.
Besides genetic hormonal imbalancse that may be responsible for androgenetic alopecia, most cases of androgenetic alopecia in women are idiopathic in nature, i.e, there is no detectable hormone imbalance causing the onset of hair loss and blood tests show nothing out of the ordinary. Because of this, some dermatologists are very reluctant to treat androgenetic alopecia with hormone based treatments. They may regard such treatments as beyond their "domain" and more endocrinological than dermatological. This attitude is not helpful for those seeking treatment.
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female androgenetic alopecia. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.
Using hormone therapies to prevent and treat hair loss caused by female balding. There are Systemic Antiandrogen Treatments or hormone supplements available for women, but they are not generally suitable for men to use because of severe side effects.
It is estimated that up to 45% of women suffer considerable hair loss after the birth of a baby, although hair may not fall out till three months later. A small number of woman suffer severe or even complete hair lose after pregnancy. The reason for this is hormonal. When a woman is pregnant the levels of the hormone progesterone are unusually high and this has the effect of forcing hair into the resting phase prematurely. After pregnancy when hormone level's re-balance, new hair begins to grow and eventually pushes the resting hair out. When the hair begins to fall it is usually a good sign that new growth is on the way. However the fall can last up to six months and few women find their hair never regains its former luxurious thickness. All you can do is eat a well-balanced diet to ensure that the hair has all it needs for healthy growth and treat it with care.
Besides conventional hormone replacement therapy androgenetic alopecia, there are many Natural Herbal Supplements which can be tried. There are herbal supplements which are available which are particularly helpful as Herbal Remedies for Women. These herbal hair loss treatments are often antiandrogenic in nature or they are similar to estrogens which counteract the effects of androgen hormones.
Many factors must be considered in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Probably the best option for women with androgenetic alopecia Ludwig stage I and II is minoxidil 2-5% solution, the drug is used alone or as a combination therapy for Female Hair Loss Restoration. If it is not effective after 1 year, Antiandrogens can be tried as a systemic treatment, but some dermatologists claim they are usually not very efficacious and can have considerable adverse effects. For unresponsive patients, a Hair Transplantation can be offered if the occipital donor area is sufficient. Another alternative for these patients is a hairpiece as they can give excellent results. In some cases a partial hairpiece may also tried.
