Contributing factors

Women experience thinning tresses or hair loss for many reasons, such as:

• Hormonal imbalance. Sex hormones called androgens — such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — are a common cause of hair loss. They attach to hair follicles and shrink them. Existing hair falls out, and new hair may grow in at a slower rate — or not at all. Follicles can even die from too much DHT, dermatologist Michael Reed, M.D., tells WebMD. Hair loss can also result from other hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. In some cases, hair loss is the only visible indication of the hormonal condition.

• Chemical and styling damage. Having your hair dyed, permed, straightened or relaxed contributes to hair loss. Braids, ponytails and tightly-pulled-back styles can also cause hair to break and fall out, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

• Medication. Some medications that treat “gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems and high blood pressure” may cause hair loss, according to Mayo Clinic. So can chemotherapy and steroid drugs.

• Medical problems. These can include diabetes, lupus and thyroid issues. Also, the autoimmune condition alopecia areata attacks hair follicles and leads to hair loss, explains Mayo Clinic.

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency. A deficiency in iron, essential fatty acids, vitamin B12 or zinc may contribute to hair loss, according to WebMD. Foods like eggs, meat, nuts, oils and broccoli are good sources of these nutrients. Also, consult your doctor about taking oral supplements, which may help hair loss. Biotin is especially crucial for re-growing hair. Dr. Reed advises a daily dose of three milligrams.

Hair growth phases

Normally, healthy hair has three growth phases:

• Growth or anagen phase. According to eMedicine, 85 to 90 percent of scalp hair is in a growth phase. A hair will generally stay in this phase for two or more years.

• Transitional or catagen phase. One or 2 percent of hair is in this phase, which generally lasts just a few weeks.

• Resting or telogen phase. Shedding typically occurs during this phase, which lasts for three months. Ten to 14 percent of hair is in this phase. This growth pattern ensures that the scalp is always covered by a healthy mane. After a hair falls out of a healthy follicle, a new hair begins growing in its place, and the cycle begins again. When the hair follicle suffers trauma or damage, however, this cycle can be disrupted, making hair appear thinner. Also, when a higher percentage of hair follicles are in the resting phase, hair may seem thinner.

Differences between men and women

These are several key differences in how men and women lose their hair. They include:

• Location. Men often lose hair around their temples and “the bald spot in the back,” dermatologist Ted Daly, M.D., tells WebMD. In contrast, women’s hair loss is more widespread over “the whole top of the head,” he notes.

• Age. Although men typically lose their hair as they get older, women can lose their hair at any age. In fact, hair loss can occur as early as 20 years old, typically because of a genetic predisposition, according to the AAD.

Treatments

There’s a growing need for hair loss treatments for women, but you do have various effective options. The sooner you seek treatment, the more effective it is. Here’s a selection of available treatments:

Oral

• Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, was first used for prostate conditions and then male hair loss. It may also help women’s hair loss by blocking certain hormones associated with hair loss. Research from the University of Bologna, published in the Archives of Dermatology, showed varying degrees of improvement in 23 women. The study involved 37 women with hair loss who took Propecia plus oral contraceptives. (Propecia is linked with birth defects, so the contraceptives were necessary to prevent pregnancy.) Special photo-analysis of the participants’ hair and scalps was performed. Note that the birth control pills may have played a role in reducing hair loss, too. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you shouldn’t take Propecia.

• Oral contraceptives reduce androgen production from the ovaries. As such, they’re used to treat androgenetic alopecia (a very common genetic type of hair loss). But some oral contraceptives contain high androgen levels, which can actually prompt hair loss. Be sure to talk to your doctor about an appropriate formula. Women who smoke, are over 35 or have health problems shouldn’t take oral contraceptives due to blood clot risks.

• Androgen blockers consist of many drugs from different categories. They’re often used for treating other conditions, like fluid retention or stomach ulcers. Some androgen blockers decrease androgen production; others prevent DHT “from binding the follicle receptor sites,” explains WebMD.

Topical

• Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, and is “the only drug approved for promoting hair growth in women,” notes Tracee Cornforth for About. This topical foam is available in 2 and 5 percent concentrations. Although women are advised to use the 2 percent concentration, studies show that the 5 percent concentration is better at preventing hair loss and re-growing new hair. Therefore, dermatologists prescribe the higher strength for women with severe hair loss.

• Ketoconazole treatments are generally prescribed for fungal infections, scalp problems or dandruff. However, because it lowers testosterone production, ketoconazole can also treat hair loss. The 1 percent formula is available over the counter, but the 2 percent formula may work better.

Product picks

Here are other products to tackle thinning tresses and hair loss:

• Bolster hair follicle health with shampoos and conditioners designed for hair growth. DS Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo features antioxidants and copper peptides to nurture existing hair plus encourage new growth.

• Address hair loss, promote new hair growth and add moisture with Korres Magnesium and Amino Acids Anti Hair Loss Toning Lotion.

• Strengthen weak strands from the inside out. Elon Matrix 5000 Complete for Hair incorporates minerals and vitamins to encourage hair growth. It contains biotin, silica and L-Cysteine.

See also:

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Skin Care in Your 40s

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