Female Hair Loss and Transplant - Australian Institute of Hair Restoration
Content
Women Health Issues
THINGS THAT ALL WOMEN SHOULD KNOW
Causes of Female Hair Loss Effect of Hair Loss to Women
What is Women Hair Transplant?
What Is the Difference Between Hair Pattern Baldness in Men and Women?
Is there really a difference between the hair losses that occurs in men from that in women? Yes there are certain differences in how the condition progresses in both sexes and it displays itself in characteristics unique to each gender. Androgenetic alopecia is classified into two and this are named accordingly as Hair Patterned Baldness in men and Hair Patterned Baldness in women. They are differentiated as such because they have specific causes, presentations and treatments. One of the most evident differences in hair pattern baldness between men and women is that, the hair loss in males is concentrated on the front. This can be initially noticed by a receding hairline which in some instances halts at the crown and forms an "M", or it could progress into total baldness. Some may lose it near their temples or a bald spot is formed around the crown. For the women, they keep their hairline but there is apparent thinning near the crown of the head. It can also be more evident near the line where they divide their hair, but a significant and alarming increase of hairs uprooted while combing is also a common characteristic. There are also differences in causes for both sexes. Common causes for men are old age, smoking, over production of DHT (dihydroxytestosterone), lack of sleep, diabetes, high blood pressure and genetics. The women's hair patterned baldness can be attributed to menopause, lack of vitamins and minerals, low immunity, stress, skin disorders and decreased thyroid hormone levels. Women also experience a temporary hair loss and thinning during pregnancy triggered by hormonal changes. Psychological effects also vary between men and women. It is highly stressful for women to deal with this condition than in men, because society commonly dictates that women wear long and thick locks. Most women define their beauty on how they arrange and care for their hair.
Image source: http://hair-loss-prevention.info
It is highly stressful for women to deal with this condition than in men, because society commonly dictates that women wear long and thick locks.
The social stigma of balding also has a significant amount of psychological blow in men. The common perception that baldness is equated to aging can create an emotional stir in men. Those who are affected by the condition in their early 20's would be more affected especially when applying for a job or in dating. Hair loss presents itself and creates a stress unique for both male and female. Treatments are also available and can cater to the specific needs of both sexes. Women can take hormone replacement therapy, if the cause is hormonal. They can wear wigs or weaves to cover up the thinning areas. Topical and oral medications are also available; however in the case with men where genetics is a big player for the condition, some would opt for a good hair transplant. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a common and highly effective method in growing hairs back permanently. But the easiest way for men to cover up their baldness is through the use of toupees. There are differences of how the condition manifests itself for both males and females. These classifications are important because it can help in deciding the kind of treatment necessary
6 Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Hair loss is one of those conditions that pose a serious threat to the self-image of every person affected by it. But this problem is much harder in women since society dictates that long and bouncy locks is what is considered to be beautiful. Hair loss in women is caused by various factors from biological to environmental reasons, so let’s look at each closely to understand this phenomenon better.
Stress
Stress is something that is inevitable and every day they come in all forms and gravity. But when stress becomes too much to handle or becomes chronic, this is when it affects the body, in some women it affects the hair. This type of hair loss is more aptly known as Telogen Effluvium, and those women who have highly demanding jobs, or those juggling with a busy lifestyle are more prone to this condition. The best answer for this kind of hair loss is to find a way to manage the stressor, because if it remains to be in one’s life, it is less likely that hair loss will be resolved.
Thyroid Problems
When a woman experiences thyroid problems, specifically an underactive one (hypothyroidism), it is expected that she loses a good amount of hair. A decrease in thyroid hormones affects the delivery of oxygen and nutrients that enables your hair, nails and skin to grow. There are medications that can help restore a healthy thyroid function, and in effect answers hair loss problems.
Medications
It is expected that medications have accompanying side effects, and one of these is hair loss. Chemotherapeutic agents, antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs and antiarthritic medications can sometimes cause hair to fall excessively. Even hair loss medications themselves can have hair loss as one of its adverse reactions. So to avoid this from happening discuss this with your doctor so he can instruct you on proper intake or prescribe you with an alternative.
TYPE OF HAIR LOSS
Alopecia areata
Low Iron
Iron is one mineral that can be easily depleted in a woman’s system. This is because women lose it substantial amounts during their monthly period, since iron is a major component of blood. Iron stores are also used up when under stress or there is a lack of it in the diet. A doctor can order you for a blood check-up such as a complete blood count or a hemoglobin test to check for low iron stores. You can take iron supplements or increase your intake of dark green and leafy vegetables, legumes, and protein.
Telogen effluvium
Poor Hair Care
Women like to style, color, or put their hair into all kinds of treatment. Over time this can take a toll on those locks which eventually can cause them to brittle, dry out and eventually fall. Chemicals and even the way you tie your hair can also lead to hair loss. To avoid this, modify the way you style your hair and maybe cut back on the chemicals that you slather, let your hair breathe for some time.
Androgenetic alopecia
Genetics
Sometimes in unfortunate circumstances women are affected by hair loss genes which they acquire from either their mother or father’s side. This condition is what is called androgenetic alopecia. As much as this condition sounds fancy, it is a nightmare because this will be displayed by thinning on the hair line and most of the time it occurs over the entire head. Medications and hair pieces can be used to treat or conceal the problem.
Psychological Effects of Hair Loss in Women
Source: INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY As psychologically stressful as hair loss is for a man, it is likely to be even more so for a woman. A number of scientific studies have shown that women are more likely than men to suffer psychologically painful effects due to hair loss, and that the psychological effects are likely to be more severe in women than in men. Reasons for this difference have been documented in studies of women and men with hair loss who responded to validated questionnaires designed and administered by psychologists and physician investigators: Women more than men have a significant psychological investment in their appearance, and are likely to react more negatively to events such as hair loss that they regard as changing their appearance for the worse. Women are highly sensitive to a social expectation that "a woman’s hair is her crowning glory". When she perceives that hair loss detracts from the appearance of her "crowning glory" a woman is likely to experience a loss of self-esteem. Women who have hair loss often perceive that it is not taken seriously by family and friends. Women have less of a support system for hair loss than is available to men. Family and friends may commiserate with a man about hair loss and even help him find humor in it. Hair loss (balding) in typical male-pattern alopecia is an event that is accepted as "normal" in men. Hair loss in women is not widely regarded as "normal" even though it occurs normally in both sexes. The typically diffuse pattern of hair loss in women is not as well recognized as typical male-pattern baldness. The psychological effect of hair loss in women is underappreciated, perhaps due in large measure to lack of public awareness of hair loss in women. The response of women to investigators questions show that women are often devastated by loss of hair in any degree from slight to severe: "I think about my hair loss all the time." "I wish I had more hair." "I worry about losing even more hair." "I feel frustrated and helpless about my hair loss." "I feel self-conscious about my looks due to hair loss." "I worry about how my hair loss will affect my career/marriage/dating/sexual activity." "I worry that I am unattractive." Men can often cope with hair loss better than women. Women are more likely than men to: • Try to hide hair loss • Discuss hair loss with a hair stylist • Try to develop a hair style that disguises hair loss • Spend more time on other aspects of physical appearance to divert attention from hair loss Even slight hair loss may be psychologically unsettling for a woman. With whom should she discuss her concern? Consultation with a board-certified dermatologist may be the most effective way to (1) discover the cause of hair loss, (2) learn the treatment options that are available based on the diagnosis of the cause of hair loss, (3) weigh treatment options based on discussion of procedures, costs and any other concerns, and (4) undertake a treatment program agreed upon after full discussion. After consultation with a dermatologist, a woman with hair loss might then choose to meet with a physician hair restoration specialist to determine if she is a candidate for surgical hair restoration. Often the combination of surgical hair restoration and medical treatments provides the most satisfying result.
A number of scientific studies have shown that women are more likely than men to suffer psychologically painful effects due to hair loss, and that the psychological effects are likely to be more severe in women than in men.
Unless a woman mentions it as a concern, hair loss may not be discussed by a woman’s personal internist or gynecologist as part of a regularly scheduled physical examination. Thinning hair may be regarded as a "normal" phenomenon associated with conditions such as pregnancy or aging. However, a woman’s hair loss should never be overlooked, disregarded or underestimated. Hair loss should be recognized for the impact it has on a woman’s self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. The cause of hair loss should be investigated with appropriate physical examination and laboratory tests until a diagnosis is confirmed. No treatment of hair loss should be undertaken until a diagnosis is made. Hair loss due to the most common causes, such as hereditary female-pattern alopecia, can be often effectively treated with hair transplantation or with minoxidil, the only hair restoration medication available to treat women with hair loss. Other causes may require the care of a qualified dermatologist who has special knowledge of hair loss diseases such as alopecia areata or lichen planopilaris. In some cases an underlying cause such as hypothyroidism must be treated as part of overall effective treatment. Fortunately, most cases of female pattern hair loss may be treated with a combination of minoxidil and surgery.
Women’s Hair Loss and Hair Restoration
Since hair restoration surgery is a good option for nearly 90% of the balding men in the country, women think they will also make good candidates, but this is usually not the case. Very few women have the type of hair loss that makes them good candidates. Most women have diffuse hair loss instead, an overall thinning in all areas of the head, including the sides and back, which are the areas that act as donor sites in men. It is from these sites that the hair is removed for hair transplantation to other areas of the head. In men, the donor sites are called stable sites, which means that the hair and follicles in those areas are not affected by the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that shrinks follicles elsewhere on the head. This is the situation in those with androgenetic alopecia, or what's commonly called male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness, however, these donor areas are usually unstable. They are thinning, just like the other areas of the head. The donor areas in women are affected by follicle-killing DHT. That means that if you remove hair and accompanying follicles from these donor areas in women and transplants them to other areas; it's just going to fall out. Any doctor who would attempt to transplant hair from an unstable donor site is potentially unethical and may just be trying to take economic advantage of the patient.
Which Women Are Good Candidates for Hair Transplant?
According to experts a very small percentage of women are candidates for hair transplant surgery. About 2% to 5% of women with hair loss will benefit from this type of procedure. They are: Women who have suffered hair loss due to mechanical or traction alopecia (nonhormonal). Women who have had previous cosmetic or plastic surgery and are concerned about hair loss around the incision sites. Women who have a distinct pattern of baldness, similar to that of male pattern baldness. This includes hairline recession, vertex thinning (on the crown or top of the scalp), and a donor area that is not affected by androgenetic alopecia. Women who suffer hair loss due to trauma, including burn victims, scarring from accidents, and chemical burns. Women with alopecia marginalis, a condition that looks very similar to traction alopecia.
ABOUT US
The Australian Institute for Hair Restoration (AIHR) continues to strive for quality service as they put importance on close communication with their patients. The success of the company has been led by the renowned hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Andrew Kim along with his team of highly trained and experienced hair technicians. They underline the importance of a clear and precise discussion of what the patient wants and needs to come up with a common idea of the desired outcome. They operate in various locations in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Specialties
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Technique, Eyebrow Hair Transplant
THINGS THAT ALL WOMEN SHOULD KNOW
Causes of Female Hair Loss Effect of Hair Loss to Women
What is Women Hair Transplant?
What Is the Difference Between Hair Pattern Baldness in Men and Women?
Is there really a difference between the hair losses that occurs in men from that in women? Yes there are certain differences in how the condition progresses in both sexes and it displays itself in characteristics unique to each gender. Androgenetic alopecia is classified into two and this are named accordingly as Hair Patterned Baldness in men and Hair Patterned Baldness in women. They are differentiated as such because they have specific causes, presentations and treatments. One of the most evident differences in hair pattern baldness between men and women is that, the hair loss in males is concentrated on the front. This can be initially noticed by a receding hairline which in some instances halts at the crown and forms an "M", or it could progress into total baldness. Some may lose it near their temples or a bald spot is formed around the crown. For the women, they keep their hairline but there is apparent thinning near the crown of the head. It can also be more evident near the line where they divide their hair, but a significant and alarming increase of hairs uprooted while combing is also a common characteristic. There are also differences in causes for both sexes. Common causes for men are old age, smoking, over production of DHT (dihydroxytestosterone), lack of sleep, diabetes, high blood pressure and genetics. The women's hair patterned baldness can be attributed to menopause, lack of vitamins and minerals, low immunity, stress, skin disorders and decreased thyroid hormone levels. Women also experience a temporary hair loss and thinning during pregnancy triggered by hormonal changes. Psychological effects also vary between men and women. It is highly stressful for women to deal with this condition than in men, because society commonly dictates that women wear long and thick locks. Most women define their beauty on how they arrange and care for their hair.
Image source: http://hair-loss-prevention.info
It is highly stressful for women to deal with this condition than in men, because society commonly dictates that women wear long and thick locks.
The social stigma of balding also has a significant amount of psychological blow in men. The common perception that baldness is equated to aging can create an emotional stir in men. Those who are affected by the condition in their early 20's would be more affected especially when applying for a job or in dating. Hair loss presents itself and creates a stress unique for both male and female. Treatments are also available and can cater to the specific needs of both sexes. Women can take hormone replacement therapy, if the cause is hormonal. They can wear wigs or weaves to cover up the thinning areas. Topical and oral medications are also available; however in the case with men where genetics is a big player for the condition, some would opt for a good hair transplant. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a common and highly effective method in growing hairs back permanently. But the easiest way for men to cover up their baldness is through the use of toupees. There are differences of how the condition manifests itself for both males and females. These classifications are important because it can help in deciding the kind of treatment necessary
6 Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Hair loss is one of those conditions that pose a serious threat to the self-image of every person affected by it. But this problem is much harder in women since society dictates that long and bouncy locks is what is considered to be beautiful. Hair loss in women is caused by various factors from biological to environmental reasons, so let’s look at each closely to understand this phenomenon better.
Stress
Stress is something that is inevitable and every day they come in all forms and gravity. But when stress becomes too much to handle or becomes chronic, this is when it affects the body, in some women it affects the hair. This type of hair loss is more aptly known as Telogen Effluvium, and those women who have highly demanding jobs, or those juggling with a busy lifestyle are more prone to this condition. The best answer for this kind of hair loss is to find a way to manage the stressor, because if it remains to be in one’s life, it is less likely that hair loss will be resolved.
Thyroid Problems
When a woman experiences thyroid problems, specifically an underactive one (hypothyroidism), it is expected that she loses a good amount of hair. A decrease in thyroid hormones affects the delivery of oxygen and nutrients that enables your hair, nails and skin to grow. There are medications that can help restore a healthy thyroid function, and in effect answers hair loss problems.
Medications
It is expected that medications have accompanying side effects, and one of these is hair loss. Chemotherapeutic agents, antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs and antiarthritic medications can sometimes cause hair to fall excessively. Even hair loss medications themselves can have hair loss as one of its adverse reactions. So to avoid this from happening discuss this with your doctor so he can instruct you on proper intake or prescribe you with an alternative.
TYPE OF HAIR LOSS
Alopecia areata
Low Iron
Iron is one mineral that can be easily depleted in a woman’s system. This is because women lose it substantial amounts during their monthly period, since iron is a major component of blood. Iron stores are also used up when under stress or there is a lack of it in the diet. A doctor can order you for a blood check-up such as a complete blood count or a hemoglobin test to check for low iron stores. You can take iron supplements or increase your intake of dark green and leafy vegetables, legumes, and protein.
Telogen effluvium
Poor Hair Care
Women like to style, color, or put their hair into all kinds of treatment. Over time this can take a toll on those locks which eventually can cause them to brittle, dry out and eventually fall. Chemicals and even the way you tie your hair can also lead to hair loss. To avoid this, modify the way you style your hair and maybe cut back on the chemicals that you slather, let your hair breathe for some time.
Androgenetic alopecia
Genetics
Sometimes in unfortunate circumstances women are affected by hair loss genes which they acquire from either their mother or father’s side. This condition is what is called androgenetic alopecia. As much as this condition sounds fancy, it is a nightmare because this will be displayed by thinning on the hair line and most of the time it occurs over the entire head. Medications and hair pieces can be used to treat or conceal the problem.
Psychological Effects of Hair Loss in Women
Source: INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY As psychologically stressful as hair loss is for a man, it is likely to be even more so for a woman. A number of scientific studies have shown that women are more likely than men to suffer psychologically painful effects due to hair loss, and that the psychological effects are likely to be more severe in women than in men. Reasons for this difference have been documented in studies of women and men with hair loss who responded to validated questionnaires designed and administered by psychologists and physician investigators: Women more than men have a significant psychological investment in their appearance, and are likely to react more negatively to events such as hair loss that they regard as changing their appearance for the worse. Women are highly sensitive to a social expectation that "a woman’s hair is her crowning glory". When she perceives that hair loss detracts from the appearance of her "crowning glory" a woman is likely to experience a loss of self-esteem. Women who have hair loss often perceive that it is not taken seriously by family and friends. Women have less of a support system for hair loss than is available to men. Family and friends may commiserate with a man about hair loss and even help him find humor in it. Hair loss (balding) in typical male-pattern alopecia is an event that is accepted as "normal" in men. Hair loss in women is not widely regarded as "normal" even though it occurs normally in both sexes. The typically diffuse pattern of hair loss in women is not as well recognized as typical male-pattern baldness. The psychological effect of hair loss in women is underappreciated, perhaps due in large measure to lack of public awareness of hair loss in women. The response of women to investigators questions show that women are often devastated by loss of hair in any degree from slight to severe: "I think about my hair loss all the time." "I wish I had more hair." "I worry about losing even more hair." "I feel frustrated and helpless about my hair loss." "I feel self-conscious about my looks due to hair loss." "I worry about how my hair loss will affect my career/marriage/dating/sexual activity." "I worry that I am unattractive." Men can often cope with hair loss better than women. Women are more likely than men to: • Try to hide hair loss • Discuss hair loss with a hair stylist • Try to develop a hair style that disguises hair loss • Spend more time on other aspects of physical appearance to divert attention from hair loss Even slight hair loss may be psychologically unsettling for a woman. With whom should she discuss her concern? Consultation with a board-certified dermatologist may be the most effective way to (1) discover the cause of hair loss, (2) learn the treatment options that are available based on the diagnosis of the cause of hair loss, (3) weigh treatment options based on discussion of procedures, costs and any other concerns, and (4) undertake a treatment program agreed upon after full discussion. After consultation with a dermatologist, a woman with hair loss might then choose to meet with a physician hair restoration specialist to determine if she is a candidate for surgical hair restoration. Often the combination of surgical hair restoration and medical treatments provides the most satisfying result.
A number of scientific studies have shown that women are more likely than men to suffer psychologically painful effects due to hair loss, and that the psychological effects are likely to be more severe in women than in men.
Unless a woman mentions it as a concern, hair loss may not be discussed by a woman’s personal internist or gynecologist as part of a regularly scheduled physical examination. Thinning hair may be regarded as a "normal" phenomenon associated with conditions such as pregnancy or aging. However, a woman’s hair loss should never be overlooked, disregarded or underestimated. Hair loss should be recognized for the impact it has on a woman’s self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. The cause of hair loss should be investigated with appropriate physical examination and laboratory tests until a diagnosis is confirmed. No treatment of hair loss should be undertaken until a diagnosis is made. Hair loss due to the most common causes, such as hereditary female-pattern alopecia, can be often effectively treated with hair transplantation or with minoxidil, the only hair restoration medication available to treat women with hair loss. Other causes may require the care of a qualified dermatologist who has special knowledge of hair loss diseases such as alopecia areata or lichen planopilaris. In some cases an underlying cause such as hypothyroidism must be treated as part of overall effective treatment. Fortunately, most cases of female pattern hair loss may be treated with a combination of minoxidil and surgery.
Women’s Hair Loss and Hair Restoration
Since hair restoration surgery is a good option for nearly 90% of the balding men in the country, women think they will also make good candidates, but this is usually not the case. Very few women have the type of hair loss that makes them good candidates. Most women have diffuse hair loss instead, an overall thinning in all areas of the head, including the sides and back, which are the areas that act as donor sites in men. It is from these sites that the hair is removed for hair transplantation to other areas of the head. In men, the donor sites are called stable sites, which means that the hair and follicles in those areas are not affected by the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that shrinks follicles elsewhere on the head. This is the situation in those with androgenetic alopecia, or what's commonly called male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness, however, these donor areas are usually unstable. They are thinning, just like the other areas of the head. The donor areas in women are affected by follicle-killing DHT. That means that if you remove hair and accompanying follicles from these donor areas in women and transplants them to other areas; it's just going to fall out. Any doctor who would attempt to transplant hair from an unstable donor site is potentially unethical and may just be trying to take economic advantage of the patient.
Which Women Are Good Candidates for Hair Transplant?
According to experts a very small percentage of women are candidates for hair transplant surgery. About 2% to 5% of women with hair loss will benefit from this type of procedure. They are: Women who have suffered hair loss due to mechanical or traction alopecia (nonhormonal). Women who have had previous cosmetic or plastic surgery and are concerned about hair loss around the incision sites. Women who have a distinct pattern of baldness, similar to that of male pattern baldness. This includes hairline recession, vertex thinning (on the crown or top of the scalp), and a donor area that is not affected by androgenetic alopecia. Women who suffer hair loss due to trauma, including burn victims, scarring from accidents, and chemical burns. Women with alopecia marginalis, a condition that looks very similar to traction alopecia.
ABOUT US
The Australian Institute for Hair Restoration (AIHR) continues to strive for quality service as they put importance on close communication with their patients. The success of the company has been led by the renowned hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Andrew Kim along with his team of highly trained and experienced hair technicians. They underline the importance of a clear and precise discussion of what the patient wants and needs to come up with a common idea of the desired outcome. They operate in various locations in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Specialties
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Technique, Eyebrow Hair Transplant
