Androgenetic alopecia is most often seen in men however a large proportion of women will also suffer from the condition. Approximately 1 in 5 women will experience hair loss as a result of their genetic make-up.
The average woman will lose about 100 hairs a day. This is perfectly normal and will not create any noticeable difference. Female pattern hair loss occurs when an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase converts a woman's testosterone into a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone is very powerful and will inhibit the hair follicles by slowing down growth of new hair and eventually blocking all growth. This is when bald patches will appear. Once the condition has got this far, it is irreversible.
The pattern of genetic hair loss in women is different to that of male pattern baldness. Men will typically see a receding hairline, losing hair on the top of the head first. Women will usually experience 'diffused thinning' generally throughout the top of the head.
The condition will usually begin in the 30s although some women will see signs in their 20s. The thinning most often becomes noticeable around the age of 40 and the menopause can make the hair loss more obvious. By the age of 50, 50% of women will suffer from female pattern hair loss or other conditions such as telogen effluvium or diffuse thinning.
If a woman notices thinning hair, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor or hair specialist. While some GPs have good knowledge of how to treat hair loss, others are limited in what they know, so it always worth seeing a hair specialist.
There is only one treatment that has been proven to work for tackling hair loss in women. Minoxidil was first licensed in 1988 by the FDA. Originally the drug was prescribed to treat high blood pressure however users were more impressed by the hair growth they experienced as a result of taking the medication.
Minoxidil can be prepared in various strengths and can be combined with hair growth boosters to create an individualized treatment programme. Again, it is best to get expert advice to see optimum results as quickly as possible.
As will male pattern baldness, the earlier that female pattern hair loss is treated, the better the chances of seeing good re-growth. Always research any company you choose to visit for treatment. Ask questions so you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment. Reputable companies will have genuine 'before' and 'after' photos of their clients you can view as well as client recommendations.
Hair LossSophie is one of the Belgravia Hair Loss Blog's expert authors. The Belgravia Centre is a hair loss clinic and pharmacy in the UK and home to one of the world's leading hair loss websites and blogs - http://www.belgraviacentre.com/.