Many Women Face Female Pattern Baldness.
Hair Loss Isn't Limited To Men.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB) or Androgenetic Alopecia is a genetic condition that results in permanent hair loss.

As women, we are constantly bombarded with the message that our most important contribution to society is our appearance. We know this isn't true. But we also are keenly aware that how we feel about our emotional selves is intimately connected to how we feel about our physical selves. After all, whether we're riding a personal high or feeling down about ourselves, others certainly will take notice and how they respond to us serves to reinforce our own perception.

Testosterone in the scalp breaks down, creating Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicle to weaken and ultimately perish. The conversion from testosterone to DHT is driven by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is produced in the prostate, various adrenal glands, and in the scalp. Over time, the action of DHT causes the hair follicle to degrade and shortens the Anagen phase.

Though the follicle is technically still alive and connected to a good blood supply, it will grow smaller and smaller.  Some follicles will gradually die, but most will simply shrink to the size they were when you were born which produce weaker hairs.  With a steadily shorter growing cycle, more hairs are shed, the hairs becoming thinner and thinner until they are too fine to survive daily wear and tear.  Balding hair gradually changes from long, thick, coarse, pigmented hair into fine sprouts.

Female pattern baldness usually begins about age 30, becomes noticeable around age 40, and may be even more noticeable after menopause.  Female hair loss is usually an overall thinning rather than a bald area on top of the head, although women may have a receding hairline, too.  It's estimated that about 20 million American women experience such hair loss.

Women may experience some noticeable hair loss in the wake of a major hormonal change.  In most cases though, the condition does not become terribly advanced.  Post pregnancy hormone conditions can be a cause of this type of hair loss as can discontinuation of birth control pills, menopause and menstrual cycles.  In most cases though, the condition is temporary.  Many women discover that their hair will grow back to its former luster within a year.

Women can choose between three accepted forms of treatment.  First, you can apply topical lotions or take oral prescription drugs that have been licensed by the FDA.  Second, you can decide to have a surgical hair transplants done.  There are several surgical procedures to choose from and it is important to consult with a doctor before making a selection. The third option is to purchase a non-surgical hair replacement that covers or adds hair to the thinning portions of your head.

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