Female Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
Female Pattern Hair Loss, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in women. It is caused by a combination of hereditary and hormonal factors and is most common in women during or after the menopause.
If you notice that you are losing hair, we are here to help. Dr Singh, a Consultant Dermatologist and leading specialist in women’s hair loss, can offer highly effective treatments to manage your condition.
What are the symptoms of Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Although Female Pattern Hair Loss is often less dramatic than other conditions, we understand how it can still be very distressing. Your hair may gradually get thinner across the top of the head, particularly around the parting. You might also notice that your hair has become fine and brittle.
Unlike male pattern baldness, the hairline at the front of your scalp often remains normal, meaning you’re unlikely to lose all of your hair. Female Pattern Hair Loss can appear at any age, but it often begins when women are in their fifties and sixties, or if you have underlying hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a strong family history of hair loss.
What are the causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss often have a genetic predisposition to increased sensitivity to the male hormones (or androgens) in the body. The affected hair follicles shrink in size – resulting in smaller and finer strands of hair. The condition is often triggered by the hormonal fluctuations during menopause - in particular, the decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels.
Where Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the cause, hormone regulation is an important part of the treatment and can help prevent further hair loss.
How is Female Pattern Hair Loss diagnosed?
If you have noticed thinning on your scalp it is important to see a specialist. Dr Singh is a highly experienced Consultant Dermatologist and a renowned expert in women’s hair loss. Dr Singh will carry out a detailed examination of your hair and scalp and take a full medical history. Blood tests may be ordered to determine hormone levels and rule out other causes of hair loss. Female Pattern Hair Loss can usually be diagnosed after an initial consultation, depending on the pattern of hair loss and your individual medical history.
Can Female Pattern Hair Loss be treated?
Dr Singh has many years’ experience of successfully treating women with Female Pattern Hair Loss. There is no simple cure for the condition, but luckily there are highly effective treatments to prevent further hair loss and improve the density and volume of your hair. Female Pattern Hair Loss tends to progress gradually, sometime over many years, and it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. This will help prevent any further thinning or shedding and help restore some of the thickness and volume of your hair.
Hair loss can be a complex issue and Dr Singh is committed to an integrated approach. He works with several highly skilled specialists at the Medical Chambers, including a team of Consultant Gynaecologists, an Endocrinology specialist and a dedicated Clinical Psychologist. She can create a bespoke and holistic treatment plan, which may include hormone-regulating medication, highly effective topical treatments and psychological support.
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If you would like to find out more or make an appointment, please call us on 020 724 4200.