When it comes to hair loss, the first thing that comes to mind may be a middle-aged man’s “Mediterranean” hairstyle, but in fact, many women are also troubled by hair loss.

According to a domestic epidemiological survey, the proportion of androgenetic alopecia occurring in men is 21.3%, while the proportion in women is 6%. Although it is much lower than that in men, the 6% proportion is not low.

Which women should worry about hair loss?

The proportion of female pattern baldness is obviously different depending on the age. For example, in that survey, the proportion of female pattern baldness among those aged 18-29 was 1.3%, and the proportion among those over 70 years old reached 11.8%. In addition, surveys show that 19.2% of female pattern hair loss people have a family history.

Therefore, the older you get, the more likely women with a family history of hair loss will be troubled by hair loss.

Why do women lose hair? Is it related to endocrine disorders?

Although a small number of women develop female pattern hair loss secondary to excessive androgens due to polycystic ovary syndrome or other diseases, the androgen levels of most primary female pattern hair loss are normal, but it may Due to genetic factors, some women have relatively higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (which does not mean exceeding the normal level), which promotes hair follicle atrophy and causes hair loss.

If hair loss is the only symptom, there is generally no need for routine androgen level testing. If in addition to hair loss, you also experience hirsutism, irregular menstruation, recurring acne on the face, and darkening of the skin folds, you may consider testing for androgen levels. Hormone levels.

Is hair loss female pattern baldness?

Not necessarily. Other scalp problems may also cause hair loss. For example, hair loss is accompanied by scalp erythema and scaling, or multiple circular alopecias occur. In this case, inflammation-related hair loss or alopecia areata should be considered. Or recent acute or chronic major illness, surgery, childbirth, weight loss, emotional trauma and other factors may lead to acute telogen effluvium. Hair loss caused by these reasons can slowly recover after the cause is eliminated.

Will female hair loss also lead to Mediterranean hair loss?

Don’t worry about this. When female pattern hair loss begins, the hair on the forehead usually becomes thinner, and then the hair begins to gradually decrease along the midline where the hair is parted. The result is a visibly thinner ponytail, or a scalp that is exposed when the head is lowered, but without a “Mediterranean” look.

How to treat female pattern hair loss?

If you are suffering from hair loss, is there any way to make your hair grow back? This may be the issue that everyone is most concerned about. The answer is yes, but treatment is a long process. There are not many effective drugs, and they are not 100% effective.

Topical minoxidil is generally recommended as the first-line treatment option, but it usually requires continuous topical use for more than one year to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Minoxidil is available in 2% and 5% concentrations, in solutions and foams. During the consultation, the doctor will choose different concentrations and dosage forms according to the situation.

There are also some other treatments that mainly target antagonistic androgens, such as oral spironolactone, finasteride, etc. Although finasteride is currently the drug of choice for the treatment of male pattern hair loss, data on the treatment of female hair loss are still limited, and its efficacy is not completely certain. It will only be considered when topical minoxidil is ineffective.

In terms of effects, generally speaking, the shorter the duration of hair loss, the smaller the area of hair loss, and the lighter the degree of shrinkage of the affected hair follicles, the better the response to treatment may be. I have been losing my hair for many years, but without intervention, the treatment may not be very effective.

Therefore, if hair loss occurs, it is necessary to see a doctor for evaluation as soon as possible and intervene as soon as possible if necessary.