Hair Loss in Women
RESTORE FULLER, HEALTHIER HAIR FOR WOMEN IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA, AND HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ

Hair Loss in Women: What Is Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)?

Also known as androgenic alopecia, female pattern hair loss or baldness is less common than male pattern baldness but is far more prevalent than many people may realize. An estimated one third of all women will experience this form of alopecia at some point in life. There is a genetic component to this type of hair loss in women as well, but—unlike the male counterpart—it does not progress in a typically predictable pattern. Instead, hair loss in women tends to impact the entire scalp.

What Are Some Other Causes of Hair Loss in Women?

In most cases of male pattern baldness, the condition can be linked to a family history of the condition as opposed to hair loss in women, which can be triggered by a variety of circumstances and conditions.

Non-Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Other possible causes of hair loss in women aside from AGA are:

• Illnesses, such as viral and bacterial infections, and damage caused by fungus that can result in hair loss in women.
• Trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder that causes the sufferer to pull out her hair, leading to hair loss in women.
• Loose-anagen syndrome, a condition commonly affecting fair-haired individuals, in which growing hair is easily and painlessly pulled from the scalp when brushing or handling the hair.
• Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease resulting in baldness of the scalp and hair loss in women on other areas of the body.
• Scarring alopecia – hair loss in women that results from trauma, such as injuries or surgical scars.

Causes of Temporary Hair Loss in Women

Much like male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss can be either lasting or temporary. Hair loss in women may occur when a woman’s hair thins or completely falls out due to certain medications, hormonal changes, or stress, and can completely regrow within a few months. Thyroid problems and pregnancy are the two most common causes of temporary hair loss in women due to hormonal changes. Even if you suspect your hair loss is temporary, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Buinewicz will help you determine a proper diagnosis and find solutions to minimize further hair loss.

Medical Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss experienced by female patients can be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as:

• Stress-related disorders, including anxiety, post-partum depression, and menopause.
• Connective tissue disorders, such as Lupus.
• Certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer.
• Iron deficiency and low iron levels, like those seen in people who suffer from anemia.
• Thyroid disease and dysfunction.
• Poor nutrition due to eating disorders and other unhealthy eating practices.

Drug-Induced Hair Loss in Women

Non-Illicit and illicit drugs can cause temporary and lasting hair loss in women. As an authority on female pattern hair loss and other categories of women’s hair loss, Dr. Buinewicz can pinpoint certain medications that may be causing hair loss in women, such as:

• Illegal drugs.
• Weight loss pills or injections.
• Birth control pills, especially those with high concentrations of the hormone progestin, which can shrink and damage the hair follicle.
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and medications prescribed for conditions such as gout, seizures, thyroid dysfunction, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Prednisone.

How Is Androgenic Alopecia Classified in Women?

Unlike men, women who suffer from the condition tend to lose hair all over the scalp and not just in specific areas, and as a result of this distinction, Dr. Bulnewicz uses the Ludwig female baldness classification system to diagnose hair loss in women. This system categorizes this type of hair loss in women into one of three types or levels. They are as follows:

Type I

This early stage of androgenic alopecia is marked by thinning hair on the crown of the head. The hair loss may be subtle and easily hidden by certain styling techniques.

Type II

Noticeable thinning of about 50 percent of the crown’s hair indicates Type II androgenic alopecia.

Type III

Type III is indicated by a bald crown visibly revealing the scalp due to significant hair loss.Women who suffer from Type II and Type III hair loss are usually good candidates for hair restoration surgery, provided they have enough donor hair from the sides and nape of the scalp.

Women who suffer from Type II and Type III hair loss are usually good candidates for hair restoration surgery, provided they have enough donor hair from the sides and nape of the scalp.

Emotional Consequences of Hair Loss in Women

Baldness and thinning of the hair are more emotionally and psychologically devastating for women than men because hair loss in men is fairly common in society. Hair loss in women from female pattern baldness or other causes can negatively impact a woman’s self-esteem and feelings of attractiveness because society deems women unattractive and less feminine when they suffer from balding and thinning of the hair.

Dr. Buinewicz understands the social and psychological impact of female pattern hair loss and other causes of hair loss in women, which is why he specializes in treating them. With his professional expertise and compassion combined, Dr. Buinewicz will find the right solution for your condition, so you no longer have to suffer in silence.

What Treatments Are Available for Androgenic Alopecia and Other Forms of Hair Loss in Women?

There are several surgical and non-surgical treatment options available to address hair loss in women. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, along with topical and oral medications such as Minoxidil (Rogaine), other topical treatments, mild shampoos and conditioners, and various forms of light therapy such as LED devices can encourage hair growth. Dr. Buinewicz will work with you to determine the cause of your thinning hair and suggest treatment options for hair loss.

A surgical hair transplant with NeoGraft^® technology can be an effective hair restoration solution for women who are experiencing androgenic alopecia. It involves moving hair from a thicker area of hair to a thinning or bald area on the scalp with the goal of providing subtle and natural-looking results.

How Much Do Treatments for Hair Loss in Women Cost in Bucks County, PA?

Dr. Buinewicz is the founder of Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, where he specializes in solutions for hair loss in women. Hair restoration is an ideal treatment option for addressing hair loss in women. Following your consultation with Dr. Buinewicz, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of the cost of your hair restoration surgery and any complementary procedures. Cash, personal checks, and major credit cards are acceptable forms of payment, and we also offer financing to make this treatment as affordable as possible for our patients.

Beyond Women’s Hair Loss Treatments: Which Other Procedures Are Available?

Are you seeking advice about treating hair loss? Women who are interested in hair restoration procedures may also have other cosmetic concerns they would like to address or areas of the body they are hoping to enhance. Breast augmentation can enhance the volume, size, and shape of the breasts for women who would like to increase their bust size or restore volume that has been lost due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.

A Mommy Makeover is a customizable procedure that combines a variety of cosmetic procedures such as breast surgeries, tummy tucks, and non-surgical body contouring options to address physical changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Though these surgeries are typically performed in the same operation, other procedures such liposuction and labiaplastycan also be added on in separate stages, if desired. Vaginal rejuvenation has many benefits for women of all ages such as improving confidence and comfort.

Although scalp hair loss in women is a common concern that many hope to address, some patients may also experience the opposite type of concern – unwanted hair on other areas of the body. Laser hair removal is an option to consider if you are searching for an alternative to tweezing, shaving, and waxing to remove unwanted body hair.