Thinning hair is one of the most distressing issues a woman can face in her lifetime. Normal hair loss is 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, it is not uncommon to lose 250 hairs on the days that hair is washed.
Abnormal hair loss is called alopecia and the most common cause of hair loss in women is called androgenetic alopecia, female-patterned hair loss. It is a form of thinning that occurs primarily on the front and middle sections of the scalp, but can occur over the entire scalp. Fifty percent of women are likely to experience this hereditary hair loss, most frequently to women in their 50s and 60s.
With this type of hair loss, the hair follicles vary in size. Some are thick and some are thin. Over time, the follicles shrink, producing finer strands, eventually stopping to grow altogether. The cause is a delicate hormone imbalance between the masculine hormones—testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—and the feminine hormones—estrogen and progesterone.
Treating androgenetic alopecia can be difficult. There are a few medications that may help. The most effective medication for female-patterned hair loss is topical minoxidil 2 percent. This is currently the only FDA approved medication to treat women with this type of hair loss and is available without a prescription. It is a daily topical treatment that must be used indefinitely to maintain optimal results.
Other medications have been used with some success to treat androgenetic alopecia by blocking the androgen receptors in the follicles. Spironolactone slows androgen production in the adrenal glands and prevents DHT. Cimetidine also blocks DHT from binding to receptors, however, it must be used in high doses to be effective. Low androgen oral contraceptives are sometimes helpful, but should be used cautiously because of side effects, particularly in smokers over 35. Ketaconazole, a topical shampoo used to treat dandruff or fungal infections, reduces the production of testosterone and other androgens in the adrenal glands.
Thinning hair can be devastating to a woman’s self esteem. Proper diet as well as hair, skin and nail vitamins, regular exercise and good sleep are the first and most important steps to keep locks lush.
About the Author
Marlise K. Fletter, MS, NP-C, Nurse Practictioner
Dermatology and Laser Surgery Associates of Fort Wayne PC
mkfletter@hotmail.com
(260) 423-2567
dermatologyinfortwayne.com
