Trichologists today are noticing an increasing number of women losing hair and that too, at a very young age.

Female Pattern Thinning vs. Male Pattern Thinning

Usually in men, the pattern of hair loss is characteristically U-shaped. It starts with thinning on the crown or a receding hairline, which advances to thin the top of the head.

However in women, it appears as widespread hair loss or thinning that starts from the top of the head (known as the fronto-vortex region), whereas the frontal area is spared in most cases.

The Onset...

The problem lies with the hormones. Women have both the male hormone androgen (which is responsible for hair growth) and the female hormone oestrogen.

If baldness runs in your family (genetic), then it is the hormone androgen that causes this hair loss among men. Fortunately for you, the hormone oestrogen counteracts and stops this action of androgen.

However, when your oestrogen level falls, the androgen starts attacking the hair follicles, and your hair starts thinning.

For example, you are more likely to have this condition if you have crossed the menopausal phase. This is because after menopause, your body produces a lesser amount of oestrogen.

However, this thinning may also be triggered by:

• Stress
• Consumption of oral contraceptives
• Hysterectomy
• Childbirth
• Hormone-replacement therapy

Abnormally high levels of androgen can also lead to Female Pattern Thinning. Some of the symptoms that you will notice in this case are:

• Excessive oiliness of the scalp and face
• Tender and painful scalp
• Growth of hair on the face and skin

Thinning Process

While some women might take 25 years to reach significant baldness, others might take just five years to go extensively bald.

Hormone production varies with different seasons. Winter is the worst time as the testosterone production increases. In fact, due to your monthly hormone cycle, there will be significant difference in the rate of hair loss. 

Treatment

The good news, however, is that regenerating your hair will be easier to achieve than for an average bald man.

Natural treatment is always the best.

Hormone-replacement therapy is also sometimes considered an option for hair re-growth. But this procedure has its side effects.

Dong quai complex has natural oestrogen, can give good results when thinning is due to low oestrogen levels.

High androgen levels can be treated by serenoa complex. However, it is advised to get your condition accurately diagnosed through a procedure called, Tricho-check. This procedure will be available at your trichologist's clinic.

If you find that you are loosing excessive hair or notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, visit a trichologist as soon as possible. Your condition may worsen and become difficult to treat.