Hair Regrowth for Women: Types of Alopecia and Their Treatments

It was estimated that hair loss treatment industry makes $1 billion per year. Men are not the only ones who have baldness problems; hair loss in women is common too. Hair regrowth for women includes surgery and drugs that promise satisfaction and permanence.

As women reach 50, hair loss (also known as female pattern alopecia) can present itself even if there is no hair loss history in the family. Sometimes, the thinning of hair is associated with a recent illness or pregnancy. Though the thinning is not as obvious as it is for men, it can be bothersome to look at or experience.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women and their corresponding Treatment:

Aside from androgenic alopecia, hair loss can be associated with early puberty. If hair loss is left untreated, it can progress to more advanced stages of baldness. It is important to notice if falling hair is excessive during puberty because it will determine if there is an impending problem regarding hair loss.

Alopecia Areata (AA) is another cause of hair loss wherein it presents a roundish pattern in noticeable areas like the head or somewhere near the eyebrows. Though alopecia areata is often temporary, early treatment is better because it might progress to loss of scalp hair. The cause of alopecia areata is relatively unknown but stress and anxiety are the usual culprits. If diagnosed in its early stages, treatment with injection or topical administration of steroids usually solves the problem. However, if alopecia areata is detected after a long period of time, Minoxidil is preferred to hair restoration surgery.

Traction Alopecia is commonly seen in African-American women who often fashion their hair with tight braiding or cornrows. The hair follicles are pulled tightly that can cause permanent hair loss if not treated immediately. Some severe cases require surgery to replace damaged hair with healthy ones.

Scarring Alopecia can be a variety of causes like traction alopecia or trichotillomania. In some cases like physical trauma or burns result to scarring that prevents hair to grow and can cause bacterial infections and autoimmune conditions. Once scarring is present, a consultation with a physician is a wise decision to prevent infection.

Trichotillomania or habitual hair-pulling can be a very serious threat to the scalp or any hair-bearing area. If trichotillomania is not stopped, it can lead to permanent damage to the scalp or scarring alopecia. A person suffering from trichotillomania may not even notice that she is pulling strands of hair until a bald spot becomes apparent.

Triangular Alopecia is the thinning of hair close to the temples. Though the cause of triangular alopecia is unknown, it usually begins in childhood where there is inexplicable hair loss in the temporal areas. Surgery is the best treatment for this problem.

The recommended hair regrowth for women is usually topical drugs because the bald spots are not as obvious as with men. On the other hand, some surgeons suggest surgery for severe cases. A lengthy conversation with the surgeon will provide the best hair restoration method suitable for your needs.