If you picture a balding man when thinking of hair loss, know that it could also be a balding woman. Hair loss affects the whole human species. That means that both genders, men and women, can suffer from it.

In women, the phenomenon is just as common, with 40 per cent of women experiencing some form of hair loss before the age of 40. 

Due to the fact that so much social value resides on their looks and the fact that long, healthy hair is most definitely associated with womanhood. The dealing with the issue of hair loss for women can be a particularly sensitive affair, more so than for men.

It is important not to panic. However, modern treatments are available to mitigate the effect of hair loss and restore its damages. 

Causes of Hormonal Hair Loss in Women

Before deciding how to treat hormonal hair loss in women, it is important to understand better the mechanism behind why it happens. The main causes are:

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

All cases of hormonal hair loss are the work of one particular hormone: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone. It is through a synthesis process that testosterone transforms into DHT via an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

The DHT hormone binds itself to hormonal receptors in the scalp. There, it causes a progressive shrinkage of hair follicles that thins the hair gradually.

Testosterone, which produces DHT, is commonly known as the male hormone, but it is present in both men and women. 

Male’s system happens to produce more testosterone than other hormones like estrogen and prolactin. Inversely, women have much less testosterone but much more prolactin and estrogen. 

Regardless, females are just as sensitive to the DHT that their bodies produce. Among women, there are also several conditions that enhance the sensitivity to DHT and, therefore, they encourage hair loss.

Menopause

The ceasing of the menstrual cycle is an event that affects hormonal levels permanently. Hence, it generates an important change that results in hair loss.

Menopause ceases much production of estrogen and prolactin, decreasing its levels dramatically. Their absence increases the female body sensitivity to DHT. Women particularly sensitive to DHT on a genetic level, they are more prone to experiencing higher rates of hair loss.

Women that experience menopause see a progressive thinning of their hair. 

Menopause starts between the ages of 50 to 60 years old. However, it can happen as early as 30 to 40 years of age, depending on lifestyle, health, and genetic factors.

Treating Hormonal Hair Loss in Women

Once identified the cause, the treatment can better proceed.

Minoxidil can restore hair in certain areas affected. Prescription drug Spironolactone lowers testosterone and, thus, DHT, though it has side effects. Saw Palmetto is a topical ingredient also shown to reduce DHT levels, it is a central ingredient in hair loss recovery supplements.

There’s also a hair transplant option, which produces natural-looking results through modern techniques. In our facility, we perform the best hair transplant procedures that you can find in the industry. Therefore, if you are interested in hair transplant operations, you can easily get in touch with us. Afterwards, our experts will identify and solve your problems without any hassle.