Female Pattern Baldness: Signs, Diagnosis

Female baldness, or alopecia, is a rarefaction or loss of hair. Depending on the case, it can be definitive or temporary.

The causes of temporary hair loss are usually behavioral: inappropriate or aggressive hair care, stress, trichotillomania, unbalanced diet. Hair loss can also be due to trauma, side effects of certain medications, or childbirth.

Permanent female baldness is most often due to menopause. The protection provided by female hormones diminishes, causing a weakening of the hair. Heredity can also explain alopecia.

Symptoms of female pattern baldness:

Female alopecia is characterized by more than normal hair loss, exceeding more than 100 hairs per day.

In women, hair loss is more diffuse than in men. The rarefaction of the hair manifests itself in a global way, sparing the sides of the scalp. It is also possible to observe an enlargement of the median line.

How to diagnose female pattern baldness?

The diagnosis of female pattern baldness is made in several stages, in order to determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment.

As a first step, the doctor conducts a questionnaire to know the patient's age, personal and family history, and hairstyling habits. Questionnaire completed by a clinical examination of the scalp.

In some cases, additional examinations will be necessary.

What treatment?

If it is a temporary alopecia, the fall usually stops after a few months and with a suitable treatment. The doctor may prescribe a treatment based on iron or zinc, or the application of a lotion.

In case of definitive alopecia, a surgical intervention can be considered, in order to carry out follicular micro-grafts under local anesthesia.

Prevent female pattern baldness:

It is possible to avoid hair loss by modifying your diet, lifestyle, and cosmetic habits.

To remember :

* Redness of the hair.

* Temporary or definitive.

* Medical or surgical treatment depending on the causes.