WHAT ABOUT FEMALE ALOPECIA?
On average, a woman loses 80 to 100 strands a day. This phenomenon is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Hair is constantly renewed and new bulges replace the oldest one. However, when the phenomenon increases, it can become a real problem. To date, about 2 million women in France suffer from moderate alopecia. So what are the reasons for this hair loss? What is the difference between male and female alopecia? What treatments should be considered?
What are the differences between female and male hair loss?
When it comes to androgenetic alopecia, hair loss in men is much faster than in women. Indeed, hair loss in this case is linked to a hormonal phenomenon. However, unlike men, women produce estrogen that fights the damage caused by DHT (the main hormonal cause of baldness). The action of female hormones makes the progression of alopecia much slower in women.
Also, alopecia is often more common in women. On average 20% suffer from it from the age of 40, but this loss of density is not as pronounced as in men.
Causes of hair loss in women
Usually alopecia in women is due to hormonal confusion. For example, it may be a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy, after childbirth or during menopause. In some cases, it is the thyroid, adrenal glands, or ovaries that may be involved.
Deficiencies also cause alopecia. This is usually due to iron deficiency. It usually occurs in connection with menstrual bleeding, lack of protein intake or an intense exercise. However, other deficiencies can also cause hair loss. There may also be a lack of zinc, silicon, sulfur, selenium, or B vitamins.
By producing male hormones, stress also promotes hair loss. It increases the sensitivity of the hair fiber and reduces its strength. Severe shock can even cause alopecia areata, which can manifest as uneven hair loss.
Women’s hair is also very sensitive to seasonal changes. They experience a growth peak in July. Indeed it tends to grow body hair to protect itself from the sun. On the contrary, the opposite effect occurs in the fall. Faced with the reduction of shine and the dryness of the ambient air, the hair weakens and falls out in mass.
Finally, some heavy treatments such as chemotherapy can cause alopecia. In this case, a treatment to accompany the regrowth of the hair is recommended for rebirth in better conditions.
What treatments for alopecia in women?
First of all, know that even if alopecia is mild, it is better to treat the problem as soon as possible and consult a qualified doctor. The more capillary capital is conserved, the more likely a woman will have beautiful hair throughout her life. In addition, newly emerging alopecia is easier to treat than it is too late. A drug treatment such as Minoxidil lotion to be applied to the scalp each day or micro injections of stimulant products into the scalp with several sessions in the office (mesotherapy or mesol or PRP) may be considered or micro-needling again to stimulate hair growth.
Finally, know that when alopecia is irreversible, it is possible to have a hair transplant on a woman . Some techniques do not necessarily require you to shave your head before the operation. Then, follicles are taken from the donor area and re-transplanted into the bald parts of the head. It is a minimally invasive and painless process with convincing and permanent results.