Signs of early stage female pattern baldness

November 30, 2021

3 mins

Samina Siddique

Find out more about the signs of early stage female pattern baldness, how to identify them, and what to do if you notice any of these signs.

Hair fall is one of the most vicious of foes. No matter the cause, hair fall can be unpleasant, worrying, and, most of all, scary.

There can be many underlying reasons for heavy hair fall like genetics, hormonal imbalance, weather change, dirt and pollution, low-quality water, unhealthy diet, poorly formulated products, etc.

In most cases, hair fall is nothing to worry about and can be corrected with timely intervention and lifestyle changes.

However, there could be other incidents when hair fall can be more alarming, such as early stage female pattern baldness. Read on to know more about this skin condition.

What is early stage female pattern baldness, and what are its signs?

Scientifically known as androgenetic alopeci a, early stage female pattern baldness is a medical condition where women experience heavy hair fall leading to hair thinning and baldness.

The most comment signs include hair thinning (type I), widening parting (type II), and big patches on the scalp with little or no hair and clear visibility of the scalp (type III).

alopecia, pattern baldness

It may be hard to differentiate between normal hair fall and early stage female pattern baldness.

However, keep in mind that while it is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hair strands in a day, losing more volume consistently should be a cause of concern.

What are the causes of early stage female pattern baldness?

Early stage female pattern baldness can be caused by multiple factors. Some of these have been mentioned below:

Genetics: Female pattern baldness may run in your family and can be passed on from one generation to another.

Menopause: The estrogen and progesterone levels can fluctuate in menopause and lead to excessive hair fall in women.

Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata can disrupt the immune system and negatively impact the hair follicles.

Medication: Strong medications and treatments like chemotherapy can also cause hair fall.

Tight hairstyles: Also known as traction alopecia, tight hairstyles that pull the hair and cause baldness in women.

Harsh products: Hair-care products laden with harsh chemicals that are unsuitable for human hair can lead to early stage female pattern baldness.

Pregnancy and delivery: Many women experience extreme post-pregnancy hair loss due to fluctuating hormones.

Sudden weight loss: Losing a lot of weight in a short span of time can cause deficiencies in the body and cause hair loss.

Smoking: Smoking has also been linked to extreme hair loss.

In most cases, female pattern baldness affects women over the age of 40. However, in some cases, women in their 20s and 30s can also suffer from it.

If you experience early stage female pattern baldness, check if any of these causes are the reason for it. This can help you treat your condition more effectively.

How to treat early stage female pattern baldness?

Dermatologists use a number of ways to treat early stage female pattern baldness. Here are some widely used treatments:

Hair transplant: This is a procedure where healthy hair from another part of your body is transplanted into the area affected by baldness. This can only be done by a verified doctor.

Topical treatments: Topical treatments like Minoxidil are commonly used to treat extreme hair loss issues in both men and women. Minoxidil can stimulate hair growth if used consistently for at least 6 months or more. It can also prevent hair thinning in the future.

Oral medication: Oral medications like finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone may be prescribed to treat early stage female pattern baldness. However, these are prescribed drugs and should only be taken as advised by a doctor. Some doctors may also recommend supplements like iron, biotin, and folic acid to reduce hair fall.

Laser treatment: Laser treatments can be used to stimulate hair growth. The laser light targets the hair follicles and fuels better hair growth.
Remember that all of these treatments should only be undertaken after consulting a doctor.

Is there a way to prevent early stage female pattern baldness?

Unfortunately, since female pattern baldness can be caused due to genetics, there is no way to completely prevent it.

However, there are a number of things that you can do to ensure good hair health. Let us see what these are:

Eat a healthy diet. The simplest way to ensure good hair is by eating right. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fats, and carbohydrates for your overall health. A nutrition-rich diet ensures that you have no deficiencies that can lead to hair loss;
You can consult a doctor and get tested to see if you suffer from any deficiencies. Depending on the tests, you can take supplements as per your doctor’s recommendations;
Avoid smoking as it can cause hair loss;
Avoid heat styling tools and harsh products to minimize hair damage;
Use natural formulations from certified brands according to your hair type and concern;
Oil your hair regularly and use shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, etc;

Avoid forceful brushing when your hair is wet. Instead, use a light hair serum and detangle your hair with your fingers. Comb your hair after air-drying it;
Wear a hat or a scarf to protect your hair from the sun. Sun affects not only your facial skin but also your scalp and hair;
Visit a dermatologist if you experience hair issues instead of self-medicating. Treating a problem at the very beginning can remove unnecessary stress and trauma from the equation;

Early stage female pattern baldness can be distressing. However, proper, timely care can help you recover faster and enjoy healthy and happy hair.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/hair-loss

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321527#prevention

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/female-pattern-baldness#prevention

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