Dr. Kiely, MD Hair Transplant Surgeon

Underlying Medical Conditions That Can Increase the Risk of Hair Loss in Women

It’s a common misconception that hair loss is always due to heredity—in fact, a number of underlying medical conditions can cause alopecia. Women should examine their scalps regularly for signs of unusual hair loss, and schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss any symptoms. Here is a look at some of the common medical conditions that can lead to hair loss in women:

• Thyroid Disorder

Hair loss can sometimes indicate a thyroid disorder. The thyroid gland manufactures hormones which control many bodily activities, including metabolism. Women are particularly susceptible to developing thyroid problems. In addition to seeking hair loss treatment, you might need medications, such as beta-blockers, to treat a thyroid disorder. In severe cases, surgery to remove part of the thyroid might be required.

• Autoimmune Disease

Women are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and psoriasis. Autoimmune diseases often begin with symptoms like fatigue and problems concentrating. As the disease progresses, women may develop symptoms like hair loss, shortness of breath, and numbness and tingling of the hands and feet. In cases of scalp psoriasis, patients may also notice red patches on the scalp, possibly accompanied by silvery scales or crusts.

• Anemia

There are several different types of anemia, and the condition can sometimes indicate a more serious illness. Anemia occurs due to an insufficient amount of healthy red blood cells. This condition is typically characterized by fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness. Those with iron-deficient anemia can experience hair loss. To treat iron-deficient anemia, you may need to make dietary modifications and take an iron supplement as directed by your doctor.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem that causes a range of symptoms, including hair loss. While there is no cure, you can control the symptoms of PCOS by exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and seeking treatment for hair loss.

Learn about your hair loss treatment options by calling the Baltimore practice of Dr. Kiely, MD at (240) 292-4315. You can also visit our website to learn more about female hair loss and treatments like medication and surgery.

Why Hair Loss Is Not Just a Male Specific Problem

Though men typically receive more attention for hair loss problems, hair transplant surgeons cite that nearly 40 percent of all hair loss patients are women. Unfortunately, the stigma of hair loss frequently makes it difficult for women to reveal their condition to others, especially friends and family. If you too suffer hair loss, know that you are not alone. The following information offers some insight into the reasons behind female hair loss, ways to detect it, and methods to treat it.

• Causes of Female Hair Loss

Some women suffer hair loss from temporary conditions, such as childbirth, stress, or medications. However, millions more women experience female pattern baldness, which generally occurs because of genetic inheritance. This also means that women who are diagnosed with female pattern baldness will likely continue to experience hair thinning and hair loss as they age.

• Symptoms of Female Hair Loss

Most individuals who suffer from female pattern baldness detect the condition when their hair part begins to widen. In fact, this is often a telltale symptom of female pattern baldness. The hair at the crown of the head will thin and fall out, while the hairline along the forehead remains intact.

• Treatment Options for Female Hair Loss

The good news is that female pattern baldness can be treated. Hair transplants have been providing satisfactory and permanent results for countless hair loss patients. By repositioning active and healthy hair follicles to areas of the scalp suffering from female pattern baldness, a hair transplant surgeon can restore hair growth and density. If you would like to learn more about your eligibility for hair loss surgery, consult with a hair transplant surgeon today.

A Look at the Common Myths About Female Hair Loss

Because many women experience negative feelings about their hair loss, it can prevent them from seeking qualified medical advice about what is causing their problem and how to manage it. As a result, numerous myths abound regarding the reasons behind female hair loss. Here are some common misconceptions:

• Hair loss is the result of excessive hairstyling

Many theories exist about the effects of hairstyling abuse on women’s hair. Excessive dying, styling, and even shampooing can damage hair or cause it to dry out, but it cannot stop hair from growing. Because these activities can lead to hair breakage, which may end up in the sink or shower, many women assume that their hairstyling habits are contributing to their hair loss. One exception to this myth does exist; if you consistently pull back your hair into a tight bun, ponytail, or braids, the strain you put upon the hair follicles can cause eventual hair loss.

• Hair loss is the result of compromised blood flow

Some women may assume that their hair loss stems from insufficient blood to the hair follicles. This simply isn’t true. Trying to increase blood flow with scalp massages or other techniques will not promote hair growth. Also, activities that may apply minimal pressure on the scalp, such as wearing a hat, will not negatively affect hair growth.

• Hair loss is the result of your mother’s genes

This is perhaps the most well known of all hair loss myths. Though your mother’s genes may contribute to the onset of hair loss, that is not the only factor. When analyzing female hair loss, experts recommend that individuals consider both sides of their family. Your father’s genes also play a part in your hair loss. While this may not provide much comfort to women who suffer from hair loss, understanding the true reasons behind your problem is very important. Only by making an accurate diagnosis can a hair loss expert prescribe an effective course of treatment.

Signs That Hair Transplant Surgery May Be Right For You

Millions of women who suffer from female hair loss can benefit from hair loss surgery. Determining if you make a viable candidate for hair transplant surgery depends upon two important factors. First, you must rule out hair loss causes that are temporary or have non-surgical solutions. Second, be sure to speak with a hair loss surgeon about your condition. Only a qualified professional can accurately assess your situation and recommend an appropriate course of action. The following describe qualities that frequently make individuals excellent hair transplant candidates:

• You have non-hormonal hair loss

If other factors such as pregnancy, medication, and stress have been discounted as reasons for your hair loss, you likely are a good candidate for hair loss surgery. Female pattern baldness affects millions of women. It occurs not from temporary hormonal conditions, but rather a genetic disposition to chronic hair thinning and loss. If you have been diagnosed with female pattern baldness, hair loss surgery can provide effective treatment for it.

• You want a permanent solution to your hair loss

Many women who suffer from female hair loss must contend with the daily stress and inconvenience of trying to disguise their condition. Some individuals may spend hours in front of mirrors styling their hair to mask their thinning scalp. Others spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on hair products and wigs to hide their hair loss. Only a hair transplant offers lasting results for those who are tired of trying to cover up their female pattern baldness.

• You are committed to maintaining your results

Though hair loss surgery provides a permanent solution for treated hair loss areas, patients must continue to manage their condition. This means eating healthily and exercising regularly to provide needed nourishment and blood flow to the scalp. Individuals may also be required to maintain periodic checkups with their hair transplant surgeon to monitor their recovery and results.

Understanding How Hair Grows

Healthy hair can grow to nearly six inches in a single year, but when hair fails to grow or begins to thin, it can lead to significant stress. To better determine whether or not you are suffering from unusual hair loss, it’s important to understand how healthy hair grows.

• What Structures Comprise Hair?

Each strand of hair is made up of two components: a hair follicle and a hair shaft. The hair follicle is a structure that is located in the skin. Each follicle resembles a tube, which allows the hair to develop from deep within the dermis and grow out from the epidermis. At the root of the follicle is a cluster of cells that provide nutrients for hair growth. The shaft is the part of the hair that becomes visible after it emerges from the scalp. This protein structure is not alive, which means that the hair you see is dead.

• Does Hair Continuously Grow?

Though hair can grow for years at a time, it does not grow ceaselessly. In fact, the hair growth cycle consists of three separate phases. Catagen is the shortest stage of hair growth. It lasts for only a few weeks and represents a transition of the hair follicle from active to inactive. Only about three percent of all hairs are in the catagen stage at any given time. After catagen, the hair follicle then enters the telogen phase. The telogen phase is when hair loss occurs, and it can last for more than three months. Hair experts report that approximately seven percent of all hair follicles are in the telogen phase at any given time. The rest of the hair follicles are in the anagen phase, which constitutes active hair growth. A hair follicle can be in the anagen phase for up to six years.