Hair loss in women may start innocently enough. You may notice a few extra hairs on your brush or comb or in the sink, according to the Mayo Clinic. Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, involves a specific pattern of hair loss that is usually due to aging, genetic factors and hormonal changes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Female pattern baldness generally causes a thinning of the hair rather than bald spots, although there may be some degree of hair loss on the crown. A number of remedies may either treat or camouflage hair loss in women.
Hair Pieces
Simply changing hairstyles or wearing hairpieces may provide a safe and inexpensive solution for covering hair loss in women, according to UMMC.
A woman who has lost a significant amount of hair may consider wearing a full wig. The American Cancer Society suggests trying on several wigs until you find one you are comfortable with. You may choose to purchase one for everyday use and another for special outings.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only treatment approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for female pattern baldness, according to the UMMC. A 2-percent liquid or foam concentration of over-the-counter minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp two times per day.
Minoxidil has a favorable rate of success in stimulating hair growth in women. The UMMC says it helps hair grow in up to 25 percent of female users within 12 weeks of regular use. Many other women experience a slowing of hair loss. Minoxidil may cause scalp irritation in some people.
Anthralin
Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) is a synthetic, tarry substance that you rub onto your scalp and wash off daily, according to the Mayo Clinic. Anthralin may promote new hair growth. It too may take as long as 12 weeks to produce noticeably new hair. Anthralin comes as both an ointment and a cream. Side effects may include irritation and staining on the treatment area.
Corticosteriods
Injecting corticosteroids into the hairless patches of the scalp may be effective in encouraging hair growth in women with female pattern baldness, according to Women’s Fitness Net.com. Treatments are generally repeated once a month.
Most patients notice the first signs of new hair in about four weeks. Corticosteroid injections may work best when treating small to medium sized patches, according to AlopeciaAreataSite.com. Possible side effects include discomfort, slight skin discoloration and possible tissue damage to the skin.
Hair Transplants
The Mayo Clinic says hair transplants are usually reserved for patients who have not had success with non-invasive forms of treatment. Hair transplants consist of removing tiny plugs of hair from areas where the hair continues to grow and placing them in areas that are thinning. The hair is most often taken from the back or sides of the scalp.
A series of transplants is usually required. They may result in minor scarring in the area where hair was removed, and there is a small risk of infection.
