Female Hair Loss: Is It Permanent or Reversible?

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is a common condition that affects both men and women. In women, the most common type of hair loss is female pattern baldness (FPHL), which is thought to be hereditary. It is estimated that around 40% of women aged 70 and over suffer from this type of hair loss. If left untreated, hair loss in female pattern baldness is permanent.

However, in some cases, it can be reversible with treatment.You're more likely to develop female pattern baldness if your biological parents or other close genetic relatives have experienced hair loss. Unlike male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness is a general thinning that maintains a normal hairline. You don't need treatment if you're comfortable with your appearance, but if you're experiencing hair loss, know that you have many treatment options, from topical solutions to laser therapy.External factors can also cause hair loss, such as taking certain medications, frequently wearing hairstyles that tighten your hair too tight, or even a stressful event, such as surgery. At the other end of the spectrum is hair transplantation, a surgical procedure that moves active follicles from the back of the scalp to areas where hair is weakening.

You can also try to disguise and cover up hair loss with things like wigs, hair extensions, scarves, and makeup.We don't yet fully understand the mechanism behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, but the growth factors contained in platelets can also stimulate the regeneration of hair follicles and other tissues. Sometimes it's enough to address a medical condition that causes hair loss to grow back. But the good news is that, in many cases, this hair loss can be stabilized with treatment and can be reversible.You inherit genes from your mother, father, or both. Because FPHL is more common after menopause, hormones may also play a role.

It remains to be seen if newer treatments for hair loss, such as lasers for home use, are safe for long-term use and can continue to stimulate new hair growth.Losing your hair as a woman, especially if you're young or at a vulnerable point in your life, can seriously affect your confidence. The sooner you get treatment, the faster you can stop hair loss and possibly even regrow part of your hair.