Why Female Hair Loss Is Still Poorly Understood
Prevalence of Hair Loss in Women
One-third of women experience some form of hair loss (alopecia) during their lifetime, yet this condition has been less studied and can significantly impact women’s mental health.
Personal Experience: Heder
Heder, a 32-year-old writer:
“My hair has always been thin, but in the summer of 2020, I noticed rapid hair loss. Suddenly, I saw the reflection of my scalp in the mirror under the light. Since then, I feel like a different person. Although I have told myself many times that it’s just hair loss, my previous confidence hasn’t returned.”
Why Hair Loss in Women Has Been Overlooked
Dr. Zainab Laftah, dermatologist at Healthcare UK The Shard:
“Most research on hair loss has focused on men because of its high prevalence and the emphasis on male hormonal mechanisms and male-specific treatments. Hair loss in women, which can be more complex, has received much less attention.”
Impact of Social Media
With the rise of social media, women are increasingly discussing hair loss and joining support groups. Heder says:
“Talking about a shared problem can be initially comforting, but prolonged participation in these groups without solutions can increase feelings of hopelessness.”
What Causes Hair Loss in Women?
Normal Hair Shedding
According to the NHS, we naturally lose 50 to 100 hairs daily. Severe hair loss is usually linked to one of three main conditions:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
- Hair follicles shrink, preventing new hair growth.
- New hair grows thin and weak.
- Causes: Hormonal changes (menopause, thyroid disorders) and genetics.
2. Telogen Effluvium (Temporary Hair Loss)
- Triggered by severe stress, illness, rapid weight loss, or pregnancy.
- Hair usually regrows once the triggering factor is removed.
3. Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune Hair Loss)
- The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
- Causes sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other body areas.
Treatment for Female Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
- Main treatment: Topical minoxidil.
- Additional options: Spironolactone, low-dose oral minoxidil.
- Note: Not all patients respond the same way.
Hormonal Disorders
Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended if hair loss is caused by hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Alopecia Areata
New medication: Ritlecitinib (Litfulo by Pfizer) has been recommended as a treatment for alopecia areata for the first time.
Innovative Research
- Stem cell and exosome therapies to stimulate hair follicles at the cellular level.
- Development of anti-androgen drugs to combat hair loss.