Female-Pattern Baldness

(MS) - When the topics of hair and women are mentioned in the same breath, often it's in reference to hair-removal options. There's much talk about waxing, shaving and other routes to hair-free bodies among the female population. What one doesn't always hear about are the women facing another hair issue: baldness.

Female-pattern baldness is exemplified by all-over thinning of the hair, whether due to hormones, aging or genetic predisposition. Unlike male-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs all over the head, but the hairline is maintained.

According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, hair grows from its follicle at an average rate of about 1/2 inch per month. Each hair grows for two to six years, then rests, and then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any one time, about 85 percent of the hair is growing and 15 percent is resting.

When baldness occurs, the hair that falls out is not replaced by new hair. The causes of baldness are not well known, but are linked to aging, genetics and endocrine hormones. Particularly after menopause, hormonal changes can result in thinner hair on the head and coarser facial hair. Although new hair isn't being produced, hair follicles remain alive and there is the possibility that new hair growth can be stimulated.

While baldness is largely no reason for concern from a medical standpoint, from a cosmetic and emotional point of view it can be traumatic. As a result, many women look for ways to reverse or camouflage hair loss. These include:

· Minoxidil treatment: Minoxidil may help hair to grow in 20 percent to 25 percent of the female population, and in the majority it may slow or stop the loss of hair. It is the only hair-loss drug approved by the FDA for use on women. It is expensive, however, and hair loss may resume after treatment is stopped.

· Hair weaving or wigs: These are less-expensive options for hiding hair loss.

· Hair transplants: Small plugs of hair from healthy areas of the scalp are taken and transplanted where baldness is occurring. This presents a small risk for infection and scarring, and can also be expensive.

· Suturing of hair pieces: This was once popular but is now discouraged because attaching hair pieces to the scalp can result in scarring, abscesses and infections. The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.

Beyond female-pattern baldness, there are other reasons hair loss may occur in women. This is largely due to medications or illnesses. Breakage from hair appliances, dying or other chemical processes can also cause hair loss. Certain skin conditions or immune disorders may also contribute to baldness.

If baldness is bothersome or unexpected, talk to your doctor to rule out any medical causes.