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Treatment Options for Women with Hair Loss- Thursday, January 21, 2010

Question:

Hi, I am 24 years old and I was just diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia. This is absolutely devastating to me as a young, recently single woman. It also came as a complete shock because none of the men or women in my family are bald. About fifteen months ago my hair started falling out rapidly on the left side of my hairline in the back. It seems to be creeping its way down the back and side of my head now. After seeing my primary care physician, rheumatologists, and having every blood test known to man come back normal - I was sent to a dermatologist (finally). Her diagnosis - telogen effluvium that precipiated androgenic alopecia. Unfortunately, a scalp biopsy confirmed androgenic alopecia and I am trying to figure out what to do. I know minoxidil 2% only works for about 20% of women and it takes 3-6 months to find out. I lost so much hair and confidence and self-esteem in the 15 months it took doctors to diagnose me that I am panicking at the thought of 3 more months of potential hair loss with a product that may or may not work. I know there are pills like aldactone but I'm not sure if I should try the Rogaine first and then try something systemic in 3 months if it doesn't work. I don't know. Please help!

Answer:

I can only imagine how difficult it is for a young woman in her early 20s to suffer from androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). While balding can be emotionally devastating for men as well, I think women typically suffer more as a whole due to the pressure to appear outwardly beautiful by society’s standards. Long, lustrous locks are often an important societal benchmark of beauty for women.

I've found however, that who we are inside is so much more important than what we look like on the surface. One day, we’ll all be old and physically unappealing to the younger generations. It’s our inner beauty that’s the heart and soul of who we are. Thus, in addition to seeking ways to treat your hair loss, I encourage you to let your inner beauty that radiates from within guide your feelings, beliefs, and actions.

I’ve talked to dozens of very attractive women with hair loss over the years who’ve pushed through, found their inner beauty and lived a normal, healthy life. Many had boyfriends, got married, and had children. Besides, who’s to say that society’s definition of beauty is correct?

Non-surgical Treatment Suggestions

Women are more limited than men in terms of non-surgical hair loss treatments that really work. In my opinion, you may want to try Rogaine 2% for 4 to 6 months to see how it works for you. If you don’t have any adverse reaction to it, you can always consider bumping up to the more effective 5% liquid or superior Rogaine foam. While the 5% solutions aren’t advertised for women, many women use the higher concentrations of minoxidil with great success. Just be aware of the potential side effects of Rogaine before using it.

You may also want to consider topical spironolactone in the form of S5 cream. Topical ketoconazole treatments such as Extina foam have also been proven effective in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Extina is a prescription product for seborrheic dermatitis but has been proven to inhibit DHT, the hormone responsible for genetic baldness. Additional products to consider are Revivogen and Crinagen - scientifically backed but clinically unproven antiandrogens.

One word of caution - I know you're concerned about losing more hair and the time it takes for some of these treatments to work. However, it's important that you begin thinking long term. Just as hair takes time to miniaturize and fall out, it takes time to grow back. Also, be careful not to fall into any false promises of phony miracle cures.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with any of these treatments. But they’ll give you the best shot in preventing, stopping, or reversing some hair loss.

Researching Surgical Hair Restoration Options

If the hair on the sides and back of your scalp sees no signs of miniaturization, surgical hair restoration may be an option for you. If you’re interested in hair transplant surgery, it’s important that you take the time to research the procedure, its benefits, limitations, and risks.  Because physician selection is vital to ensuring you will receive state of the art hair transplantation, it is important to choose wisely. You can also have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians. To see what protocol we use to recommend physicians in our community, click here. You are encouraged to research all surgeons prior to proceeding with hair transplantation. A great place to start is to read real patient experiences and view their photos on our hair loss forum and patient weblogs.

Hiding Your Hair Loss with Topical Concealers

Topical concealers such as DermMatch, Toppik, or Nanogen may also work to mask your hair loss. Concealers work by temporarily making your existing hair appear thicker and color the scalp in areas of thinning hair to match. In most cases, it’s undetectable. Concealers need to be reapplied after each shower.

Hair Replacement Systems and Alopecia Wigs

If all else fails, the most basic hair loss “treatment” is the alopecia wig. I’ve seen many women with hair loss wear beautiful looking alopecia wigs that are natural looking and undetectable. While some in your immediate surroundings may notice your hair looks different, most people you have dealings with will have no idea. That said, wigs, hairpieces, and hair replacement systems require time, money, and maintenance. It’s not a perfect solution, but it provides the appearance of a full head of hair quickly and can fool most critics.

I hope the above gives you some ideas as to how to get started in not only treating your hair loss, but living your life.

If there is anything else I can do for you, don't hesitate to contact me.

Bill Seemiller (Falceros) - Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit our Hair Restoration Discussion Forum.

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