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Measuring Female Hair Loss - Sunday, October 21, 2007

Measuring Hair Loss in Women:

The Hamilton-Norwood scale  is a common measurement tool used to measure male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia). 

But what about women?  Do women lose their hair in a similar pattern to men?

Though it is true that some women lose hair in a pattern similar to the Norwood Scale, this is not true of all women. 

The Ludwig and Savin Scale (pictured left) is intended as a measurement tool for women who suffer from Androgenetic Alopecia (female pattern baldness) to determine their level of balding.

Just as the Norwood Scale is intended to be only a guide for men, women must remember likewise.  Therefore, it can be used as a tool to measure hair loss but remember…it is not perfect. 

Though these are typical hair loss patterns a woman might follow, there are often variations of it.  Typically a diffuse thinner follows a different pattern and therefore it’s more difficult to determine where he/she might fall.  This is especially true if someone is suffering from a medical condition known as Telogen Effluvium - a condition characterized by diffuse thinning of the hair all over the scalp, typically related to hormonal changes, reactions to medications, traumatic stress, thyroid disorders, etc.  Of course, all medical diagnoses should be made by a medical doctor.

Using the ludwig scale to measure hair loss is helpful, but what to do with that information is the question.  Truly this will depend on the individual, but I believe in considering the following course of action:

Research is key.  Learn everything there is to know about hair loss.  The more you know, the better your decision making skills will be.

• Consider medication such as Rogaine for women as your first line of defense to fight against further hair loss.  Other effective medications may be available to women - but should ultimately be prescribed by a medical hair loss doctor. 
• You may be a candidate for hair transplantation surgery - which to date, is the only highly effective means of restoring your hair.  Getting a hair transplant is not to be taken lightly as there is a lot to consider.   Patients who are determined to be measured higher on the Ludwig Scale typically require more follicular unit grafts to achieve decent hair coverage and higher density.

If you are considering a hair transplant, I recommend reading the following blogs which will kickstart your research regarding hair transplantation:

To Hair Transplant or Not to?

Considering a Hair Transplant:  Where do I begin?

Am I too Young for a Hair Transplant?

How do I choose a Hair Transplant Doctor?