Women's Hair Loss

Conditions that cause hair loss in women

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of different factors. Some stem from a long-term condition and others are only temporary.

Long-term conditions

Some women lose part or all of their hair because of a long-term condition, which is sometimes hereditary. This may have a permanent effect, or it may be that hair regrowth occurs with time and medical treatment. It's important to work with the relevant medical care provider to see what is possible for you. Long-term conditions that may result in hair loss include the following:

Female Pattern Baldness (androgenetic alopecia): Women with female pattern baldness tend to shed more hairs than average, though they mught not become completely bald. Hair begins receding at the parting and growth slows down. Hair follicles shrink, leading to hair that is more breakable.

Alopecia Areata: This variety of hair loss is an auto-immune condition that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles. This can result in bald patches or even total hair loss.

Other causes of hair loss

There are many reasons why you may be losing hair. Not all hair loss stems from alopecia. Here are a few other potential triggers:

Pregnancy: For some women, pregnancy triggers stress-induced hair loss (known as telogen effluvium). This can occur due to fluctuations in hormones in the early stages of pregnancy, stress itself, an underlying condition (such as gestational diabetes), or a vitamin deficiency. Low iron levels can also be a reason for hair loss during pregnancy.

Menopause: Some menopausal women find that hormonal changes cause their hair to thin. Oestrogen levels (which normally promote hair growth and fullness) decline and some women's levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) increase, causing increased shedding of hair.

Stress: Life-altering events such as bereavement or bankruptcy can cause a level of stress that takes its toll on your hair. It is common for this to occur within three to six months of the event and is usually temporary, but it may require treatment.

This isn't an exhaustive list of reasons that can cause hair loss. If you have noticed that you are shedding more hair than usual, it's important to consult your GP to pinpoint the root cause.

What types of hair loss treatment are available for women?

There are a variety of treatments that can be used for hair loss in women.

It's important to note that there isn't a cure for hair loss or baldness. However, a hair loss treatment may be suitable for your situation and could help mitigate the effects or slow the hair loss down.

It's important that you consult your GP or Pharmacist before you begin taking any of these treatments.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is ofent recommended as a short-term treatment to manage female pattern baldness. It is sold under several different names, including Regaine.

Minoxidil is applied as either a lotion or a foam. It typically needs to be rubbed into the scalp once or twice a day. It's important to note that it can only be used on the scalp, and not elsewhere on the body. So always check packet instructions before appkying this or any other hair loss treatment.

Once applied, it encourages blood flow to hair follicles. This stimulates the dormant follicles, aiding hair growth.

You must use it for several months before you start to see your hair loss slowing down. If you stop using the treatments, it typically takes a few months for hair loss to resume.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication and is recommended to women who have hair loss that stems from hormonal issues, such as PCOS.

This medication inhibits the body's production of androgens, mainly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This can then promote the development of healthy hair on your scalp and prohibit the growth of unwanted hair anywhere else (hirsutism).

It's typically taken in pill format and can take between six months to one year to start being effective.

Topical corticosteroids

Available in cream, oitment, or lotion form, topical corticosteroids are sometimes recommended as a very short-term treatment for hair loss (alopecia areata in particular).

Intralesional corticosteroids

Intralesional corticosteroids are injected underneath the area affected by hair loss. When effective, it's normal to see hair regrowth beging within 4-6 weeks.

Systemic corticosteroids

You can either take this treatment orally or have it injected into the muscles. The job of systemic corticosteroids is to replicate the effects of hormones your body naturally produces. This is injected at a dose that exceeds the levels your body is used to, suppressing the immune system. This facilitates hair regrowth.

Dithranol cream

Dithranol cream (also known as anthralin) is a cream, oitment, or paste.

Sometimes recommended for alopecia areata, dithranol cream creates an irritant reaction on the scalp when you first apply it. This 'distracts' the immune system from attacking hair roots and through this, the medication encourages hair growth. Following instructions, you apply it to your scalp and leave it on for a set amount of time, before washing it off.

Hair loss surgery

Hair transplants are not available on the NHS, as they are cosmetic surgery. But they are available at various private clinics and can cost between £1,000-£30,000. All clinics that offer cosmetic surgery must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

There are two types of hair transplant: Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. The former is done by removing a thin strip of skin with hair from the back of your head to create grafts, that will then be placed in the area that lacks hair. The latter is done by removing individual hairs one at a time and placing them in the locations where you would like to replenish your hair.

The procedure is usually done in one day using local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake but shouldn't feel any pain. 

To be eligible for a hair transplant, it's necessary for you to still have a thick section of hair on your head where grafts can be taken from. Women often experience hair loss as an all-over thinning experience, but if this isn't the case for you, a hair transplant may be an option.

It's important to consider this step carefully and make sure it's appropriate for the type of hair loss you have. Doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and have license in order to offer this type of surgery.

Hair care products

There are plenty of shampoos on the market that are designed for people who are struggling with hair thinning. While these aren't a substitute for medication that will treat an underlying condition like female pattern baldness, they can be a helpful tool for women who are losing more hair than usual.

Ingredients you might expect to find in such shampoos include histidine, phyto-caffeine, and biotin.

Vitamins & supplements

If your hair loss is the result of a nutrient deficiency or general issues with your diet, certain vitamins and supplements may help.

The following supplements and vitamins can promote hair growth:

• Amino Acids
• Vitamin A,B,D,& E
• Iron
• Zince
• Omega Acids (especially omega-3 fatty acids)

You may also be able to raise your levels of these vitamins and nutrients by adjusting your diet.

Hair loss treatments from Rightdose

Here at Rightdose, we aim to bring the treatment you need right to your door. We know it is not always convenient to pay a visit to your local Pharmacy, so we want to make it as simple as possible for you to receive the treatment you need.

We have a wide range of treatments available. If you're looking for a prescription for female hair loss treatment, we have a team of specialists who are on hand to give you the assistance you need.

We know that people can be too busy to come into a Pharmacy or may be embarrased about their treatment. This is why we offer free, discrete delivery to your doorstep on all orders above £25.

If you are experiencing sudden hair loss or an itching, burning sensation in your scalp that is worrying you, please speak to your GP.

To speak to one of our qualified Pharmacists, you can pop into one of our Pharmacies or get a private prescription from our Online Doctor Service.