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Thinning Hair and Older Women

Thinning Hair and Older Women

Society has conditioned us to believe that thinning hair is something that happens to men as they get older. But what about older women? Hair loss can happen to anyone and thinning hair can be a particular problem for older women.

RHRLI Will Help You Find a Solution to Thinning Hair

At RHRLI we help find a permanent solution for all types of hair loss. We’re the only hair loss treatment center on Long Island that has the ARTAS® System, a state of the art hair restoration procedure that’s non-invasive. We treat men and women regularly and we consult with each individual about their situation. We want to focus on the unique issues facing older women, so they have all of the facts about thinning hair and hair loss.

Types of Hair Loss Seen by Women

According to the New York Times, about half of all women discover thinning hair by age 50. There are several common causes of hair loss in women,  according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA). They include telogen effluvium, a condition that can be caused by, extreme stress, malnutrition or other shocks to the system like a major infection. Anagen effluvium is a condition often related to chemotherapy treatment. Traction alopecia is caused by trauma to the hair follicles like continually wearing tight hairstyles for too long a time.

But the most common type of hair loss for women is androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Unlike men, who have a more distinct pattern of hair loss, women tend to see hair loss in all areas of the scalp.  So even though women over 40 see hair loss at a rate similar to men,  symptoms for women are less obvious because they show up in things like a wider part line or a smaller ponytail, according to the Huffington Post.

The Relation Between Menopause and Thinning Hair

There are several factors that cause androgenetic alopecia. Genetics can be a factor, but the AHLA says that a primary cause is the action of androgens, which are male hormones that are typically present in small amounts in women. It’s believed that menopause may boost a number of androgens present in the scalp. Just as it does in men, the hormone DHT can be present. This causes the hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss.

“For women, hormonal changes can affect hair growth patterns,” Dr. Jeffrey Benabio, a San Diego-based dermatologist told the Huffington Post. “It’s not uncommon for menopausal women to experience hair thinning and hair loss simultaneously. For example, they may notice less hair on their legs but more hair on their upper lip or chin.”

RHRLI and ARTAS® Provide a Minimally Invasive Hair Transplant

Some women treat hair loss with medication, but a hair transplant procedure is effective for those seeking a permanent solution. With the Robotic Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure provided by the ARTAS® System, patients have little to no discomfort. Local anesthesia is used and most patients return to their normal lives quickly rather than the few days it takes with other procedures such as strip surgery. To learn more about the ARTAS® System, contact RHRLI today!

Please note that the author of this piece is not a doctor and the information in this material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.

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