Hair Fall & Hair Thinning in Women

Human hair grows in a continuous cyclic pattern of growth and rest known as the "hair growth cycle." Three phases of the cycle exist: Anagen= growth phase; Catagen= degradation phase; Telogen= resting phase.

Every day we lose around 50-100 strands of hair approximately, but then the same is replaced by new ones.This is called normal hairloss and does not need any treatment.

A lot of factors trigger hair loss, such as unhealthy lifestyle, stress, pollution, improper diet.

Here are some of the most common causes of Hair fall and Hair Thinning in Women:

• Poor diet
• Scalp infections
• Excessive usage of hair styling products
• Improper Hair Cosmetic Use/Improper Hair Care - Various chemical treatments on the hair
• Stress
• Family history of hair loss
• hormonal imbalance
• Levels of Endocrine Hormones -particularly androgens. During the time that hormonal changes caused by menopause take place, the levels of androgens rise and many women find that their hair has thinned.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a form of androgenetic alopecia with a multi-factorial, genetically determined trait. Both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent mechanisms plus a biologically normal aging process is involved. Female and male members of the family may both be affected. Majority has normal type II 5-α reductase levels and normal DHT level in scalp skin. Elevated androgen level were seen in 16% of women with hair loss alone, and 79% if associated with hirsutism or menstrual disturbance.

There are 3 major patterns in female Pattern Hair Loss:

• M-Shaped or high forehead - Norwood's Classification
• Thinning at the centerline, extending sidway - Ludqig's or Centrifugal Classification
• Christmas Tree Pattern - Olsen's Classification

Type 1: Norwood's Classification

• Born with a high forehead or M-shaped hairline
• Thinning of the hairline and the crown similar to men with aging
• Classification is by the Norwood System similar to men