Hair loss in women: What you need to know

About 5% of women under 30 and 60% of women over 70 are affected by hair loss. Many people suffer silently from hair loss without knowing that the earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Female hair loss has a genetic link, and hair loss can occur as early as late adolescence, but the earlier the hair loss, the more severe it will be.
The majority of women will not lose their hair in a pattern that leaves an area of ​​baldness like in men. Instead, their hair will gradually thin out. Hair does not reach its normal length because the hair growth ring is shortened.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) 5% is the only FDA-approved topical treatment that, once daily, causes hair regrowth in 81% of women who use it. 2% and 5% solutions are sold over the counter without a prescription. Minoxidil works by prolonging the hair growth phase - prolonging the time it takes for hair to grow back to its normal shape.

Users have to be patient as the effects only appear after three to four months and the product needs to be used once a day. The sooner you use it, the better the results will be.
Your doctor may test your levels of ferritin (a protein that indicates total iron stores in the body). New studies suggest that low ferritin levels in women can cause a lot of hair loss, and that the fix is ​​iron supplements.
In some cases, a hormonal abnormality, such as an excess of male hormones (androgens) can be the cause of hair loss in women. This can be treated with prescription medications such as spironolactone or oral contraceptives.
Another treatment is hair transplantation , in which healthy hair follicles from healthy scalp areas are transplanted to affected areas. This is a very effective method and gives permanent results with a natural look.

Changing your hair care regimen is not necessary, because there is no scientific evidence that any hair care action can cause hair loss or promote hair growth.

Maybe. Hyperandrogenism can cause hair loss in women with this condition. The most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome. Besides hair loss, other signs include obesity, acne and irregular periods, and is one of the most common causes of infertility.
Quite a few of these women have metabolic disorders that increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
Although hair loss due to hyperandrogenism can be treated with minoxidil, patients still need to be checked for other problems.

Article referenced source: Webmd.com