Hair Loss in Women

Treatment & Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Women at Simone Thomas Trichology Clinic in Bournemouth

The team at Simone Thomas award-winning hair loss clinic in Westbourne has many years’ experience in treating hair loss in women.  From female pattern baldness to alopecia, our hair loss specialists are knowledgeable in the various causes of hair loss and hair thinning in women and the treatments which will be suitable for you.

There are a wide variety of non-surgical solutions to your hair loss and hair thinning issues such as microdermabrasion treatments, Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, hair & scalp products, hair volumisers to address thinning issues, custom designed hair volumisers, synthetic and real hair wigs, and custom designed wigs. 

Book a consultation today by calling our Bournemouth clinic on 01202 760003.

 

 

Hair Loss & Thinning Hair in Women

It can be quite confusing to determine if you are losing excessive hair or if the actual diameter of your hair shafts are gradually reducing – or even if both are occurring at the same time. While both result in volume reduction, hair-diameter thinning occurs over a long period of time, while excessive hair shedding can result in more rapid reduction of volume if the daily hair loss is substantial.

The sudden, diffuse hair loss from all over the scalp is called telogen effluvium and can be the result of improper nutrition, stress, hormonal upsets and pregnancy. A reduction in your hair’s diameter can also be influenced by these things, but is most often due to genetics, follicle sensitivity to hormones, and to age. However, the most common cause of hair loss in women we see is anaemia and ferritin deficiency (iron deficiency).

Furthermore, while many people associate finer hair with ageing, women as young as 18 can experience genetic thinning, triggered and/or exacerbated by conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and/or simply a strong genetic predisposition. Eating disorders can also cause hair loss in women and men of any age.

As the causes of hair loss can be quite wide-ranging, and are also often triggered by more than one thing, it is important to see a hair loss specialist like Simone Thomas if you are concerned with your hair loss. So many variables can play a role in the health of your hair, and often the stress of closely inspecting your own hair on a daily basis for signs of problems can exacerbate the condition.

If you think you are losing your hair, or that it is thinning, please make an appointment to see a hair loss specialist who can look at your scalp through a nioscope to see if your hair follicles are indeed active or not. Much can be done to stop excessive hair loss and also slow, and even stop or reverse, the process of hormonal or metabolic-related hair thinning.

Women have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on their head. The number of strands normally lost in a day varies, but on average it’s around 100. In order to maintain a normal volume, hair must be replaced at the same rate at which it is lost. The first signs of hair thinning that women will often notice are more hairs than usual left in the hairbrush after brushing or in the basin after shampooing. Styling can also reveal areas of thinning, such as a wider parting or a thinning crown.

Causes of Female Hair Loss

Some of the most common reasons for female hair loss are: 

Female Pattern Baldness - the hair follicle shrinks over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. 

Alopecia - if you experience bald patches, a receding hair line or complete hair loss, this may be caused by alopecia. There are many types of alopecia, including traction alopecia, alopecia areata and scarring alopecia.
 
Cancer hair loss - hair loss may occur as a side effect from chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. These treatments can cause complete body hair loss or the loss of hair may be where the treatment is focused.

Telogen effluvium - traumas such as major surgery, poisoning, and severe stress can result in telogen effluvium where many hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, causing shedding and subsequent thinning.

Trichotillomania - the loss of hair caused by compulsive pulling and bending of the hairs.

Hypothyroidism - an under-active thyroid and the side effects of its related medications can cause hair loss, typically frontal, which is particularly associated with thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows.

Pregnancy - some women experience hair loss or thinning hair during and after childbirth.

Hereditary hair loss - some women have a predisposition towards hair loss which may be genetic (known as androgenetic alopecia.)

Treatments for Female Hair Loss

An all-encompassing, holistic approach that tackles hair loss from an internal, as well as external standpoint is key to managing and improving reduced hair density and/or increased hair shedding. This should involve strengthening the integrity of existing hairs from a cosmetic standpoint; stimulating new hair growth from the scalp, while minimising loss; and also encouraging a healthy hair growth cycle systemically through a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Hair is incredibly sensitive to fluxes in the body’s internal environment, and so diet, general health, hormonal changes and sensitivity, stress, lifestyle choices and nutritional deficiencies should always be taken into account in order to get the best results from hair loss treatment.

It is important to understand that hair loss caused by underlying medical conditions, such as Polycystic Ovaries or thyroid imbalance, or the taking of certain prescription medications, need to be addressed by a physician. While dietary support, scalp stimulation and protecting the condition of existing hairs will still be very helpful in promoting optimum new growth, this needs to be done alongside your GP’s guidance.

Please book a hair loss consultation with one of our hair loss consultants if you are concerned or want further advice. We can look at your scalp with a nioscope to see if the hair follicles are active and then advise you accordingly. 

Book Your Hair Loss Consultation at Simone Thomas Trichology Clinic in Bournemouth

If you are suffering from one of these female hair loss conditions, Simone Thomas can help. From wigs, hair pieces or hair extensions, our hair loss specialists can create full, natural looking hair you will love.  Please either complete the form below or call us on 01202 760003 to book a hair loss or thinning hair consultation with one of our trained hair loss specialists.