How Is Pattern Baldness Different In Women Compared To Men
Generally, society associates family inherited baldness with men. But women can also suffer from genetic forms of hair loss and thinning as well.
In fact females constitute about 40% of hair loss cases. The DNA for pattern baldness in both cases can be inherited from the mother or father's side of the family.
A compound called DHT plays a central role in male and female pattern baldness. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase interacts with testosterone, causing it to break down. DHT is one of the byproducts.
On the hair follicles are various protein receptors. Some people inherit the genetics for weak receptors that are sensitive to the effects of DHT. DHT prevents the hair follicles from absorbing usual amounts of nutrients from the blood stream. They miniaturize as a result. New hair may grow drastically thinner, or not at all.
Men who suffer from pattern baldness typically display patterned forms of hair loss. The progression occurs in very distinct stages that are specified in the illustrations of the Hamilton Norwood Scale of baldness.
Women are more likely to display diffuse and global thinning. This is attributed to the fact that females have lower quantities of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Also, hormonal dynamics also come into play as well as other factors. Global thinning may explain why some women may not qualify for a hair restoration surgery.
Some women exhibit patterned forms of hair loss. Generally speaking these cases are more likely to benefit from surgical hair transplantation. Diffuse global thinning can be treated through medical (drug) interventions.
Rogaine is a topically applied solution (or foam) which can help stop the progression of hair loss and thinning. It is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the scalp which may have a revitalizing effect on hair follicles. Therefore, it offers the most promise during the earliest stages of hair loss.
Some people will experience regrowth. But this is not a universal experience for everyone who uses the drug. Also any growth that does occur is usually quite thin and wispy.
Rogaine is available in two strengths 2% and 5%. Only the 2% level is recommended for safe use by women.
Propecia works by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This prevents testosterone from being broken down into DHT. This medication is associated with the risk of birth defects. Therefore, it can only be used by men, not women
Surgical hair restoration involves the transfer of thriving, robust follicles from abundantly growing areas to the bald regions of the scalp. As long as the patient is able to supply these grafts, there will be enough donors to offer desired coverage and redistribution. Follicles cannot come from another person, including relatives.
In male patients, if there are insufficient quantities of donor follicles on the head, body hair may be used to supplement the graft resources. In women, this is not likely to be the case.
Women who are not experiencing global thinning may qualify as candidates for hair transplantation if they have healthy growing follicles producing normal, natural hair. Therefore females who have bald areas due to tightly pulling extensions and hair styles are likely to benefit from these procedures.
In fact females constitute about 40% of hair loss cases. The DNA for pattern baldness in both cases can be inherited from the mother or father's side of the family.
The Role of DHT in Male And Female Hair Loss
A compound called DHT plays a central role in male and female pattern baldness. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase interacts with testosterone, causing it to break down. DHT is one of the byproducts.
On the hair follicles are various protein receptors. Some people inherit the genetics for weak receptors that are sensitive to the effects of DHT. DHT prevents the hair follicles from absorbing usual amounts of nutrients from the blood stream. They miniaturize as a result. New hair may grow drastically thinner, or not at all.
Patterned Versus Diffuse Loss of Hair
Men who suffer from pattern baldness typically display patterned forms of hair loss. The progression occurs in very distinct stages that are specified in the illustrations of the Hamilton Norwood Scale of baldness.
Women are more likely to display diffuse and global thinning. This is attributed to the fact that females have lower quantities of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Also, hormonal dynamics also come into play as well as other factors. Global thinning may explain why some women may not qualify for a hair restoration surgery.
Some women exhibit patterned forms of hair loss. Generally speaking these cases are more likely to benefit from surgical hair transplantation. Diffuse global thinning can be treated through medical (drug) interventions.
Can Rogaine Grow Back Hair In Men And Women
Rogaine is a topically applied solution (or foam) which can help stop the progression of hair loss and thinning. It is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the scalp which may have a revitalizing effect on hair follicles. Therefore, it offers the most promise during the earliest stages of hair loss.
Some people will experience regrowth. But this is not a universal experience for everyone who uses the drug. Also any growth that does occur is usually quite thin and wispy.
Rogaine is available in two strengths 2% and 5%. Only the 2% level is recommended for safe use by women.
Can Men and Women Use Propecia
Propecia works by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This prevents testosterone from being broken down into DHT. This medication is associated with the risk of birth defects. Therefore, it can only be used by men, not women
Can Hair Transplants Benefit Both Men And Women?
Surgical hair restoration involves the transfer of thriving, robust follicles from abundantly growing areas to the bald regions of the scalp. As long as the patient is able to supply these grafts, there will be enough donors to offer desired coverage and redistribution. Follicles cannot come from another person, including relatives.
In male patients, if there are insufficient quantities of donor follicles on the head, body hair may be used to supplement the graft resources. In women, this is not likely to be the case.
Women who are not experiencing global thinning may qualify as candidates for hair transplantation if they have healthy growing follicles producing normal, natural hair. Therefore females who have bald areas due to tightly pulling extensions and hair styles are likely to benefit from these procedures.
