Hair loss centre

This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive

Expert Q and A: Fighting hair loss in women

An interview with Dr Mary Gail Mercurio

WebMD Feature

Medically Reviewed by Dr Paola Accalai

Many women with hair loss suffer in silence, altering their hairstyle to hide thinning or patches, but the sooner you seek care, the better the chances of successfully treating it, says hair expert and dermatologist Dr Mary Gail Mercurio.

It's not as uncommon as you may think: An estimated eight million women in the UK suffer from serious hair loss.

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Mercurio discusses common forms of hair loss in women and treatment options.

What's the most common form of female hair loss?

Female-pattern hair loss usually has a strong genetic component that can be inherited from either the mother or father. Also referred to as androgenetic alopecia, this type of hair loss can start as early as the late teens - and the earlier it starts, the more severe the hair loss tends to be.

Most women with pattern hair loss don't get a receding hairline or bald spot on top of the scalp as is common in men. Instead, there is visible thinning over the crown. In men and women, hairs are miniaturised because of a shortened growth cycle where the hair stays on the head for a shorter period of time. These wispy hairs, which resemble forearm hairs, do not achieve their usual length.

The first sign of hair loss that most women notice is often widening of their parting, or that their ponytail is smaller.

How is female hair loss treated?

Minoxidil 2% is the only topical medication approved for female-pattern hair loss. I find that the stronger minoxidil 5%, approved only for male-pattern hair loss, is very effective in women as well, but it can sometimes increase facial hair growth.

The 2% and 5% solutions are available over the counter in a liquid or gel. Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of hair - providing more time for hair to grow out to its full density.
You have to be patient, as noticeable results usually take three to four months and the product must be used twice a day. It tends to work better if started early.

I put some on my forearm and got a big thick patch of hair. When I stopped, it went away.

Doctors may also test for levels of ferritin (a protein that indicates the amount of total body iron stores). New research suggests levels may be low in women with hair loss. Iron supplements may help.

Also new is the HairMax Laser Comb. It's a red light therapy hairbrush-like device that increases circulation and the biological march that makes hair. In the US it's only approved in men (though some women are using it) and in my experience, is not as good as minoxidil. But in one study, 45% of users reported improvement after eight weeks, and 90% saw improvement after 16 weeks. (In the UK, these are not classed as medical devices, so do not require the medical regulator?s approval.)

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