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Alopecia affects about one-third of young women at some point in their life. Women tend to be more affected by hair loss than males because of the societal stigma that surrounds baldness in women. A woman’s emotional health and quality of life might be negatively impacted by alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia refers to the loss of hair in a pattern that can affect either sex.
Loss of hair is a natural part of the ageing process, especially in young women. When most women reach the age of 25 and older, more than half of them will experience some degree of hair loss. The growing phase of the hair is slowed down in women who have female pattern baldness. Additionally, the time it takes for new hair to begin growing is extended. The hair follicles get smaller, which causes the hair that continues to grow to become finer and thinner. This can lead to hair that is brittle and more prone to breakage. In this article, we would be looking at Androgenic Alopecia in Young Women and ways to treat them.
Causes of Androgenic Alopecia in Young Women
Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent cause of hair loss in women and has been linked to heredity. Androgenetic alopecia can cause hair loss, which may begin at a young age, as reported in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Although hair loss in women can start as early as the twenties, it typically doesn’t become noticeable until women are in their forties. Androgenetic alopecia affects both sexes, albeit it manifests differently in men and women. Male pattern baldness typically manifests as a receding hairline or bald area at the crown of the head, while female pattern baldness typically manifests itself in other ways. When women become older, their natural centre separation frequently gets more pronounced or wider. Females may also notice hair thinning and a general appearance of thinner or patchier hair. The thinning of individual hairs is the root cause of these symptoms. Additionally, hairs only remain on the head for a shorter time and have a shorter life cycle.
The issue of female pattern hair loss is chronic and worsens over time. In women, the widening of the part in their hair may not be immediately apparent, but it may grow more pronounced as the condition worsens. Alopecia areata, another kind of alopecia, can lead to bald spots or patches. Hair thinning could also be caused by inflammatory disorders of the scalp or hormonal abnormalities.
Common symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia in Young Women
- patchy bald areas on the scalp
- gradual thinning of hair on top of the head
- rapid loss of hair
Possible causes of Androgenic Alopecia in Young Women
- It is possible for a female to inherit the gene for pattern baldness from either of her parents.
- During pregnancy, some young women are more likely to have the hair loss pattern known as female pattern baldness.
- Existence of pre-existing health conditions. A disorder that affects the endocrine system or a tumour that produces hormones may also be the underlying cause of female pattern baldness.
Hair Loss Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Young Women
The most common treatment for hair loss in young women is the use of various medications. The following are some examples of them:
Minoxidil
Originally developed to treat hypertension, users of this medication reported new hair growth in previously bald areas. Applying minoxidil straight to the scalp has been shown in medical trials to promote hair growth. The trials led to the FDA approving 2% minoxidil for women to use as a topical treatment for hair loss. Since then, a stronger 5% solution has become available for cases where women experience excessive hair loss. Minoxidil is not, obviously, a wonder medicine although it has been shown to stimulate the growth of fine new hair in some women (but not all). However, it cannot fully restore the lost hair’s density. Using the minoxidil medication for less than two months will not yield any positive outcomes. It is therefore important to plan on a trial lasting six months to a year, as the effect normally peaks at four months but it could take longer. If minoxidil helps, continuous use is required to keep hair from falling out.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
To prepare your own platelet-rich plasma for PRP therapy, you will need to get a blood sample and then spin your blood in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. Injecting the plasma back into your body allows you to get the benefits of its growth factors. In PRP therapy for hair loss, the plasma is injected directly into the hair follicles. The procedure typically takes no more than 10 minutes and causes no discomfort. After the initial therapy, you will likely need injections once a month for three months, and then every three to six months. You may see a reduction in hair loss within a few months of starting medication. After that, the hair might start to thicken up or regenerate. Because of the novelty of this treatment, there is currently insufficient evidence to determine its efficacy. Nevertheless, there is evidence from a few studies that suggests it could be an easy and inexpensive therapeutic choice.
Light therapy
Low-level light therapy may not be able to stop hair loss on its own, but it could increase the efficacy of other therapies, such as minoxidil. Results from a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology suggest that combining low light therapy with standard 5% minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia in women leads to better hair regrowth and patient satisfaction.
Eat a nutritious diet
Consuming a diet that is rich in nutrients may also encourage regular hair development. A diet that is generally considered to be healthy would typically include a wide array of vegetables and fruits. These offer a wide variety of important nutrients and chemicals that contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. There is some speculation that iron levels are related to hair health. Visit your primary care physician for a blood test to determine whether or not you have an iron deficiency if you are a young woman who is experiencing hair loss. It’s possible that your doctor will recommend taking an iron supplement or eating foods that are high in iron.
Anti-androgens
Androgens, which include testosterone and other hormones traditionally associated with men, have been shown to hasten hair loss in women. It is possible that the inclusion of the anti-androgen medication spironolactone (Aldactone) to the therapy of androgenic alopecia may be beneficial for certain women, particularly those who do not respond to minoxidil. Women of reproductive age will typically receive a prescription for spironolactone in conjunction with an oral contraceptive from their doctor. (Because these medications can cause genital anomalies in a male foetus, a woman who is taking one of these drugs should not become pregnant while she is taking it.) Some potential adverse effects include increased weight, decreased libido, feelings of despair, and weariness.
Hair transplant
In certain circumstances, hair transplantation is advised by medical professionals when the patient does not respond favourably to therapeutic treatment. This includes extracting small pieces of the scalp and placing them to regions of baldness so that the natural growth of hair can be stimulated in those areas. The cost of hair transplant therapy can be significantly more than that of other therapies, and not everyone is a candidate for this procedure.
Conclusion
There are many therapies available to young women who are experiencing hair loss, including over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss treatments, which are typically helpful. Any individual who is experiencing hair loss should make an appointment with their primary care physician, who can diagnose any underlying problems. If an individual does not respond favourably to over-the-counter medicines or if a doctor has reason to believe that there is another underlying cause, they will investigate other therapy alternatives.
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