Androgenetic alopecia in women is common. Although many people think of men when they hear “pattern baldness,” androgenetic alopecia can be just as devastating to a woman’s sense of image, confidence, and self esteem. It is estimated that androgenetic alopecia affects 20 million women in the United States, though the number might actually be close to 30 million. Androgenetic alopecia causes women to lose their hair in a diffuse manner, meaning that hair begins to thin and shed uniformly across the scalp.
Classification of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women
To classify androgenetic alopecia in women, physicians use a scale known as the Ludwig Classification. This scale categorizes female hair loss according to 3 unique stages: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. View the Ludwig Classification chart and learn more about each classification of female hair loss by visiting the following article, Ludwig Classification: Diagnosing Female Hair Loss.
Female Androgenetic Alopecia Prevention
For men, pattern baldness follows a somewhat predictable pattern that begins with shedding in the frontal hairline. This leads to more pronounced hair loss across the top of the head, and finally toward the crown. Androgenetic alopecia in women progresses differently than in men, however. For women, androgenetic alopecia may be undetectable for quite some time. Because the condition usually affects the entire scalp at once, it can be hard to tell when hair loss first begins. Luckily, there are warning signs to look for.
Know the signs of androgenetic alopecia in women. Visit this Free Infographic: A Guide to Hair Loss Prevention for Women to learn 4 warning signs that hair loss is happening.
Androgenetic Alopecia: Specialized Treatment for Women
Female hair loss is unique, and there are two standout treatments that every woman should consider when taking up the fight against androgenetic alopecia. The first is topical hair loss foam. Called Minoxidil, this treatment is perhaps best known by the brand name Rogaine®. The foam must be applied directly to the scalp twice daily, or as otherwise advised by a hair loss professional. Many women find this to be a chore, which has led many to try a new method of treatment called low level laser therapy (LLLT).
Treating Androgenetic Alopecia with Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy has been proven effective in clinical studies. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we offer two options for this new approach to hair loss prevention. In the office, patients may experience laser therapy with the Capillus272™ OfficePro. Patients may also enjoy LLLT treatment in the privacy of their own home with the Capillus272™ Pro laser cap. Both products are cleared by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women. In independently reviewed clinical trials, Capillus® technology produced 51% increase in hair count among participants (study made available on ClinicalTrials.gov).
If you experience hair loss, you are not alone. Take control of your hair and experience thicker, fuller looking hair with a personalized approach to hair restoration at Miami Hair. All evaluations and treatment programs are conducted by Drs. Bernard Nusbaum and Paul Rose, two ISHRS Golden Follicle Award winning surgeons with more than 40 years combined experience in the field.
For more information, contact Miami Hair online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.