Are There Differences In Hair Loss With Men And Women?

Research in hair loss in women is indicating that it is not always the same as the male pattern balding we see in men which is androgenic alopecia. It has now gotten to the point that such a significant difference is being noticed that dermatologists are now referring to hair loss in women as female pattern hair loss rather that androgenic alopecia. That does not mean that there are still not some hair loss causes in female that are attributed to the excess testosterone which is the same problem for men. The point is that in many cases it can go beyond that and in a sense women have become stereotyped when it comes to hair loss causes. What has led female hair loss researchers to go beyond the scope of androgenic alopecia is the pattern in which often occurs with the hair loss in women. In the case of the female the thinning and then baldness becomes most evident around the entire top of the head. In the case of men however it occurs at the temple, as well as the crown and/or an evident balding spot at the back of the head. Evidence is becoming clear that there are various other types of enzymes that may be affecting the female gender in addition to the hormone receptors and blockers. An interesting point is that the various sites on the scalp are made up of various types of hormones and receptors. This is one of the reasons why researchers are taking a closer look at the hair loss between men and women as possibly and most likely for the most cases as being different. Most often with men it appears to be a genetic factor and occurs around the same age. Meaning that it is something that runs in the family men. With women though there is no common denominator as to age. It seems to strike whenever. There are significant medical problems that can be the underlying cause of the hair loss in women. This is another reason why it should not be just simply written off as being androgenic alopecia. There are cases where women are suffering hair loss and then end up being diagnosed with polyscystic ovary syndrome. Once again a hormone related problem. In these cases there was no outward sign of the underlying issue other than the hair loss itself. Alopecia areata is another form of hair loss but it takes on different characteristics. In this case the hair loss does not seem to be intense, but what does fall out comes out in clumps leaving a patchy look. This is an inflammatory condition often brought on from issues with autoimmune disorders. These are but a few of the several types of health issues that can cause hair loss in women. The lesson to be learned here is that when thinning hair or hair loss is observed it is important to seek medical attention for evaluation as soon as possible. This way not only can the hair loss be halted but the underlying medical problem can be attended to.