Hair loss, a condition often associated primarily with men, is surprisingly prevalent in women as well. In fact, research indicates that nearly 40% of women experience visible hair loss by the time they reach age 50. More than half of women will experience some degree of hair thinning after age 50. Although common, female hair loss remains a rarely spoken-about topic, shrouded in stigma. We aim to shed light on this widespread issue, delving into the causes, effects, and a groundbreaking treatment approach at LUMEN for hair loss in women.
Hair loss in women is a complex issue with a multitude of causes. Let’s delve into some of the most common ones.
Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal changes can significantly impact hair health. A prevalent cause of such imbalances is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by cysts on a woman’s ovaries, which can lead to hair loss, among other symptoms. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause may also cause thinning hair.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like iron can lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium, resulting in hair loss.
Hormones: Monthly cycles, pregnancies, and menopause mean hormones are always up and down. This makes things tricky when it comes to treating hair loss.
Limited Arsenal: There are tons of FDA-approved treatments for men, but only one for women – topical minoxidil. And we don’t find it nearly as effective as the treatment options we offer at LUMEN. In addition, women are contraindicated for certain medications.
Challenging Hair Transplants: For men, hair loss often kicks off at the temples and top of the head, sometimes leading to full-on baldness. On the other hand, women usually see thinning on the top in patches and at the front of the head, while the back remains pretty much untouched. Plus, the hairline stays where it is. That makes women often poor candidates for hair transplants that focus more on recreating the hairline and filling in very sparse areas.
At LUMEN, we developed a three-pronged approach to treating hair loss in women that has helped many patients. We have found that the combination of oral minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is like the dynamic duo of hair rejuvenation. We layer in scalp micropigmentation (SMP) at the beginning of the treatment process to create the immediate appearance of density. Here’s why it works:
This treatment trifecta can be a game-changer. SMP kickstarts your aesthetic goals. Oral minoxidil sets the stage for fuller, healthier hair, and PRP therapy gives your hair follicles an extra boost. This approach tackles hair loss from multiple angles – giving immediate and long-term results – and is potentially more effective than other treatment options.
While hair loss can be distressing, it’s crucial to remember that it is a common issue faced by women worldwide. There are several effective treatments for women dealing with hair loss. While we have an innovative and distinct treatment approach that works for many women, we know every person is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. At LUMEN, we create a treatment plan that’s just for you, and have other effective treatment options as well. We’ll help you understand the potential benefits and risks and guide you on the best course of action for your specific situation.
We’re here to help women dealing with hair loss in the Philadelphia area and beyond. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at 610.525.0606.
Sandra brings over 15 years of healthcare expertise to her role as a marketing writer, where she specializes in turning medical information into easy-to-understand content. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her family and reading.
