Noticing thinning hair as a woman can be devastating. It may take a toll on your self-esteem, make you feel less attractive, or even cause you to skip out on social events.
With all of the stress involved in hair loss or thinning as a woman, misinformation is the last thing you need.
Below, we will help address some of the most common myths that you may hear about female hair loss, and offer you some advice on how you may be able to address female hair loss.
This one can get a little complicated. Technically, there are not currently any prescription medications that are FDA-approved for female pattern hair loss (and men only have one). But, that does not mean that nothing is ever prescribed for female pattern hair loss. Some doctors are thinking outside of the box and utilizing certain prescription medications off-label to try and help women experiencing various forms of hair loss.
Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label to help women that may have an androgen-related type of hair loss. PCOS patients are sometimes prescribed this medication for just this reason.
If it is a suspected hormonal imbalance or decline that has caused the hair loss or thinning, hormone therapy with progesterone, estrogen, or both are sometimes utilized under the guidance of a doctor.
Finally, while it can’t be used in women of childbearing age who are planning on a baby in the near future due to potential birth defects, Finasteride is sometimes used off-label in post-menopausal women or those who do not want children to help reduce DHT levels in the scalp.
At Strut, we know there are options out there available to help women experiencing hair loss on a case-by-case basis. That is why we offer prescription, customizable topical women’s hair loss treatments that may contain a combination of Minoxidil, Spironolactone, Finasteride, Tretinoin, and Biotin, depending on what would be the best fit for you.
About 55% percent of women experience some level of hair loss or thinning by the age of 70. This means that not only is hair loss in women common, it is actually more likely to occur than not dealing with any hair loss as you get older.
This myth likely still remains because although women’s hair loss and thinning are common, it presents in a less dramatic way than in men that tend to develop harsh receding hairlines or bald spots. Women tend to see a widening part in the hair, or diffuse overall thinning that may be easier to disguise.
A higher percentage of women 40 or older may experience hair thinning as compared to younger women. But, that does not mean that it can’t happen in your thirties, twenties, or even teens.
Hair thinning can occur due to nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, bad habits, or hormonal changes. Since all of these things can happen in younger women, it means that hair thinning or loss may occur too.
If you are experiencing dramatic, rapid, or just bothersome hair loss or thinning, it is important to discuss the issue with your doctor, regardless of your age. Sometimes hair loss or thinning can be a sign of something else going on in your body.
Yes, your genetics have a lot to do with how your hair will end up looking throughout your life. But, it is not the whole story.
Your hair is a product of genetics and the environment that your hair follicles are living in. So, it may be worthwhile to take a peek at your older relative’s hair to help get an idea of what your genetics may contain, but that does not mean that steps can’t be taken to have the best possible head of hair you are capable of. For instance, if you take the route of lifelong smoking or your diet is often lacking in essential nutrients, your hair will also likely be less lush and healthy in the long run -- regardless of what is programmed into your genome.
Also, it is important to remember that your genetics are not made up of just one person. While, as a woman, it may be the closest approximation to look at your mother’s hair, your ultimate hair genetics are made up of genes from your father’s side of the family too.
Unless your hairstyles are pulled extremely tightly and are pulling out your hair from the root or inflaming your scalp, it is unlikely that often choosing an “up-do” over wearing your hair down will make much difference in the long run.
However, there are ways to wear your hair up in more gentle ways to make sure less loss or breakage occurs. Opt for looser ponytails and buns over tight ones. And, choose hair securing devices that allow the hair to slide and move a bit like a satin scrunchie instead of a tight band.
At Strut, we saw the need to offer prescription treatment options for women's hair loss. Most cases of hair thinning in women are due to female pattern hair loss, which at its root has a genetic and hormonal cause. For this reason, our medications are meant to help target female pattern hair loss.
Our customized compounds can contain a combination of active ingredients including Minoxidil, Spironolactone, Finasteride, Tretinoin, and Biotin, depending on what the doctor finds would be the most appropriate for you.
If you are interested in seeing if a customized female pattern hair loss treatment is a good fit for you, you can have a free online questionnaire and image-based consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors today. If you are a good candidate for treatment, your medication will be shipped to your front door.
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