Hair loss in women – causes and how to prevent it

Androgenic alopecia

As with men, the most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia. However, the typical pattern of hair loss due to this type of alopecia differs between men and women.

While men usually lose their hair first on the sideburns and then on the crown, with only the hair remaining behind the temples and on the crown and nape of the neck in later stages, in women, androgenetic alopecia usually manifests itself as hair loss first at the parting and then on the crown. The hair thins, but it rarely becomes as drastic as in men.

Experts use the Ludwig scale to assess the degree of hair loss in women, while the Norwood Hamilton scale is used in men.

According to the Ludwig scale, stage one is minor hair loss at the parting, which can be hidden by hairstyle and a different way of combing. Stage two is more noticeable at the parting and general thinning of the hair. Stage three is when the scalp is visible, and the thinning of the hair is also visible on the rest of the scalp.

Alopecia areata - focal type of alopecia

Alopecia areata is the second most common form of baldness. It is characterized by patchy loss of hair or other body hair, and occurs equally frequently in both sexes. If all hair is lost, it is called alopecia totalis, while if all hair and all body hair is lost, it is called alopecia universalis.

It occurs for a number of reasons, one of the most common being an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the follicles, leading to excessive and rapid hair loss. It occurs equally often in men and women.

This type of baldness can also occur after exposure to severe stress, as well as in people who have elevated thyroid antibodies.

In contrast to androgenic alopecia, which means permanent hair loss, in alopecia areata the hair grows back very often - even in 90% of cases. In about half of the people affected by this condition, the hair will grow back within half a year.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition in which hair enters a resting state prematurely and then falls out prematurely. This results in a rapid loss of hair that cannot be replaced, resulting in thinning hair throughout the scalp.

This is usually temporary hair loss and the hair will grow back.

The causes of telogen effluvium are varied - sometimes it is exposure to high stress, environmental toxins, the result of certain diseases or taking certain types of medications. Sometimes it occurs during menopause or during pregnancy and after childbirth, and a possible cause is a lack of micronutrients in the body (iron, zinc, B vitamins).

Read more about other types of alopecia in our blog at this link.

Scalp mesotherapy

The procedure begins with a thorough cleansing of the scalp. Then, a cocktail of active ingredients (vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid and amino acids) is applied to the middle layer of the skin through microinjections. These substances improve microcirculation, nourish the follicles and stimulate hair growth. The treatment is almost painless, with the possibility of using a local anesthetic spray, and the patient can return to daily activities immediately after it.

PRP therapy

First, a small amount of the patient's blood is taken, which is then centrifuged to separate the plasma rich in platelets and growth factors. This concentrated plasma is injected into the scalp through tiny punctures. The goal is to stimulate the regeneration of damaged follicles, improve blood flow, and activate hair growth. The procedure takes about 45 minutes, is minimally invasive, and usually requires no recovery time.

Application of local preparations

In cases of mild to moderate hair loss, dermocosmetic preparations are used, which are applied daily to the scalp at home. These products contain active ingredients that improve the condition of the follicles and reduce hair loss. Dermatologists recommend products individually, and their effect is additionally monitored through regular controls.

TrichoTest genetic test

For women in whom there is a suspicion of a genetic cause of hair loss or who have not had the result of classical treatments, TrichoTest™ is performed - a DNA analysis based on a swab of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Based on the results, a personalized therapy plan is created, including recommendations for drugs, nutritional supplements and dermocosmetics. Although this "test" is not considered a treatment in itself, it is an important step in determining further therapeutic procedures.

Regular checks

Since hair loss is often a chronic and multifactorial problem, it is important to regularly monitor the condition of the scalp with a specialist so that therapy can be adjusted in a timely manner and achieve the best effect.

Consistency in therapy:

Treatments such as mesotherapy and PRP require serial application and persistence. Discontinuation or improper use may result in reduced effectiveness or repeated hair loss.

Avoiding mechanical stress:

Avoid tight hairstyles, tight rubber bands, blow-drying at high temperatures or chemical treatments (permanent, dyeing) that further damage the follicles and can worsen the condition.

Inform your doctor about medications and illnesses:

Before starting therapy, it is important to report all existing health problems, medications you are using and allergies to avoid unwanted reactions.

TrichoTest and hormone analysis:

For the best possible result, additional hormonal and genetic analysis is recommended to personalize the treatment and make it as effective as possible.