You might be surprised to know that just as many women experience hair loss as men do. Up to half of all men and women will notice thinning hair due to a common condition called androgenic alopecia. Commonly referred to as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, androgen alopecia affects people of all ages and genders. Despite sharing a common term, male and female pattern baldness presents differently in women than it does in men. As a result, you need to careful how you approach the treatments for hair loss in men and women. Keep reading to learn more about what may be causing your hair loss and how to effectively treat it.

Differences in Hair Loss Between Men and Women

There are a few key differences when it comes to hair loss in men vs women. Men usually lose their hair at a younger age than women and it occurs over different parts of the scalp. Additionally, any health conditions linked to hair loss are different in men and women. Both genders are more likely to lose their hair as they age, but it typically happens at different stages of life. Men affected by male pattern baldness will start to see the signs in their 30’s, although it can sometimes start at a younger age. Female pattern baldness starts to show up much later in life for women, typically around the time they start going through the menopause. The first signs of androgenic alopecia in men will show up as a thinning of hair around the hairline and at the temples. Women, on the other hand, will notice thinning hair at the tops of their heads. Instead of a receding hair line, women will have a centre part that gradually widens.

Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women

Male pattern baldness is most often the result of high levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is needed by men for their development, especially during puberty. However, high levels of DHT in adulthood can cause prostate disorders like an enlarged prostate. High levels of DHT impact hair follicles on the head as well, slowing down hair growth and even stopping hair growth altogether.

Other Risk Factors for Men:

• Family history of hair loss
• Age
• Nutrition
• Stress levels

One of the main causes of hair loss in women is the menopause. After the menopause, hair may be thinner, grow slowly, and be more prone to breakage. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth can have similar effects on your hair, too.

Other Risk Factors for Women:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Tight hair styles
• Overprocessed hair
• Eating disorders
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Stress

Treatments for Hair Loss in Men and Women

Since male pattern baldness is usually linked to an increase in DHT, the most effective treatment is medication that reduces DHT production. It’s important to start treatment as soon as you notice the first signs of hair loss because it’s easier to keep the hair you have than to regrow lost hair.

• Propecia: Propecia is the brand name for Finasteride, a medication that decreases the amount of DHT your body produces. Lower levels of DHT will stop the progression of male pattern baldness. In some cases, you may even regrow some of your hair back! Finasteride should only be used by men and needs to be kept away from children.

For women that experience more hair loss during the menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help. During the menopause, a female sex hormone called oestrogen starts to decline. This decline is what causes uncomfortable menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and hair loss.

• Evorel Patches: Evorel Patches contain a combined form of HRT and can be placed directly onto the skin. This allows a measured absorption of the hormones into your body and helps reduce the symptoms associated with the menopause. You’ll need to change your patch twice per week.

How to Prevent Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

Some people are predisposed to developing male or female pattern baldness and there’s not a lot you can do about genetics. What you can do, however, is adopt a lifestyle that promotes healthier. hair. The healthier your hair is, the fuller it will appear and the less likely it’ll be to fall out. Damaged hair is prone to breakage which can make your hair appear even thinner. To keep your hair healthy, treat it gently. This means limiting how often you use heat to style it and avoiding harsh chemical treatments. Other tips for thick, shiny hair are:

• Not over washing your hair
• Washing it in warm (not hot) water
• Avoiding tight hairstyles
• Using minimal product
• Massaging your scalp to boost blood flow
• Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase
• Cutting back on alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight

 Adjusting your diet can greatly help boost hair growth. Your hair needs certain vitamins and nutrients to help it grow and stay strong, particularly protein, iron, biotin, and vitamins B12 and vitamins D. Having a deficiency in any of these can contribute to hair loss which is why you need to ensure you’re getting enough nutrition. If you’re unable to get the nutrition from your diet, you can always take supplements.

Foods for Healthy Hair:

• Eggs
• Berries
• Soybeans
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Chicken breast
• Beans
• Fatty fish

Finally, and we know it’s not always easy, but try to reduce stress wherever you can. High periods of stress or even one major stressful event can be enough of a shock to the system that you lose hair. Finding healthy ways to cope with the stresses of life can improve the appearance and health of your hair.

Hair Loss Treatments from Pharmacy Planet

Both men and women experiencing hair loss can turn to us for fuller, healthier hair. In our online pharmacy you’ll find several effective treatments for hair loss in men and women including Propecia and Hormone Replacement Therapy. Explore our website now to discover trusted hair loss treatments.