All You Need To Know About Female Pattern Hair Loss
FPHL and treatments
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss that affects women. It is characterized by a progressive thinning of hair on the scalp, usually starting at the crown and frontal regions, resulting in a widening of the hair part and a reduction in hair density.
The exact causes of female pattern hair loss are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to genetics and hormonal changes. Androgens, which are male hormones that are also present in women, can cause hair follicles to shrink and produce finer, shorter hairs. This process is known as miniaturization and can eventually lead to hair follicle death and permanent hair loss.
Other factors that can contribute to female pattern hair loss include aging, menopause, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions or medications.
Diagnosis of female pattern hair loss usually begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider will ask about any symptoms, such as gradual hair thinning or widening of the hair part. They will also ask about family history of hair loss, hormonal changes, and any medications or medical conditions that could be contributing factors.
A scalp examination may also be performed to assess hair density, hair thickness, and the presence of miniaturized hairs. In some cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of hair loss.
There is no cure for female pattern hair loss, but there are several treatment options that can help to slow or stop the progression of hair loss and promote hair regrowth. The most common treatments include:
1. Minoxidil: A topical solution that is applied to the scalp twice a day, minoxidil can help to stimulate hair regrowth and prevent further hair loss.
2. Finasteride: An oral medication that blocks the effects of androgens on hair follicles, finasteride can be effective in slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. However, it is not recommended for use in women of childbearing age.
3. Spironolactone: An oral medication that blocks the effects of androgens on hair follicles, spironolactone can be effective in treating female pattern hair loss.
4. Low-level laser therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
5. Hair transplantation: A hair transplant in Singapore is a surgical procedure that involves removing hair from areas of the scalp with healthy hair growth and transplanting it to areas of the scalp with thinning or balding hair.
Minoxidil and Spironolactone
Minoxidil and spironolactone are two commonly used medications for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp to promote hair growth. Originally developed as a medication for high blood pressure, minoxidil was found to have the side effect of increased hair growth in some patients. Minoxidil works by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp, which increases blood flow and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This can promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. It is applied twice a day to the affected areas of the scalp. Results may take several months to become visible, and continued use of the medication is necessary to maintain hair growth.
Spironolactone is an oral medication that is primarily used as a diuretic to treat high blood pressure and edema. However, it has also been found to be effective in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Spironolactone works by blocking the production of androgens, which are hormones that can contribute to hair loss in women with FPHL. Androgens can cause hair follicles to shrink, which can lead to hair thinning and balding. Spironolactone is only recommended for use in women and is not recommended for use in men due to the risk of side effects such as breast enlargement and decreased libido.
At The Clifford Clinic, we provide all the above treatments and more. As each treatment has its own varying pros and cons, by having a wide spectrum of solutions to combat hair loss, we can have better customization to the needs and concerns of each patient. Bellasonic is one popular treatment option to combat hairloss at The Clifford Clinic.
Ultrasound Bellasonic Hair Treatment
Bellasonic Ultrasound is a handheld device that uses low-frequency ultrasound waves to stimulate hair growth and improve the health of the scalp. The device is equipped with a unique sonic technology that creates micro-vibrations on the surface of the skin, which penetrate deep into the scalp to stimulate blood flow, increase cellular activity, and promote the growth of healthy hair.
Bellasonic Ultrasound works by emitting low-frequency sound waves that penetrate deep into the scalp to stimulate blood flow, increase cellular activity, and promote the growth of healthy hair. The ultrasound waves create micro-vibrations on the surface of the skin, which help to break down any buildup of dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris that can clog hair follicles and prevent healthy hair growth.
The device also helps to improve the absorption of topical hair growth products by creating tiny channels in the skin that allow the products to penetrate deeper into the scalp. This can help to enhance the effectiveness of topical treatments and increase the rate of hair growth. As such, Bellasonic is able to allow deeper penetration of medications and hair serum into the scalp, as compared to just applying topicals onto the outer scalp of the hair. Most importantly, Bellasonic Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not require any needles or surgery. This makes it a safe and comfortable option for those who are looking for a non-invasive solution to hair loss.
FRAXEL Laser Hair Treatment
The other popular hair treatment at The Clifford Clinic is FRAXEL laser system. FRAXEL laser is a type of fractional laser that can be used for the treatment of hair loss. The laser works by creating tiny columns of thermal injury in the scalp, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote hair growth.
During a FRAXEL laser treatment, the laser is applied to the scalp in a grid pattern, creating thousands of microscopic columns of injury in the skin. One of the advantages of FRAXEL laser for hair loss treatment is that it is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any downtime. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
In conclusion, at The Clifford Clinic, it has a whole spectrum of treatments to cater to the needs of women who experience FPHL. Each treatment has its own pros and cons and there is something for everyone who wish to improve the condition of the hair loss. Drop by The Clifford Clinic to enquire more!