Hair loss in women: A dermatologist explains the causes and treatment of this condition

a Hair loss It is a problem that affects many women, as it is a complex problem with multiple causes and treatments. Whether it’s due to stress, vitamin deficiency, or hormonal changes, hair loss directly affects a woman’s self-esteem. To better understand this topic, Dr. Carla Vidal, dermatologist at the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and the Brazilian Society of Dermatologic Surgery (SBCD), explained several aspects that can cause, aggravate and improve the problem.

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss “is not a single diagnostic factor,” Carla explains. Several points can contribute to excessive hair loss. “It is considered normal to lose an average of 100 strands of hair per day, whether due to hair combing or other reasons. He points out that quantities that exceed this much – when a person notices a large amount of hair on the pillowcase upon waking up, and when washing and combing his hair – require a medical examination.

Among the most common causes, Dr. Carla mentions infections “mainly those caused by fungi or bacteria,” hormonal imbalances, which are a frequent cause, especially after pregnancy, the use of certain medications that can lead to the problem, and a severe poor diet. Which causes malnutrition or anemia, after illness – especially for those affected by Covid-19, where they report a significant amount of hair loss, after surgery and genetic factors. Carla highlights the importance of performing tests that can prove the exact source of the fall.

Treatments available

Treatments for Hair loss Varies depending on the cause. “Dietary reasons, for example, may require nutritional supplements to provide the body with the nutrients it needs,” the expert explains. For fungal infections, topical medications are part of the treatment, such as shampoos, creams, and ointments.

Dermatology offers many complementary treatment options for specific causes, including the use of advanced technologies such as Trichoscan. “It combines fluorescence microscopy, also known as digital dermoscopy, with digital images of the scalp, hair and strands, in order to evaluate the entire hair structure,” he says. If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, medications that act directly on this diagnosis are prescribed.

Other treatment options for hair loss include:

• Minoxidil: A topical treatment that can be effective in many cases.
• Micro-needling: Promotes hair regeneration.
• Specific products: Shampoo and conditioner appropriate for the problem.

Female baldness

Female pattern baldness, or female androgenetic alopecia, is a genetic condition that results in gradual hair loss. Unlike hair loss, it mainly involves AR (androgen receptor), EDA2R (ectodesplatin A2 receptor), and PAX 1 and FOXA1 genes. “Symptoms include thinning hair at the top of the head, increased width of the central parting of the hair, and of course, excessive hair loss,” says the doctor.

Female baldness treatments

• Topical medications: to stimulate growth and delay hair loss.
• Finasteride and spironolactone: May be prescribed, combined, or not taken with supplements.
• Low level laser therapy: to promote hair growth.
• Hair transplantation: in advanced cases.

Hair loss as a side effect of the Covid-19 virus

Hair loss after coronavirus infection, known as telogen effluvium, is one of the most common complaints by patients who have suffered from the disease. “At the same time as hair loss, a person notices small hair growth, which means that the scalp is in its natural growth phase,” says Carla.

However, if the decrease is excessive, it is important to investigate. “Many patients report long-term hair loss as a result of the buildup of inflammatory substances in the body, leading to changes in the hair cycle. Moreover, it may be a result of increased stress and anxiety caused by the disease,” adds the dermatologist, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation to get the right treatment.