Hair Loss in Women in Indianapolis, Indiana
Few people realize just how common of a problem hair loss is for women. Studies have shown us that nearly one in three women will experience some level of hair loss in their lifetime. Unlike male patients who generally lose hair in isolated areas, many women lose hair uniformly across their scalp. This makes early detection difficult. Located in Carmel and Greenwood, Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., F.A.C.S., treats hair loss for women who live in and around Indianapolis, Indiana.
Emotional Consequences of Female Hair Loss
The loss of any hair can result in major emotional consequences for a woman. Even thinning hair can be distressful and many women continue to believe that hair loss is completely intolerable in modern society.
What Is the Cost of Hair Restoration for Hair Loss in Women in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The price of hair restoration varies for each woman. The cost depends on the extent of restoration necessary to achieve your individual appearance goal. Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery seeks to make hair restoration procedures available and affordable. To accomplish this, we accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks to treat hair loss in women.
Causes of Female Hair Loss
Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) Causes
Androgenic alopecia is a medical condition that is commonly referred to as either male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss. Men generally begin losing hair along the front of their hairline or in a single patch on the back of their head. Women, on the other hand, can lose hair uniformly across their scalp. Female hair loss is currently classified as Type I, Type II or Type III depending on the severity (see below for more information).
Females can begin to experience hair loss at any point in their life. Some women will not experience any hair loss until they are much older while others will begin losing hair in their teens. Genetics from both the mother and father play a large role in androgenic alopecia.
Non-AGA Causes
In addition to androgenic alopecia, women can lose their hair for a wide variety of additional reasons, such as:
- Hair damage from scalp infections, bacteria, viruses or fungi.
- Trichotillomania – Idle or compulsive hair plucking that can result in permanent hair loss.
- Loose-anagen syndrome – A condition often found in fair-haired women who lose hair while brushing.
- Alopecia areata – An autoimmune disorder that can escalate into widespread balding.
- Scarring alopecia – Hair loss due to excessive scarring on the scalp from injuries or surgeries.
Causes of Temporary Hair Loss
Temporary hair loss is a very common condition for women and one issue that many female patients will have to deal with at some point in their life. This typically takes place due to hormonal changes stemming from untreated hypothyroidism or a pregnancy.
Women who believe that they are suffering from temporary hair loss should schedule an appointment with Dr. Hamilton to determine the cause(s) of this problem.
Medical Causes of Female Hair Loss
- Severe emotional problems such as stress.
- Post-partum and post-menopausal states.
- Diseases that affect connective tissue such as Lupus.
- Ovarian tumors.
- Anemia (iron deficiency).
- Thyroid disease.
- Nutritional deficiencies from crash diets, bulimia or other eating disorders.
Drugs Causing Hair Loss in Females
- Miscellaneous diet pills and street drugs such as cocaine.
- Oral contraceptives containing high doses of progestin.
- Blood thinners and blood pressure medication.
- Seizure medication.
- Gout, colchicine and allopurinol medication.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone.
- Medications for lowering cholesterol.
- Chemotherapy.
- Thyroid medications.
Classification of Female Hair Loss
Female hair loss is grouped into three basic categories known as the Ludwig classification. These categories include:
- Type I (mild)
- Type II (moderate)
- Type III (extensive)
Type I – This is the earliest stage of female hair loss and can typically be hidden with good grooming. Most women in this stage do not require restorative surgery.
Type II – Type II patients generally notice a widened midline in their hair. Patients with a stable donor area (the sides and back of the scalp) might be eligible for surgery.
Type III – At this stage, thinning is noticeable and there is a slight see-through when looking from above. Once again, we might recommend surgery if the patient has a stable donor area.
Located in Carmel and Greenwood, Dr. Hamilton specializes in hair loss solutions for women in Indianapolis by performing hair transplantation. If you are looking for self-improvement in the form of hair restoration, Dr. Hamilton will accommodate your needs. Please contact us today!