Genetic thinning in women

Genetic thinning in women (androgenetic alopecia) is a condition characterized by thinning of hair in the front/top area of the scalp. The scalp looks normal but the diameter of many of the hairs in the genetic area becomes finer. The frontal hair often remains thicker, although there may be temporal recession of hair. About one-third of all post-menopausal women suffer from androgenetic alopecia.

In women, the main precursors of DHT are the weaker hormones such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) from the adrenal cortex. The thinning usually begins at the time of menopause or after a hysterectomy. At these times, the change in the sex hormonal balance gives the male sex hormones (androgens) more influence and brings about the thinning.

In the past, women in their twenties or thirties seldom suffered from Androgenetic alopecia unless a hormonal imbalance was present. However, today we have seen younger and younger women in their twenties with the genetic thinning pattern because of years of using oral contraceptives. Also, when hormonal replacement therapy is stopped, genetic thinning and diffused hair loss (from all over the head) can be triggered in those women with a predisposition for it.

Extreme stress can trigger genetic thinning in those women with the predisposition. Stress increases cortisone levels, and these can have the same adverse effect on hair as androgens. The relative infrequency with which genetic thinning occurs in women suggests that the trait must be inherited by the daughter from BOTH parents in order for her to exhibit hair loss.

Can genetic thinning in women be stopped?
When genetic thinning is associated with menopause or a hysterectomy, hormonal therapy can be given that may halt the thinning. Such therapy usually involves the taking of estrogens (female sex hormones) spironolactone (also called aldactone) that can be prescribed by a doctor. Herbal supplements that I have also found of benefit with most women are Red Clover or any other phyto-estrogens. These contain substances similar to estrogens (female sex hormones) and seems to prevent the androgens from influencing the hair, thereby preventing further thinning.

When the genetic thinning occurs as a result of a problem with the ovaries or adrenal glands, the thinning will cease once the corrective treatment has been undertaken. You will find herbal and organic supplements, toners, conditioners, shampoos, masks, Propecia, Minoxidil, Viviscal, Alpharegul and many other well known treatments for hair and scalp disorders at The National Center of Trichology.

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