When it’s about hair loss, men automatically come into mind, but did you know that 20 to 30 million women also suffer from a condition known as female pattern baldness? This is very similar to the condition of men called Male pattern baldness.
So, what causes Female Pattern Baldness?
DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
The same hormone, called DHT, causes both conditions. This hormone is developed in men and women when the enzyme 5 alpha reductase combines with the male hormone testosterone. Women have some testosterone, but it is kept under control by the female hormone estrogen.
But when a woman goes through menopause and their estrogen level decreases due to diet or physical activity, this allows the testosterone to flow uncontrollably.This will allow the creation of DHT and the cause for hair loss
When DHT is formed, it circulates in the scalp where it binds to the hair follicles.When this happens the nutrients to the hair follicle are blocked causing the hair strand to fall out and the follicle to die.
Prevent DHT
Taking Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs can stop the formation of DHT. There are two FDA-approved, but only one has been approved to be used by men and women. The one not approved for use by women which is Finasteride may cause birth defects.
The FDA-approved drug for men and women is the Minoxidil. The only difference is that men are approved for use it at 5% strength, while women can use it at 2% strength. Women can use a 5% strength if they are under the care of a physician.
Minoxidil is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the scalp. This allows more blood and nutrients to reach the hair follicles.
Both men and women can take herbal supplements that have been known as DHT blockers. These herbal supplements actually inhibit the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, thus preventing the formation of DHT.
Some herbal supplements that can be used by both men and women as a DHT blocker are Saw Palmetto, Pygeum and nettle, to name a few.
Conclusion
Most people do not know, but both men and women can lose hair due to the same hormone. This hormone, DHT causes male and female pattern baldness. This condition can be controlled in both men and women using the FDA-approved drug Minoxidil or certain herbal supplements.