Sign
Female hair loss in Singapore can follow two patterns of thinning – involving the areas similar to men from the forehead back to the crown (Figure “Frontal”), or a more diffuse thinning over the front, crown and sides (Figure I-1 to Advanced).
You may start to notice increased hair-fall when showering, grooming, or finding more hair on the pillow in the morning. You might also feel that your hair has become fine, brittle, and breaks easily when combing. You might also notice that your hair parting is growing, showing more scalp than before (Figure I-1 to I-3). Your family and friends may have also started to notice and comment on the thinning of your hair.
WHY
By age 50, 35% of all women in Singapore will experience some form of thinning and balding. After the age of 50, these numbers increase dramatically. For men, the primary reason for hair loss is genetics. Comparatively, only 20% of women in Singapore suffer from androgenetic alopecia.
While genetics certainly plays a large part in female hair loss, other factors responsible for balding in women include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, physical and emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities, medications, and hormonal imbalances. These can be related to pregnancy, the taking of birth control pills, and menopause amongst other factors.
COMMON TYPES
Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair thins above the forehead and on the top of the head. A slow progression of hair thinning can occur over many years. Hormones play a part in this type of hair loss, with the hormone, Testosterone (DHT), causing the hair to thin. In many cases, women with Androgenetic Alopecia do not have more DHT, but have inherited the tendency to be more sensitive to it. These patients often complain of hair-loss, thin and fine hair, oily scalp and skin, and irregular or heavy periods. There may be a history of acne in the past.
There are treatments available to slow the hair loss, encourage re-growth and preserve the hair for longer, but early treatment is essential.
Alopecia Areata
This is a patchy type of hair loss where the body’s own immune system attacks the cells that grow hair. In severe cases it can progress to complete baldness. It is painless, does not itch and is often first noticed by the patient’s partner or hair-dresser. This is not an inherited condition and the cause is often unknown. Despite this, there are medical treatments available to slow and reverse this form of hair loss.
In most cases, recovery can be full and permanent, but early detection and treatment is essential.
Telogen Effluvium
This is a sudden and dramatic loss of hair that affects many women. This distressing condition causes large amounts of hair to fall off in the shower or even with gentle brushing.
This can be caused by illness, stress, medications, and pregnancy.
It is important to seek a medical consultation early to accurately diagnose the problem and chart a course to earlier recovery.
Traumatic or Traction Alopecia
This is caused by harsh hair practices such as tight hair braids, chemical hair treatments, colorings, rebonding, and heat injuries to the hair and scalp from perming, hot curling, or straightening irons.
Other than an immediate change in hair styling, medical treatments are available to speed up recovery and hair growth.
COMMON TYPES
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Alopecia areata
- Telogen effluvium
- Traumatic or Traction alopecia
SKIN CONDITIONS
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Topical dermatitis
QUESTIONS?
