Androgenetic alopecia in women

While men may make the best of it, women generally take any substantial hair loss very badly

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Thierry Schmitz naturopathe diplomé de la faculté de médecine de l'UCL Belgique

Androgenetic alopecia accounts for 80% of female cases. With a few exceptions, it is much easier to neutralise than male alopecia of the same type. The important thing is not to accept defeat in advance and to treat the problem as soon as you become aware of the symptoms.

Androgenetic alopecia in women is very different from alopecia in men and it develops more slowly. Women secrete infinitely more female hormones than male hormones: their oestrogens - female hormones - serve as an antidote to limit the damage done by androgens and to prolong the pilary cycles.

It is mostly localised on the top of the head (sometimes at the temples and sides). In its commonest form, androgenetic hair loss begins with a widening of the parting. The hairs become finer and the top of the head gradually becomes lighter, and this is irreversible if you do not take action quickly.

The severity of the symptoms varies greatly from one woman to another: it depends on the more or less pronounced sensitivity of the scalp to androgens, and the measures taken to counteract the process of deterioration.

However, even in the most serious cases, while the affected areas may thin out significantly, they never become completely bare as in some men.

Androgenetic alopecia can start at any age from 14 or 15 upwards, but certain periods are more likely to trigger or to aggravate the problem, particularly during hormonal disruptions during a woman's life.

This is the case after puberty, and in the 2 or 3 months after giving birth, especially if the woman is breast feeding.

During pregnancy, the woman's body has been "bathed" in progesterone, and there may be a slight hormonal imbalance for a certain period after the birth.

Also, pregnancy quite often causes demineralisation, as the mother's minerals are diverted to feed the foetus.

While the products in the Follon range are recommended after a pregnancy, they cannot be taken during pregnancy.

Hair loss may also occur in the 2 months after ceasing to take an oral contraceptive. Some contraceptive pills may aggravate the problem of hair loss.

The pre-menopause is another period when hair is more likely to fall out.

At the menopause, a woman's body undergoes major hormonal changes which may sometimes manifest themselves in the scalp in the form of increased hair loss. The volume and density of the hair often decrease at this time of life.  

These products may even be used in the case of thyroid problems, particularly as they contain phytosterol molecules which are recognised for their role in regulating the immune system, which can only be beneficial for the illness.

Of course, hair loss is also triggered by stress, sudden changes of weight, and emotional shocks.

The Follon range is compatible with most hair care products - hair colour, straighteners, setting gels - particularly as this range is entirely natural and causes no side-effects.