Author: Jules Chan

Is Rogaine™ effective for women?
Rogaine or minoxidil is valuable adjunctive therapy for both men and women with hair loss. It does not work in all individuals and only a trial of use [six months ] will give a definitive answer as to it’s merits in any one individual. The exact mechanism of action of this drug is not well understood however it has been demonstrated to be capable of lengthening the anagen or active growth phase of the hair within the hair growth cycle. This translates clinically into healthier hair for a longer period of time. Rogaine is the only FDA approved medication to slow or stop hair loss in women.

Can women take Propecia™ ?
Propecia is not FDA approved for use in women. Women of childbearing age should not take this medication because of its association with birth defects in the developing male fetus. Studies conducted using 1mg finasteride in post-menopausal women demonstrated the agent not to be effective in this patient category. The prospect exists that a higher dosage may be beneficial in this group of individuals, however good studies showing its efficacy and safety are yet to be completed.

Dr. Craig L. Ziering is one of the leading authorities in hair transplant surgery. With more than 19 years of experience as a preeminent hair transplant surgeon in Southern California, Dr. Ziering has provided help to countless men and women who suffered from hair loss.

Are surgical hair transplants a treatment option for women?
Depending on the nature and degree of hair loss women may or may not be candidates for hair transplantation surgery. Goals and expectations need to be carefully reviewed in advance of contemplating surgery and if there exists medical questions pertaining to the nature of the loss or its future course, then medical laboratory investigation may additionally be warranted.

Why are some women not candidates for hair restoration surgery?
Hair transplantation involves the relocation of hair from an area of greater density and fullness in the back of the scalp to an area of hair loss on top of the head. Women who have generalized thinning do not possess sufficient reserves of hair to allow for the removal of hair without deleterious effects upon the source of the donation. Additionally in these instances the usual source of donor hair may not contain healthy hair which will survive and grow when transplanted. In hair transplantation, as in many surgical procedures, it is important to balance the potential gain against the possible risks or downside when contemplating a procedure that is not reversible.

Dr. Craig L. Ziering is one of the leading authorities in hair transplant surgery. With more than 19 years of experience as a preeminent hair transplant surgeon in Southern California, Dr. Ziering has provided help to countless men and women who suffered from hair loss.

I recently came across some information on Hair Loss in women and thought you would find it interesting, I will post them all separately so its not too much reading all at once… all articles by Dr. Craig L. Ziering

What causes hair loss in women?
Female hair loss is a distinctly different entity from male pattern hair loss which has a known cause and usually follows a predicable path. Though some women experience hair loss that resembles male patterned loss, others experience diffuse loss that involves the entirety of the scalp. Such individuals are not candidates for surgical hair restoration in that they do not possess an uninvolved area of hair from which to obtain hair for transfer. Other causes for hair loss in women range from medical conditions associated with hair loss such as anemia, hypothyroidism and connective tissue diseases to adverse reactions to medications or deleterious effects of certain grooming practices e.g. tight braiding of the hair which causes traction alopecia.
To be continued…

Dr. Craig L. Ziering is one of the leading authorities in hair transplant surgery. With more than 19 years of experience as a preeminent hair transplant surgeon in Southern California, Dr. Ziering has provided help to countless men and women who suffered from hair loss.