When the subject of hair transplant comes up, most people think of balding men. However, hair loss is the bane of both men and women, and this loss affects about 30 million women in the US. Hair loss begins in men as early as in the twenties, but in women, the problem begins to show itself in the 50’s or later. Still, the problem exists, and it’s important to know that there is a solution for women too.
The pattern of hair loss in women is usually an androgenic pattern like men, and the loss is usually on the top and front of the scalp. Other women have a diffuse loss over the entire scalp. The former typically yields thicker hair following the transplants, but both are treatable. This alopecia usually begins after menopause. For many women, their hair gets thinner and finer also.
FUE (follicular unit extraction) is the state of the art for hair transplantation today, and this is taking 0.8 millimeter to 1.25 millimeter grafts from the donor area, which can be anywhere the hair is thicker, usually in the back and/or sides. This can be done manually, which is very tedious, or with the latest breakthrough in hair transplant called Neograft. The Neograft still removes the grafts from the same place, but it is automated, faster and more accurate. This results in shorter surgery time, no linear scar in the back of the head, no sutures or staples, faster recovery time and less pain or discomfort. An added positive feature is less transections of the hair follicles, thus more growth of the hair from the grafts. Typically, a graft contains from 1 to 3 hairs. The single hair grafts are used in the front hair line, if needed.
The cause of hair loss in women can result from many factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes with menopause, excess testosterone, crash diets, anorexia, thyroid problems and even autoimmune disorders. Regarding thyroid disease, often hair loss is the first sign of a thyroid disorder, either hypothyroid (too little thyroid) or hyperthyroid (too much).
Hormone replacement therapy may be the cause if too much testosterone is given or too much of it is being converted into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Lab tests must be performed to determine if this is a cause. Other solutions that may ameliorate the hair loss are: Rogaine for women, Saw Palmetto (from your health source), and a more nutritious diet. Another product which may help is Biosil, which is taken orally.
Most of all, I suggest consulting a physician who is familiar with the various causes and solutions, including hair transplantation with the Neograft system.