Definition: Female Pattern Hair Loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia), affects about 30 million American women and is the most common cause of alopecia in women. Hair usually starts to thin out mainly on the top and crown of the scalp, beginning with a widening through the center hair part.

Causes may include:

• Hormonal imbalance includes testosterone and estrogen imbalances seen during menopause and PCOS.
• Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, lupus, or anemia.
• Stress physical or emotional such as traumatic events, surgery, or major weight fluctuations.
• Poor Nutrition such as going on certain diets, low protein or low levels of vitamin D, zinc, iron, or calcium.
• Hair injury is caused by factors such as dying and using other hair products or pulling hair too tight.
• Medications such as chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, blood thinners, birth control pills, and some antidepressants, as well as some medications used for gout, seizures, arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure.

Treatment:

• Identify and treat hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen, and testosterone.
• Identify and treat associated diseases such as thyroid diseases, diabetes, anemia, and autoimmune disorders.
• Reduce physical and emotional stress with mind-body techniques such as meditation, yoga, and tai-chi
• Identify and treat nutritional deficiencies
• Reduce injury to your hair with dyes and other chemical hair products. Avoid twisting and pulling on your hair as well as any hairstyle that puts tension on hair such as braids, buns, ponytails, or cornrows.
• Avoid medications that may cause or worsen hair loss if possible.

Diet: increase omega 3-rich foods such as Alaskan salmon and sardines. Increase your protein intake if not getting enough protein in your diet.

Supplements and medications such as bioidentical hormones may prove helpful in treating alopecia.