It is a common misconception that hair loss can occur only in men. This is the reason why a lot of hair loss treatment solutions are made for the treatment of male baldness. The fact is that hair thinning and hair loss can affect both men and women. Around half of women over 40 years old experience some degree of hair loss.
Unlike men who usually develop bald areas, women have a more generalised hair thinning. Most commonly, this is due to a condition called androgenetic alopecia, which largely points to an underlying genetic predisposition. This hereditary type of hair loss can manifest as early as the teenage years and becomes more common as women get older.
It has been shown that pattern hair loss is associated with hormones called androgens, which are not only found in males but also in females, although in smaller amounts. The main cause of hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is and androgen called DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT shrinks the hair follicles, shortens their lifespan, and adversely affects normal hair production.
Hormonal imbalance is another usual cause of hair loss in women over forty. Around 30% of postmenopausal women develop hair loss, usually on the top of the scalp. The levels of hormone decrease as menopause nears and drop off considerably during menopause and beyond.
Women over forty are also prone to have nutritional deficiencies. Low levels of protein, iron, and B vitamins in the body can also lead to further hair loss. Ensuring that there is an adequate amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals will help prevent hair thinning and loss of hair caused by dietary deficiencies.
Whether you are already in your forties or just approaching 40, there are hair loss treatments available. There are medications that can treat hair loss like Minoxidil or Rogaine, but these should be used continuously to see noticeable growth of hair. Another drug Finasteride (Propecia) is also a popular hair loss treatment but not recommended to be used by women. Nisim Biofactors is an herbal based hair loss treatment range of shampoo, conditioner, and hair stimulating extract that can control hair loss and help regrow hair without the side effects seen in drug based products.