Women

Although androgenetic alopecia is often referred to as male pattern baldness, it is not limited to men. 70% of thinning in women can be explained by androgenetic alopecia.

If you are a woman experiencing thinning, you are not alone. About half of women will experience some degree of thinning by the age of 50. However, you are less likely to get bald spots like men experience. Women are more likely to have diffuse thinning all over the head. When a pattern does appear, it may spare the hairline but affect the front behind this, the crown, and temporal areas of the scalp. Thinning can begin as early as your 20s in women as well as men, or you may experience the same pattern of hair loss as men do.

Non-genetic causes of hair loss and thinning occur more frequently in women, so if you are a woman experiencing hair loss, you should be evaluated for other potential causes of hair loss before you consider hair restoration surgery. Changes in hormones, including estrogen, thyroid, and free testosterone can cause thinning. Insulin resistance is another potential factor. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, or mercury (found in some fish), can lead to hair thinning.

Some other potential causes of hair loss can be traction alopecia, in which traction due to tight pony tails, braids, or other types of styling leads to thinning above the ears and forehead area of the hairline. Chemical alopecia is due to damage caused by styling chemicals, such as permanents, and some hair dyes.

If you would like to consult with Dr. Keene for a diagnosis as to what is causing your hair loss, she offers a female diagnostic consult for a nominal fee of $165, plus laboratory work if needed.

FDA approved medical treatment for women is limited to Rogaine, (generic name Minoxidil). Propecia is not recommended for women because it can cause birth defects in the developing male fetus, as well as the fact that it has not been studied in women as it has been in men. However, if you are postmenopausal, it is a potential treatment. Other treatments may be available and effective, and Dr. Keene is continuing to research this.

• If you have been diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, you may be a candidate for surgery. As long as there is a donor area available in the back of the head that is not thinning, the transplanted hair will be permanent. The extent of your hair loss is also a factor.
• If you do not know the cause of your hairloss, Dr. Keene recommends that you  be diagnosed to determine if there are other treatable causes for your hairloss before you consider hair restoration surgery. Hair restoration surgery may not be effective if you have other causes of hair less aside from androgenetic alopecia. If your thinning is caused by a hormonal disorder, for example, hormonal supplementation may be what is needed. If you would like to schedule a diagnostic appointment with Dr. Keene the fee for the appointment will be $165 plus labs fees. She does not work with insurance, so if you already have a diagnosis from a dermatologist, and they have determined you are a candidate for surgery, then Dr. Keene may not need to provide a diagnostic appointment and we can proceed with a consult. If you do require the diagnostic appointment and are determined to be a candidate for hair restoration surgery, if you decide to proceed with the surgery within a year your fee will be credited toward your surgery.
• If you have had plastic surgery, such as a brow lift or a face-lift, we can easily fill in your hairline and camouflage any scars resulting from the surgery.
• If you have not noticed hair loss but simply want to bring your hairline down, you are likely a candidate for hair restoration surgery

Please call 800-840-9761 or 520-600-0553 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keene for her to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan (if possible) or consultation for surgery.