How Men and Women Experience Hair Loss Differently

Hair loss at any age is distressing when you're a man. However, women can also experience hair loss, which is similarly embarrassing.

Men and women experience hair loss for many reasons but often experience it differently. When you notice your hair falling out, you must get to the root cause for the proper treatment.

The Dermatology Center of Worcester team understands the stress losing your hair causes. Dr. Camille I. Roberts is an experienced dermatologist who offers several specialized treatments for hair loss for both men and women.

Common causes of hair loss

Have you ever taken a shower and noticed your hair coming out in clumps? If so, you're not alone.

Hair loss is a disorder among both men and women. It is known as androgenic alopecia when it's genetic and related to your hormones.

However, androgenic alopecia isn't the only cause of hair loss in men and women. Other factors play a role in losing your hair, some of which include the following:

• Chemotherapy treatment
• Radiation treatment
• Certain medications
• Trichotillomania
• Trauma
• Intense stress
• Infections of the scalp

Each type of disorder leads to hair loss differently. Determining the best treatment route is essential to understanding why you're losing your hair.

The difference in hair loss between genders

Although hair loss affects men and women, each gender experiences it differently. Men may lose more hair than women, but both are affected by this condition.

There are many differences in the pattern of hair loss between genders, with the most common being the following:

Men lose hair at a younger age

Men tend to start losing their hair much earlier in life than women. Some men may begin to lose their hair as early as their teens, although it's more common to start noticing hair loss from 30 on.

Women don't tend to start losing their hair until after menopause, which occurs in the late 40s or early 50s.

The area of hair loss is different

Men and women also lose their hair in different areas of their scalp. Men seem to lose more hair on the front of their heads, leading to bald spots or a receding hairline.

Conversely, women tend to lose more hair on top of their scalp, causing a thinning appearance to the hair.

Different causes in men and women

Genetics plays a role in hair loss in both men and women, but other causes are much different.

Women seem to have hair loss related to hormonal disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome and menopause. At the same time, men with prostate cancer are more likely to suffer hair loss.

Testosterone plays a role in men

In men, testosterone replacement therapy seems to play into early hair loss. It's one of the side effects of testosterone therapy that your doctor can monitor by carefully evaluating your testosterone levels.

Treatments differ between genders

Although the treatments for men and women are similar, the dosages of the medications are typically different. Some medicines are only for men, as they can cause defects in babies.

However, most hair loss medications effectively restore hair growth in both men and women.

If you're concerned about hair loss, don't hesitate to call our office in Worcester, Massachusetts, at 508-452-2702 for an appointment or request a consultation online today.