Mrs. Sharda Sharma visited our clinic, worried about her sudden and extensive loss of hair. She wanted to know what the cause for this loss was and how she could ensure that the hair loss was arrested.

Here are excerpts of our conversation:

Mrs Sharma: Doctor, I am aware that losing a few hair each day is normal, but I think I am having hair fall, much more than what would be considered normal!

Doctor: Mrs. Sharma, we have examined your scalp, and we are of the opinion that you have what we call female patter hair loss or FPHL. The condition is also known as androgenetic alopecia.And just to assure you, this is a condition that is seen in close to 40% women, above the age of 50. As a matter of fact, statistics have shown that less than 45% women, actually cross the age of 80, with all their hair intact.

Most probably, you would have noticed diffused thinning, all over the scalp, as opposed to losing hair from only one section of your head.

Mrs Sharma: Why is this happening to me? Is there a specific cause for this condition?

Doctor: There is no exact cause or reason that causes FPHL, but we do believe that your genes have a role to play in it. While we know that androgens or the male sex hormones, have a major part to play in male pattern baldness, we are not sure if it crucial in FPHL too. As a matter of fact, most women have normal levels of androgen in their bloodstream, even if they are facing baldness. We have, however, observed that most women start facing FPHL, post menopause, which is why we think that oestrogen might have a hand in the condition.

Mrs Sharma: So, what can we do about it now?

Doctor: There is no cure for FPHL, but we can create a course of treatment, wherein we can arrest the hair loss. The options on offer include:

• Medicines such as Minoxidil
• Hormonal treatment such as cyproterone, spironolactone or flutamide
• Low level laser therapy

Luckily for Mrs. Sharma, she proved to be an ideal candidate for a hair transplant procedure. Post two sessions, she was back to looking her normal stylish self.