Hair loss in women is incredibly common and can be emotionally challenging, especially when it happens suddenly or progresses over time. Whether you’re noticing shedding, thinning at the part, or changes in hair density, Advanced Dermatology provides expert evaluation and customized treatment plans designed specifically for women. We treat patients from throughout the Chicagoland area at our north shore offices in Lincolnshire and Glencoe.
What Causes Hair Loss in Women?
Hair loss in women can begin gradually or appear all at once. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
This hereditary condition, which can come from either side of the family, typically appears as progressive thinning across the top of the scalp. Early signs often include a widening part or decreased fullness. Hormonal changes and aging can accelerate this pattern, but it usually develops gradually over many years.
Telogen Effluvium (Sudden Shedding)
Some women experience rapid, diffuse shedding that affects the entire scalp. This often occurs several months after a major physical or emotional stressor, such as childbirth, illness, medication changes, thyroid imbalance, low iron levels, or significant life changes. Fortunately, this type of hair loss is often reversible once the trigger is identified and addressed.
Other Factors
Other factors can also play a role in hair loss in women, including medical conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), nutritional deficiencies, hormonal shifts, autoimmune conditions, and scalp inflammation can also play in hair loss. Your dermatologist for hair loss may recommend blood tests to check ferritin or thyroid levels, to help determine the cause.
Hair Loss Treatments for Women
Because women’s hair loss has many possible causes, treatment is highly individualized. At Advanced Dermatology, we use evidence‑based approaches that improve scalp health, enhance hair thickness, and support long‑term regrowth.
Topical Minoxidil (5%)
Studies show that once‑daily 5% minoxidil is more effective for women than the traditional 2% formulas. It helps improve density, strengthen hair shafts, and slow ongoing thinning. To enhance comfort and reduce irritation, we often pair it with a mild topical steroid.
Keralase™ Hair Restoration for Women
Keralase™ is a non‑invasive treatment that combines LaseMD® Ultra laser technology with KeraFactor® serum, a concentrated blend of peptides and growth factors. The laser creates micro‑channels in the scalp, allowing the serum to penetrate deeply and nourish follicles. This treatment is ideal for hereditary thinning, postpartum shedding, and women experiencing stress‑related hair loss.
Treating Telogen Effluvium
For women experiencing sudden shedding, treatment often focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying cause, whether that’s low iron, thyroid imbalance, medication changes, or prolonged stress. Once corrected, most women experience regrowth over the following months.
Supportive Lifestyle Care
Improving scalp health, minimizing heat styling or chemical treatments, and correcting nutritional deficiencies can all support better long‑term outcomes for female hair.
How Treatments for Female Hair Loss Work
Each option helps address hair loss from a different angle. Minoxidil extends the growth cycle of the hair follicle. Topical steroids calm scalp inflammation. Keralase™ enhances the scalp environment and encourages healthy follicle activity. When used together under expert supervision, these treatments provide a multi‑layered approach that delivers the best long‑term results.
How Keralase™ Differs From Other Options
Keralase™ is unique because it is entirely needle‑free, comfortable, and suitable for all skin and hair types. It offers a modern alternative for women who prefer to avoid injections or more invasive procedures, while still stimulating noticeable improvements in thickness and fullness.
Most women begin to see early signs of improvement within several weeks, with more measurable changes appearing over the next few months.
Find a Female Hair Loss Specialist Near You
If you’re looking for a female hair loss specialist in the Chicago area, our dermatology team is here to help you regain confidence and restore scalp health.
Schedule a consultation today at our offices in Lincolnshire or Glencoe to begin your personalized treatment plan.
