Measuring Hair Loss in Women – the Ludwig Scale of Hair Loss

The  Hamilton-Norwood scale is a common measurement tool used to measure [tag]baldness[/tag] in men for those suffering from [tag]Androgenetic Alopecia[/tag] in the form of [tag]Male Pattern Baldness[/tag].

But what about women?   Do women lose their hair in a similar pattern to men?

Though it is true that some women [tag]lose hair[/tag] in a similar manner as men, this is not true of all women.

The [tag]Ludwig[/tag] and [tag]Savin[/tag] Scale (pictured  left)  is intended as a measurement tool for women who suffer from Androgenetic Alopecia in the form of [tag]female pattern baldness[/tag] to determine their level of [tag]balding[/tag].

Just as the  [tag]Norwood Scale[/tag] is intended to be only a guide for men,  women must remember  likewise.   Therefore, it can be used as a tool to measure [tag]hair loss[/tag] but  remember…it is not perfect.

Though these are typical [tag]hair loss patterns[/tag] a woman might follow, there are often variations of it.   Typically a diffuse thinner follows a different pattern and therefore it’s more difficult to determine where he/she might fall.   This is especially true if someone is suffering from a medical condition known as Telogen Effluvium – a condition characterized by diffuse thinning of the hair, typically related to hormonal changes or reactions to medications.   Of course, all medical diagnoses should be made by a medical doctor.

Using the [tag]ludwig scale[/tag] to measure hair loss is helpful, but what to do with that information is the question.   Truly this will depend on the individual, but I believe in considering the following course of action:

• Research is key.   Learn everything there is to know about hair loss.    The more you know, the better your decision making skills will be.
• Consider medication such as  [tag]Rogaine[/tag] for women  as your first line of defense to fight against further hair loss.   Other effective medications may be available to women – but should ultimately be prescribed by a medical [tag]hair loss doctor[/tag].
• You may be a candidate for [tag]hair transplantation[/tag] surgery – which to date, is the only highly effective means of restoring your hair.   Getting a [tag]hair transplant[/tag] is not to be taken lightly as there is a lot to consider.     Patients who are determined to be measured higher on the Ludwig Scale typically require more [tag]follicular unit grafts[/tag] to achieve decent hair coverage and higher density.

If you are considering a hair transplant, I recommend reading the following blogs which will kickstart your research regarding hair transplantation:

To Hair Transplant or Not to?

Considering a Hair Transplant:   Where do I begin?

Am I too Young for a Hair Transplant?

How do I choose a Hair Transplant Doctor?

Feel free to give your feedback.

Bill
Associate Publisher