What Causes Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss is something that impacts both men and women, though it can manifest differently in each gender. Women in particular can suffer from different types of hair loss, making it important to understand the potential causes in order to help prevent them from occurring. In this article, we look at the causes of female hair loss and explore the treatments that may help.

Hormonal Causes

Hormonal changes in a woman’s body are often responsible for female hair loss. During puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and other stages of life, hormones can fluctuate significantly and cause stress to the body. This can trigger female hair loss known as telogen effluvium. When telogen effluvium sets in, many of the body’s hair follicles enter a resting phase at the same time. As a result, the hair may stop growing, thin out or fall out completely. Regular hormonal ups and downs, such as during menstrual cycles, can also cause temporary hair thinning or shedding.

Genetics

Hair loss can also be hereditary, meaning a woman may be more likely to experience it if their genetic family history points to a likelihood of it. Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of female hair loss. It is caused by a combination of hormones and genetics, and usually results in a pattern of thinning hair around the scalp, especially at the crown.

Lifestyle Choices

Sometimes, lifestyle choices can contribute to female hair loss. Those who crash diet, over-exercise or expose themselves to frequent physical stress can find that their hair thins out or falls out due to their extreme regimen. Likewise, excessive dyeing and Styling of the hair can be detrimental to a woman’s hair health, leading to thinning or breakage. It is important for women to find a balanced diet and lifestyle in order to protect their hair from damage and possible loss.

Treatments and Prevention

Luckily, it is possible to prevent and/or treat female hair loss with some lifestyle changes, medications and even surgery. Adapting a balanced diet and reducing extreme physical stress can help to protect the hair from damage and possible loss. In addition, topical medications, oral medications, PRP therapy and low-level laser therapy have all been shown to help prevent hair loss, repair existing damage and stimulate new hair growth. In more severe cases where the condition cannot be managed with medication, a hair transplant may be the best option.

Female hair loss can be stressful and difficult to deal with, but understanding its possible causes can help women to recognize and prevent it in the future. For a proper assessment and treatment plan, it is always recommended that women seek professional medical advice to diagnose the cause of their hair loss. With the right help, women can find treatments that may help to reverse or prevent further damage to their hair.