Female hair loss can be emotionally traumatic. Beautiful hair has long been associated with youthful looks. Every woman wants to beautiful hair. Unfortunately, many experience unwanted hair loss and as a result, emotional distress. Shedding around 200 hairs in a day is considered normal, as new hair growth soon replaces the hairs that naturally fall away.
However, when you begin to experience more hair falling out and less hair growing back, now you are dealing with a general condition named alopecia or “hair loss.” Alopecia can occur due to any number of causes, but the most common form of alopecia is androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss. In other words, simple genetically related hormonal factors can be the reason for your hair loss.
Who is Most Susceptible to Hair Loss?
It is advisable to consult your doctor if you start noticing higher than average daily hair fall. You will probably see thinning patches on your head, usually at the top, through which you can see bigger portions of your scalp. Plus, you might notice a large number of hair strands on your pillow, your hairbrush, or in the shower.
Related: What is the Difference Between Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Hair loss usually affects pregnant women or those who have just delivered a child. It also affects women in their 40s and over (due to the changes in hormones related to menopause) and people on medications or undergoing particular medical treatment. For temporary or more permanent female hair loss, often a women’s non-surgical hair replacement system can be a beautiful option.
Major Causes of Hair Loss in Men & Women
- Deficiency of certain vitamins in your body, most significantly biotin.
- Sudden weight loss and extreme dieting.
- Wearing your hair in ways that pull on your hair roots can cause temporary and sometimes permanent hair loss if there is damage to the hair follicles. These include tying your hair in tight braids or ponytails.
Female Hair Loss Causes
Female hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Anagen effluvium: This hair loss results from medical procedures such as radiation treatment or chemotherapy. This sudden hair loss can happen to any part of your body. It is known to affect hair that is in the growth stage hair.
- Telogen effluvium: This is caused when numerous hair follicles get to the telogen stage. Causes of this hair loss include pregnancy and delivery, other surgeries, menopause, and sudden and massive weight loss. It could also be severe mental or emotional anxiety, an ill-functioning thyroid, birth control, and certain medications which comprise Vitamin A.
- Androgenetic alopecia: This hair loss is called female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) and affects approximately 30 million American women. You will find your hair thinning at the top and the sides. Causes of this hair loss could be genetic, hormonal, or the effect of menopause and aging.
Alopecia Diagnosis & Treatment
Blood tests are used to check for vitamin deficiencies and determine hormone imbalances. Scalp examinations are another way to diagnose alopecia. Scalp micro-needling, hair transplant, and protein-rich plasma (PRP) filled injections can help stop hair loss and promote new hair growth in women.
Hair Loss Specialists Near You
While genetic hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women worldwide, it is by no means the only cause. If you are concerned about excessive hair loss and thinning hair and are looking for viable solutions, you may wish to consider scheduling a consultation with a hair replacement or hair loss specialist near you. Transitions member hair loss studios and clinics are located across the USA and worldwide and provide professional services to men, women, and children in a private, caring setting.