Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Are you experiencing hair loss and worrying about bald patches on your scalp? While hormonal changes play a significant role in hair loss for women, there are many potential reasons behind it. In the following article, we will explain all the causes of hair loss in women.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

The causes of hair loss in women vary and include:

• Heredity

The most common cause of hair loss in women worldwide is a hereditary condition known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern baldness. This condition leads to the shrinking of hair follicles and the shortening of the hair growth cycle. As a result, hair naturally sheds and is replaced by finer hair, which eventually falls out. 

This problem typically occurs in the late 50s or 60s and is influenced by genetic factors and hormonal changes during menopause, where estrogen levels significantly decrease, potentially contributing to the shrinkage and contraction of hair follicles.

• Exposure to Certain Treatments or Medications

Some treatments can harm hair follicles and cause hair loss during the initial weeks of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a condition known as anagen effluvium. Usually, hair starts growing again a few months after discontinuing treatment. 

Additionally, other types of medications can also lead to hair loss as a side effect, including blood pressure medicines, gout medicines, high doses of vitamin A, birth control pills, and certain corticosteroids. However, it's important not to stop taking these medications without consulting a doctor, as discontinuing some medications can have serious complications.

• Medical Conditions

Some women experience sudden hair loss due to medical conditions unrelated to genetics. Here are some notable medical conditions associated with hair loss in women:

1. Diabetes.
2. Scalp ringworm.
3. Certain skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
4. Scalp infections.
5. Some sexually transmitted infections.
6. Severe infections or high fever.
7. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles.

Furthermore, hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or due to certain conditions like thyroid problems and polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause temporary or permanent hair loss in women.

• Stress and Anxiety

Hair loss can occur within a few weeks to several months after a woman experiences stressful conditions, such as divorce, unemployment, or the death of a loved one. Hair may also shed after physical stress, such as undergoing surgery.

• Diet and nutrition

Following a harsh diet that lacks essential nutrients, such as protein, can lead to hair loss. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, or other necessary nutrients can also contribute to hair loss. 

It's worth noting that sudden weight loss or loss of appetite can be a cause of hair loss as well.

• Aging

Yes, hormonal changes that occur with aging play a role in hair loss. Hair growth naturally slows down with age, and hair begins to shed.

• Hair Styling and treatment

Overwashing hair with shampoo and styling it when wet are significant causes of hair loss in women and girls. Some hairstyles, especially those that tightly pull the hair like braids or ponytails, contribute to hair loss. 

Additionally, excessive use of hair dryers, straighteners, and other heat styling tools, as well as certain hair treatments like chemical straightening, curling, and coloring, can also cause hair loss.

• Postpartum hair loss

Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy prolong the hair's growth phase and prevent it from shedding. 

Normally, about 100 hairs fall out daily, but during pregnancy, hair loss is minimal, making the hair appear thicker, especially in the last three months. 

However, several months (approximately three months) after childbirth, estrogen levels return to pre-pregnancy levels, and all the hair that didn't shed during pregnancy starts falling out simultaneously. Besides hormonal changes, postpartum stress, poor nutrition, and some health issues can also contribute to hair loss.

Are there factors that increase the risk of hair loss in women?

Certainly, some factors play a role in increasing the chances of hair loss in women, including:

1. Age over 40.
2. Pregnancy and childbirth.
3. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
4. Menopause.

How is this problem diagnosed?

Typically, the doctor conducts a comprehensive physical examination after inquiring about the detailed medical and family history, the woman's medical conditions, and the medications she takes to understand the changes that have affected her hair. Then, one or more of the following tests may be requested:

• Blood tests to check levels of vitamins, minerals, and hormones.
• Scalp examination under a microscope.
• Performing a scalp biopsy to remove and examine a piece of scalp skin.

You can undergo a hair loss test package provided by Blazma, that includes seven essential tests to detect the cause of hair loss.