Hair loss in women is more common than many realize. An estimated 30 million women in the U.S. experience some form of noticeable hair loss.
The causes of hair loss in women range widely, and understanding the specific cause can help address the issue. Let’s explore what causes female hair loss and the treatments available to encourage healthy hair growth.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair growth follows a natural cycle made up of three key phases. Disruptions to this cycle can lead to noticeable hair loss.
This is how the hair growth cycle works:
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase). This is the active growth phase, lasting 2-7 years, depending on factors like genetics and health. During this phase, hair actively grows from the follicle. Most of the hair on your scalp (about 85-90%) is in this phase at any given time.
- Catagen Phase (Transition Phase). Lasting about 2-3 weeks, this phase is a short transition period where the hair follicle shrinks, and hair stops growing but does not yet fall out.
- Telogen Phase (Resting Phase). During this 2-4 month phase, the hair follicle rests, and hair is shed. On average, it’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs per day during this phase.
When the cycle functions normally, new hairs replace the old hairs that shed. However, disruptions to this cycle can cause excessive shedding, slowed regrowth, or the shrinking of hair follicles. This leads to thinning hair or bald spots.
Related: Learn more about the different types of hair loss.
Common Causes of Female Hair Loss
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts are one of the leading causes of hair loss in women, particularly during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. These changes can disrupt the natural hair cycle, causing more strands to enter the resting phase. In this phase, hair stops growing and eventually falls out.
Conditions like thyroid problems can also trigger hormonal imbalances that lead to thinning hair or bald spots.
Medications, Supplements, and Treatments
Some side effects of medications, including blood thinners, chemotherapy, and certain antidepressants, may cause women to lose hair. Treatments like chemotherapy can result in a rapid type of hair loss known as anagen effluvium, where hair falls out during its growth phase. Hair typically resumes growth once the treatment stops.
Genetics
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a hereditary condition similar to male pattern baldness. It occurs when hair follicles shrink, causing hair to become thinner and finer over time. In women, this type of hair loss often results in a widening part or diffuse thinning across the scalp.
Stress
High levels of stress can lead to telogen effluvium. In this condition, a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely, resulting in noticeable hair loss. Stress-related hair loss is typically temporary. Once the underlying stress goes away, your hair can grow back.
Tight Hairstyles
Styles that pull the hair tightly, such as braids, ponytails, or extensions, can cause traction alopecia. This happens when tension on the hair damages the follicles, leading to permanent hair loss if not addressed.
Vitamin Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, or vitamin D can hinder hair growth. Without these nutrients, the hair weakens and eventually stops growing altogether. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help prevent deficiencies and encourage stronger, healthier hair.
Certain Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack the hair follicles. This leads to patchy hair loss or complete baldness in severe cases. Other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lupus, can also contribute to hair loss in women.
Rapid Weight Loss
Sudden or extreme weight loss can shock the body, leading to telogen effluvium. This occurs when the body prioritizes essential functions over hair production. This causes the hair to fall out in large amounts. Gradual and healthy weight management can help avoid this type of hair loss.
What Can Be Done About Female Hair Loss?
If you’re experiencing thinning hair or other signs of hair loss, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and explore treatment options. Depending on the specific issue, solutions may include:
- Medications like minoxidil to stimulate hair growth.
- Nutritional supplements to address deficiencies.
- Changing hairstyles or avoiding excessive tension on the scalp.
- Hair restoration treatments, such as transplants or PRP therapy.
For women dealing with female pattern baldness, early intervention can slow the progression and even regrow lost hair in some cases.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of female hair loss is the first step toward finding effective solutions. Addressing the underlying cause with the right treatments and lifestyle changes can help women regain confidence and maintain healthy hair over time.
If you’re concerned about your hair loss, contact Dr. Bruce Marko at RESTORE Hair Clinic to explore treatment options tailored to your needs. Whether it’s female pattern hair loss or another condition, their team is here to help.
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