What Causes Hair Loss in Women?

It is normal to have some thinning or loss of hair daily. However, if you lose a significant amount of hair, it can be difficult to determine what is causing that hair loss, particularly in women.

The majority of the time, a slight loss of hair is only an indication that your body is developing new hairs that are healthy to replace the ones that have fallen out. It is very typical to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs daily. If you are unsure what is normal for you, it is a good idea to pay attention to what you normally see in the drain of your shower or your toothbrush.

Hair thinning is a medical problem affecting women for many different reasons. The root cause may lie in anything physiological, such as a disease, or psychological, such as a change in hormone levels or emotional stress.

Sometimes it's not obvious what's causing an issue, but here are some possibilities and what you can do about them.

Because there are so many factors that can lead to hair loss in women, determining why you are suddenly shedding more hair than usual can be difficult.

Some things, like hereditary hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia), are beyond your control; you just have to make the best of the hand you've been dealt.

However, some of them, such as traction alopecia or transient hair shedding, can be treated or even reversed if they are discovered early.

To make matters even more confusing, the hair loss that results from certain conditions in women might be rapid, while the thinning that results from others can be gradual but steadily evident over time.

Warnings That You Might Be Losing Your Hair

Many diverse symptoms are associated with hair loss since their causes vary. Hair loss can occur suddenly or gradually over time.

Keeping a notebook in which you record your observations and symptoms and from which you can draw conclusions about possible trends can be helpful. Among the symptoms that may present themselves are:

Overall Thinness

Most cases of hair loss are characterised by a slow, progressive thinning towards the crown of the head. Both sexes are affected in the same way.

As women age, their portions tend to expand, while men's hairlines tend to recede.

Several Fistfuls of Hair

Loss of hair may occur suddenly and unexpectedly after going through a stressful or traumatic experience.

If you wash or comb your hair too roughly, you may speed up the rate at which your hair falls out, which could lead to general hair loss.

Bald Spots

In appearance, they could be circular or spotted. They may be as big as coins when they first appear, and they typically appear on the scalp.

Your skin may feel itchy or even painful right before your hair falls out.

Full Loss

Some medical diseases, especially those treated with chemotherapy, can cause rapid and complete body hair loss.

The most prevalent causes and types of hair loss will then be discussed.

Why Do Women Have Hair Loss?

When a woman experiences an abrupt and significant loss of hair, this condition is referred to as hair loss in women. On a typical day, an average human will lose anything from 50 to 100 individual hairs.

The loss of hair is a natural process that occurs alongside new hair growth in order to maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Hair loss occurs when the equilibrium is upset, namely when there is an excess of hair shedding and an inadequate amount of new hair growth.

The shedding of hair should not be confused with hair loss. Alopecia is the technical name for hair loss in the medical field.

You will not develop hair on the palms of your hands, your eyelids, your lips, or the soles of your feet. Hair grows on practically all of the surfaces of your skin.

Vellus hair is characterised by its weight, texture, and length. The terminal and androgenic phases of hair growth result in darker, denser, and longer hair.

How Widespread Is the Problem of Hair Loss in Women?

Many individuals are under the impression that only men suffer from hair loss.

On the other hand, it is anticipated that more than half of all women will experience a significant loss of hair at some point in their lives.

According to Cleveland Clinic, female-pattern hair loss (also known as FPHL) is the most common and significant cause of hair loss in women, and it affects around one-third of vulnerable women.

Women's Hair Loss: Common Factors

Genetics

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hereditary hair loss that comes to mind. Hereditary hair loss, however, affects both sexes equally.

According to the AAD, male pattern baldness most commonly occurs around the hairline, while female pattern baldness most commonly occurs at the crown of the head (particularly visible at the hair part).

Although there is no known way to stop this type of hair loss from happening, medications like minoxidil and finasteride (both of which are accessible without a prescription) can help slow the process and keep hair thicker for longer. This means that the sooner you begin treatment, the better.

Keep in mind that new research and therapies may alter your treatment options for any ailment or health issue on this list. Maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Childbirth

There are three distinct phases that your hair will go through over the course of a lifetime. There is a growth phase, a resting phase in which the hair stops growing but doesn't fall out, and then a regrowth phase. When the resting phase is through, the hair begins to shed.

However, most expectant mothers report that their hair grows rapidly during their pregnancy.

After giving birth, oestrogen levels return to normal, and hair begins to shed the extra strands that had accumulated over the previous ten months. Shedding can range from barely noticeable to extremely noticeable over the course of a few months for some women.

This type of hair loss, which is more accurately described as hair shedding, is known as telogen effluvium, and it can appear several months after a traumatic or significant event in one's life, such as giving birth.

Lack of Proper Nutrition

Getting a balanced diet is essential for growing and keeping good hair. Different forms of hair loss have been linked to certain nutrient deficits, including zinc, vitamin B3, protein, and iron.

Consultation with your doctor and a blood test is often the first steps in treating a nutritional deficiency. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements or refer you to a registered dietitian for further advice.

Medications

Medications can induce persistent shedding in some people. The Mayo Clinic reports that certain medications, including those used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, depression, and cancer, can lead to hair loss in some people.

Consult your doctor if you notice hair loss and suspect that a prescription may be to blame. This kind of baldness usually doesn't last forever.

However, if the hair loss persists over time, your doctor may be able to switch you to a medicine that doesn't trigger it.

High Levels of Mental or Physical Strain

It is possible to experience a temporary halt in hair growth when you are going through something stressful or traumatic.

This does not refer to the typical day-to-day stress that most people go through; rather, it refers to something major and life-altering such as a death in the family, a divorce, a significant job change, or migration.

Your body will put its resources towards helping you get through the stressful situation.

It is not true that all hairs grow at the same rate. Some are actively shedding their old skin, while others are either resting or actively generating new skin.

When you have these situations, your body will temporarily stop the growth of hair, and then everything will start up again, and all of these hairs that had been temporarily stopped will start to get pushed out at the same time.

When a person endures physical stress and trauma, such as a harsh operation, hospitalisation, or rapid weight loss, the same thing can happen.

This sort of hair loss often only lasts for a short period of time. However, if it is something that is bothering you, you should consult a dermatologist to find out more about adjustments in styling and products that you may use to make your hair appear and feel fuller.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune conditions cause the body to attack its own hair follicles, causing hair loss.

The immune system assaults hair follicles in alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata patients sometimes observe hair growth (although it may fall out again). If not, dermatologists can prescribe hair-growth therapies.

Sickle-cell anaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can cause hair loss. Lupus can damage hair follicles, causing lifelong hair loss.

These illnesses are significant and require a doctor's diagnosis. If you suspect your hair loss is due to an autoimmune illness, see your doctor.

Over-Treatment of Hair

A damaged hair follicle might result in permanent hair loss if the individual gets regular perms, chemical straightening operations, or relaxing procedures.

Basically, anything that involves harsh chemicals on the scalp and hair can cause damage to the hair follicle.

You may prevent further damage to your hair and scalp by avoiding those damaging procedures and making use of products that are meant to help moisturise and heal your scalp and hair.

On the other hand, if you want your hair to grow back, it is quite likely that you will want the assistance of a dermatologist who is board-certified.

Menopause and Abnormalities in Hormone Levels

A decrease in oestrogen and progesterone production is linked to hair thinning and loss in postmenopausal women.

Symptoms such as menstrual cycle irregularity, nocturnal sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and dry skin might occur from these shifts.

An increased rate of hair loss could be another side effect of this increased stress on the body.

Some women report hair thinning and loss after stopping hormonal birth control pills.

The hair's natural growth cycle might be temporarily disrupted by a decline in oestrogen levels or any other hormonal change.

Preventing Hair Loss in Women.

When hair loss is caused by a disease, ageing, hereditary factors, or physical stressors like trauma, it is not possible to prevent the condition from occurring.

By avoiding harsh chemicals and restrictive hairstyles, you can prevent hair loss caused by both of these factors.

Eating a nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can help prevent some of the hair loss that can occur as a result of not getting enough of the vital nutrients. You are able to kick the habit.

You should also:

Wash as Frequently as Necessary, but Not Any More Than That.

Both under-washing and over-washing can have a negative impact on the feel and volume of your hair.

A buildup of product and oil on your hair might make it appear heavier if you don't wash it frequently enough. However, washing the hair more frequently than necessary might remove the hair's natural oils, causing it to become drier and more prone to breaking.

The frequency of your washes should be consistent with roughly two or three times per week, and you should change it as necessary based on your specific circumstances.

Always Apply Conditioner After You've Washed Your Hair.

Conditioner adds shine to your hair and helps eliminate static electricity, two factors that contribute to your hair appearing fuller and glossier even if it is thinning.

But keep in mind that a little goes a long way and that using too much will cause your hair to become weighed down.

Deep Conditioning Can Be Achieved With the Use of Hair Masks.

If your hair has a tendency to be dry and brittle, treating it with a deep-conditioning mask once in a while can be just what it needs to get some of its strength and vitality back. Shinier hair is another benefit that may result from using them.

If Possible, Avoid Heat When Styling.

It is essential to use heat styling tools sparingly or not at all, as too much exposure to heat can cause damage to the hair, which in turn can lead to shedding and breaking.

Also, when you wear your hair up, consider hairstyles that won't place too much stress on your scalp or hair by pulling them too tightly.

When worn often or for extended periods of time, some hairstyles, such as tight braids, dreadlocks, and ponytails, can be extremely detrimental to the hair.

Conclusion

For women, hair thinning can occur for a variety of medical causes. Diseases and psychological factors, including fluctuating hormone levels and emotional stress, are both possible explanations. Some types of hair loss are characterised by a gradual, top-down thinning over time. Hair loss can be a symptom of a more serious issue, and it can happen suddenly and without warning when someone goes through anything stressful or unpleasant. Following that, we'll talk about the most common reasons for and forms of balding.

Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common and influential cause of hair loss in women. Hair goes through three unique stages throughout the course of a lifetime. Some people may experience hair loss as a side effect of taking certain medications, including those used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, depression, and cancer. You can't expect healthy hair growth or maintenance without a healthy diet. Hair growth might temporarily slow or even stop during times of extreme stress or trauma.

Commonly, this type of hair loss is temporary. Your doctor may be able to switch you to a different medication that won't cause hair loss if the thinning continues over time. Hair thinning and loss has been reported by some women after discontinuing hormonal birth control. A temporary disruption in the hair's regular growth cycle may occur if oestrogen levels drop or if there is any other hormonal shift. Some of the hair loss that might come from not obtaining enough nutrients can be avoided by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Hair that isn't washed regularly can accumulate product and grease, making it look weighed down. Conditioner helps reduce static in your hair and makes it seem healthier and more lustrous. Deep conditioning masks are helpful for people whose hair is dry and fragile.

Content Summary

1. It is totally normal to have some thinning or loss of hair on a daily basis.
2. However, if you are losing a significant amount of hair, it can be difficult to determine what is causing that hair loss, particularly in women.
3. If you are unsure of what is normal for you, it is a good idea to simply pay attention to what you normally see in the drain of your shower or your toothbrush.
4. Hair thinning is a medical problem that can affect women for many different reasons.
5. Sometimes it's not obvious what's causing an issue, but here are some possibilities and what you can do about them.
6. Because there are so many various factors that can lead to hair loss in women, determining the reason why you are suddenly shedding more hair than usual can be a difficult task.
7. To make matters even more confusing, the hair loss that results from certain conditions in women might be rapid, while the thinning that results from others can be gradual but steadily evident over time.
8. Many diverse symptoms are associated with hair loss since their causes vary.
9. Hair loss can occur suddenly or gradually over time.
10. Keeping a notebook in which you record your observations and symptoms and from which you can draw conclusions about possible trends can be helpful.
11. Most cases of hair loss are characterised by a slow, progressive thinning towards the crown of the head.
12. Loss of hair may occur suddenly and unexpectedly after going through a stressful or traumatic experience.
13. If you wash or comb your hair too roughly, you may speed up the rate at which your hair falls out, which could lead to general hair loss.
14. Your skin may feel itchy or even painful right before your hair falls out.
15. Some medical diseases, especially those treated with chemotherapy, can cause rapid and complete body hair loss.
16. The most prevalent causes and types of hair loss will then be discussed.
17. When a woman experiences an abrupt and significant loss of hair, this condition is referred to as hair loss in women.
18. The loss of hair is a natural process that occurs alongside new hair growth in order to maintain a healthy equilibrium.
19. The shedding of hair should not be confused with hair loss.
20. Alopecia is the technical name for hair loss in the medical field.
21. Many individuals are under the impression that only men suffer from hair loss.
22. On the other hand, it is anticipated that more than half of all women will experience a significant loss of hair at some point in their lives.
23. Male pattern baldness most commonly occurs around the hairline, while female pattern baldness most commonly occurs at the crown of the head (particularly visible at the hair part).
24. Although there is no known way to stop this type of hair loss from happening, medications like minoxidil and finasteride (both of which are accessible without a prescription) can help slow the process and keep hair thicker for longer.
25. This means that the sooner you begin treatment, the better.
26. Keep in mind that new research and therapies may alter your treatment options for any ailment or health issue on this list.
27. Maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
28. There are three distinct phases that your hair will go through over the course of a lifetime.
29. However, most expectant mothers report that their hair grows rapidly during their pregnancy.
30. This type of hair loss, which is more accurately described as hair shedding, is known as telogen effluvium, and it can appear several months after a traumatic or significant event in one's life, such as giving birth.
31. Getting a balanced diet is essential for growing and keeping good hair.
32. Different forms of hair loss have been linked to certain nutrient deficits, including zinc, vitamin B3, protein, and iron.
33. Consultation with your doctor and a blood test is often the first steps in treating a nutritional deficiency.
34. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements or refer you to a registered dietitian for further advice.
35. Medications can induce persistent shedding in some people.
36. However, if the hair loss persists over time, your doctor may be able to switch you to a medicine that doesn't trigger it.
37. It is possible to experience a temporary halt in hair growth when you are going through something stressful or traumatic.
38. Your body will put its resources towards helping you get through the stressful situation.
39. When you have these situations, your body will temporarily stop the growth of hair, and then everything will start up again, and all of these hairs that had been temporarily stopped will start to get pushed out at the same time.
40. When a person endures physical stress and trauma, such as a harsh operation, hospitalisation, or rapid weight loss, the same thing can happen.
41. This sort of hair loss often only lasts for a short period of time.
42. However, if it is something that is bothering you, you should consult a dermatologist to find out more about adjustments in styling and products that you may use to make your hair appear and feel fuller.
43. If not, dermatologists can prescribe hair-growth therapies.
44. Lupus can damage hair follicles, causing lifelong hair loss.
45. These illnesses are significant and require a doctor's diagnosis.
46. If you suspect your hair loss is due to an autoimmune illness, see your doctor.
47. On the other hand, if you want your hair to grow back, it is quite likely that you will want the assistance of a dermatologist who is board-certified.
48. A decrease in oestrogen and progesterone production is linked to hair thinning and loss in postmenopausal women.
49. An increased rate of hair loss could be another side effect of this increased stress on the body.
50. Some women report hair thinning and loss after stopping hormonal birth control pills.
51. The hair's natural growth cycle might be temporarily disrupted by a decline in oestrogen levels or any other hormonal change.
52. When hair loss is caused by a disease, ageing, hereditary factors, or physical stressors like trauma, it is not possible to prevent the condition from occurring.
53. By avoiding harsh chemicals and restrictive hairstyles, you can prevent hair loss caused by both of these factors.
54. Eating a nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can help prevent some of the hair loss that can occur as a result of not getting enough of the vital nutrients.
55. Both under-washing and over-washing can have a negative impact on the feel and volume of your hair.
56. A buildup of product and oil on your hair might make it appear heavier if you don't wash it frequently enough.
57. However, washing the hair more frequently than necessary might remove the hair's natural oils, causing it to become drier and more prone to breaking.

1. The frequency of your washes should be consistent with roughly two or three times per week, and you should change it as necessary based on your specific circumstances.
2. But keep in mind that a little goes a long way and that using too much will cause your hair to become weighed down.
3. If your hair has a tendency to be dry and brittle, treating it with a deep-conditioning mask once in a while can be just what it needs to get some of its strength and vitality back.
4. It is essential to use heat styling tools sparingly or not at all, as too much exposure to heat can cause damage to the hair, which in turn can lead to shedding and breaking.
5. Also, when you wear your hair up, consider hairstyles that won't place too much stress on your scalp or hair by pulling them too tightly.
6. When worn often or for extended periods of time, some hairstyles, such as tight braids, dreadlocks, and ponytails, can be extremely detrimental to the hair.

FAQs About Hair Loss

What is the main cause of hair loss?

The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness.

Why am I suddenly losing so much hair?

Possible causes of hair loss include stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions. Everyone experiences hair shedding, and it happens to each of us every day. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of this natural cycle, more on days you wash your hair.

Which lack of vitamin causes hair fall?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

What is the best vitamin for hair loss?

Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. Low levels of it can cause hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails.

Does lack sleep cause hair loss?

Insufficient amounts of sleep have been shown to have significant negative consequences on the body, which can lead directly and indirectly to conditions of hair loss and thinning hair. The lack of sleep can result in higher levels of stress which is shown to cause hair loss.