Hair loss can be annoying at the least and traumatic at worst. Women are especially sensitive to the physical changes that hair loss causes in their appearance and the emotional toll this can take. Finding solutions to female hair loss starts with understanding the cause. Once you have pinpointed what could be causing the hair loss, you can work with your doctor or nutritionist to address the issue. This quick guide will provide information on some common causes of hair loss in women.
What Causes Hair Loss In Women?
Everyone loses hair on a daily basis. It is natural to lose 50 to 100 hairs daily. For most people, this amount is not noticeable, and the hair will grow back quickly enough not to affect the overall appearance of your hair.
Hair loss, however, is defined as losing hair in amounts that is noticeable. When hair does not grow back quickly enough to replace the lost hair, it is considered hair loss. Here are some common causes of hair loss in women.
Hereditary – Unfortunately, hair loss can be a genetic trait. If the women in your family have dealt with hair loss and you are now dealing with hair loss, it is most likely due to your genetics.
Hormonal changes – As women age, they go through many hormonal changes. These changes can affect many aspects of their physical bodies, including skin and hair. Some hormonal changes are temporary, such as pregnancy or menopause, but other hormonal changes could be more permanent such as thyroid conditions.
Medical conditions – Many medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss. These can include Alopecia which is an immune disorder.
Mental disorders – There is also a mental disorder known as trichotillomania, defined as a hair-pulling disorder. This can cause hair loss.
Medications – Medications are a very common cause of hair loss in women. Hair loss is a side effect of many medications, including those used to treat cancer, depression, heart problems, arthritis, high blood pressure, and gout.
Radiation therapy – Those who must undergo radiation therapy for cancer will also experience hair loss.
Stress – Many people do not realize that stress can significantly contribute to hair loss. This is often temporary.
Hair treatments – Women should be aware that many types of hair treatments or styling methods can ultimately contribute to hair loss. Styles that pull your hair very tightly for long, extended periods can eventually lead to hair loss. Hot oil treatments can also contribute to hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies – Nutritional or vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss. Your body needs certain vitamins and nutrients at certain levels to maintain healthy hair.
How To Prevent Hair Loss for Women
Once you have pinpointed what may be causing your hair loss, it is essential to connect with the right type of professional to prevent further loss. Doctors, nutritionists, or even your hair stylist may be able to help.