What Causes Women's Hair Loss?

Hair loss in women can be a more traumatic experience compared to men. Baldness is generally associated with men because it is very common sight among men in different age groups. However, acute hair loss among women is a relatively rare phenomenon. That makes a woman feel highly conspicuous and abnormal with such a condition.

Women’s hair loss patterns are entirely different from those of men. Men typically experience a receding hairline or patches of baldness. But in women, the most common problem is a gradual thinning of all the hair. The thinning becomes more apparent on the top of the head. Different women may suffer from different degrees of hair loss, depending on the particular factors that are responsible for the condition.

Androgenetic Alopecia

The most common cause of hair loss in women is Androgenetic Alopecia. It is primarily a hereditary occurrence. Women may inherit it from either side of their family. This condition in women may lead to serious hair loss when there are changes in their hormonal levels after menopause.

Prior to menopause, the key female hormone estrogen counteracts a group of hormones called the androgens to prevent them from converting to DHT or di-hydro-testosterone. However, in the post menopause period, the levels of estrogen begin to decline in the body. As a result, the androgens are able to rapidly convert into DHT. This process has an adverse impact on the hair follicles in women who have a hereditary condition called Andogenetic Alopecia.

Anagen Effluvium

There are certain drugs that are known to cause chemical damage to the hair follicles. Certain anti-cancer medications and therapies may also cause poisoning of the hair follicle, leading to rapid hair loss in women.

Telogen Effluvium

In rare cases, a woman may be afflicted by sudden, acute hair loss. This can happen when a large number of hairs go into the resting phase at the same time, causing a major loss of hair. However, it must be noted that the hair loss occurring due to this condition is temporary in nature. New hair starts growing as soon as the intensity of the condition subsides. Some of the common reasons for this condition may include severe dieting, pregnancy, birth control pills, certain physical ailments, and mental stress.

Women should be aware that whatever be the cause of their hair loss, there are effective solutions available today. A hair transplant is the most effective answer to conditions of permanent hair loss in women.