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3 Common Causes of Female Hair Loss
by April Maguire
When women start to notice stray hairs turning up on their pillow in the morning and clogging their shower drains, it can be cause for concern. But even though female hair loss isn't talked about as much as male hair loss, it is almost just as common. Sadly, by the time they reach their 50s and 60s, more than half of women are seeing a noticeable amount of thinning and loss, which can be devastating to their self-image and confidence. So what are the most common causes of all this hair loss and what, if anything, can be done to stop it?
Problems With Styling
Although it may come as a surprise, the way that you style and treat your hair every day can have a detrimental effect on its health. Consistently wearing your hair in tight styles can put undue tension on the follicles, which can cause enough damage to stop the follicles from producing new hairs. This condition, known as traction-related hair loss, can be caused by pulling your hair into taut ponytails or braids, constantly wearing extensions, using adhesive glue to attach weaves or by wearing your hair in twists. Fortunately, however, if this is the cause of your problems, your hair loss will cease once you allow your hair to relax.
Problems With Health
Believe it or not, some female hair loss is due to untreated health issues. For example, if the activity levels in your thyroid are out of balance, then it can throw off your body’s metabolism, resulting in hair loss. Similarly, severe weight fluctuations, anemia, and fever-inducing illnesses can all cause your follicles to stop producing new hairs at a fast enough rate to keep up with shedding. Although it can be difficult to determine what the underlying medical condition is that is contributing to your hair loss, once the problem is resolved, your hair will often grow back normally.
Problems with Genetics
Unfortunately, the largest percentage of hair loss among women is due to genetic issues. While "male pattern baldness" is typically used to describe the common formation of baldness that men experience, the actual condition, androgenetic alopecia, occurs in women as well. For women, the condition results in patches of thinness and balding generally all around the scalp. Similarly, a genetic disorder known as alopecia areata results in the immune system attacking hair follicles and causing hair loss. In both cases, there are treatment options available, but they aren't 100% effective for everybody.
If you're a woman living with hair loss, you don't have to take the problem lying down. Consult with your physician to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and determine the best course of action to treat it.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hair loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
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