Causes of Hair Loss in Women
While it’s normal for women to experience a daily loss of around 100 hairs, excessive hair shedding, particularly in women, may signal an underlying health issue. Female Pattern Baldness, Telogen Effluvium, Anagen Effluvium, Alopecia Areata, and Traction Alopecia are the most prevalent types of hair loss in women, each stemming from distinct underlying factors. Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective treatment.
Female Pattern Baldness, also known as Androgenetic alopecia, is influenced by various hormones, notably dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of the male hormone testosterone. Typically, women don’t have sufficient quantities of this hormone to trigger hair loss. However, during menopause or due to hereditary factors from either parent, women may experience thinning hair and bald patches. Hormonal shifts post-pregnancy and certain types of ovarian cysts can also induce similar hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium is linked to hormones, particularly DHT, and is a temporary response to a stressful event in a woman’s body, such as extreme dieting, childbirth, or severe stress. Hair loss occurs six weeks to three months after the event, but in most cases, hair regrows even without treatment.
Anagen Effluvium is associated with hair loss resulting from chemotherapy. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair cells, leading to hair loss. Fortunately, hair often regrows after the completion of treatment.
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles in the scalp area, usually having a hereditary component.
Traction Alopecia results from the misuse of hair through tight hairstyles, extensions, and styling products, causing hair to weaken and fall out.
Hair Loss Treatments for Women
Women experiencing thinning hair may sometimes dismiss the issue, attributing it to mistreatment of their hair. While this approach might be appropriate in some cases, if the problem persists for more than a few months, seeking a doctor’s opinion on the underlying causes and appropriate treatments is recommended.
A variety of hair loss treatments for women are available, ranging from shampoos to hair transplants. The choice of treatment depends on the specific type of hair loss, the available treatment options, their effectiveness, and budget considerations.
One commonly recommended treatment for women is Minoxidil 2%. This involves applying the substance to the areas experiencing baldness. However, its results are not permanent and cease when the treatment is discontinued. Common side effects include burning or irritation of the eyes, itching, redness, irritation at the application site, and potential unwanted hair growth in other body areas.
For cases where malnutrition is the cause, doctors may suggest iron supplements, while hormonal imbalances may be addressed with spironolactone or oral contraceptives.
In situations where hair loss is permanent or a lasting solution is desired, hair transplants using healthy scalp areas can effectively treat hair loss in women.
Adjusting your hair care routine can be beneficial, particularly if the previous regimen contributed to hair loss. In such cases, it has been observed that anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole can slow down the process.
In conclusion, when confronted with persistent hair loss, seek advice from your doctor and carefully consider your course of action. If your chosen treatment proves unsuccessful, consult your doctor again, as hair loss may be indicative of various underlying issues yet to be discovered.
Patient Testimonials
Aside from achieving fantastic results, we believe that keeping in touch with our patients before, during and after their hair transplantation procedure is paramount – it helps to keep our patients feeling calm and in control. We’re always on hand to provide guidance, support and aftercare advice. Time and again, our patients tell us that this is what sets us apart from other clinics.
You can read our great reviews of FUE hair transplants over on Google and TrustPilot
Ryan A04/10/2023My experience so far has been very good. The staff were professional and friendly and put me at ease. The day went really smoothly - after the injections the whole procedure was pain free. Would recommend this practice.
Abbigayle Pace29/09/2023I would like to thank James who has been amazing leading up to my surgery always answering my queries and getting back to me straight away. The day of the surgery the girls were so lovely and nice and made me feel very comfortable before and during the surgery. I am currently 5 weeks post off and so far everything going well thank you Harley street
Jammiedodger 6226/05/2023I had my hair transplant in April and can honestly say the experience was the most pleasant. Everyone was professional and went to their utmost to make me feel comfortable and relaxed especially when they could tell how nervous I was. The skill of my surgeon and accompanying medical was without question the best. I healed quickly and near pain free due to their recommendation and knowledge. I would recommend harley Street to anyone considering a hair transplant and also to just arrange a call even if you're unsure as they will answer all your questions clearly and highly informative.
