Womens Hair Loss

Womens hair loss is a bigger issue than you might think. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology says that hair loss affects about 30 million women in the United States, so there is a real need for female hair loss treatment.

Causes of Womens Hair Loss

Hair normally grows about half an inch per month, for a growth cycle of two to six years. It then rests for a few months, then falls out. A new hair then grows from the same follicle. About 90% of your hair is growing at any one time. The other 10% is resting. Sometimes, however, this cycle is disrupted. It is generally hormone-related.

Androgenic Alopecia

Some women, however, are genetically predisposed to hair loss. A group of hormones called androgens interferes with the natural hair growth process. Testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are all androgens. These hormones are made in large amounts in men’s bodies and in small amounts in women’s bodies. In women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss, when testosterone comes in contact with certain enzymes in the hair cells, it is converted to DHT, which binds with receptors in the hair follicles. Over time, the build up of DHT causes the hair follicle to shrink. The follicle may eventually die, or it may just become unable to produce new hairs.

Female hair loss treatment can improve the health of hair follicles that have not yet died by improving circulation to the follicles and stimulating the growth of new hairs. Once follicles have died, however, most treatments will be ineffective. A hair transplant will be the only viable option. Starting treatment early on is most likely to be effective.

Telogen Effluvium

During pregnancy, the increase in estrogen interrupts the natural resting phase of the hair. Hair keeps growing without resting, causing pregnant women to have thick, luxurious hair. After delivery, however, about 60% of the hair goes into the resting phase. A few months later, it begins to fall out. This causes a general thinning of hair all over the head. This womens hair loss lasts for a couple of months, then resolves on its own.

Female hair loss treatment is not really needed for this condition. It will resolve itself in a few months. Some women choose to use a hair treatment to encourage faster hair regrowth, which is certainly an option.

Other Causes of Womens Hair Loss

A number of illness can cause womens hair loss, including thyroid disorders (which affect the hormones), Cushing’s disease (another hormone-related disorder), kidney or liver disease, some autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, lupus, and cancer. It will be best to treat the illness and then the hair loss should resolve itself, but a hair loss treatment can be used if necessary.

Medications can also cause hair loss, including medicines used to treat cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, beta-blockers, lithium, and heparin. If you stop taking the medication the hair loss will reverse itself, but do not stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first. If medication is causing hair loss and cannot be safely discontinued, a female hair loss treatment is a good option.

Poor nutrition can contribute to hair loss. Hair is made up primarily of protein, so there must be adequate protein in the diet for hair to be healthy. Healthy hair also requires adequate amounts of iron in the diet, and women often eat diets that are deficient in iron. Taking an iron supplement can help. Improving the diet can help hair regrow but this can take some time, so using a hair loss treatment in the meantime may be helpful.

Recommended Female Hair Loss Treatment

More about womens hair loss on our main hair loss in women page

Hair loss treatment home page