Hair loss in women: causes & treatment
For many women, hair is part of their identity, a way of expressing their style. So, hair loss in women can cause panic and concern. But what are the main reasons for hair loss (alopecia) in women, and what can be done about it? How does the hair grow? The scalp has around 100,000 hairs, each with its own life cycle. Each hair follicle produces hair, which grows at a rate of about 12 mm per month. The hair stays there for about 2-6 years and then falls out when the next cycle begins. The majority of hair is therefore continuously in the growth phase. What is abnormal hair loss? Most people lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day. So don’t worry if you find some on your clothes or your hairbrush. But when they fall out in strands or you notice that they are getting thinner, it’s better to consult a doctor. They will assess your hair loss and tell you if it is really a problem. If the cause of alopecia is treated, the hair often grows back.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before diving deeper into the causes of hair loss, understanding the hair growth cycle is crucial as it underpins much of the discussion around hair health.
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active phase where the cells in the root of the hair are rapidly dividing. A new hair is formed, pushing the club hair (a hair that has stopped growing or is no longer in the anagen phase) up the follicle and eventually out. During this phase, hair grows about half an inch a month.
- Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase): This short transitional phase lasts about 2-3 weeks. This phase marks the end of the active growth of a hair. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks due to disintegration, and the lower part is destroyed.
- Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): This is the resting phase which lasts around 3 months. Approximately 10-15% of all hairs are in this phase at any time. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out, and a new hair begins to grow in its place.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women
The causes of hair loss in women are multiple: they can be linked to your state of health, your degree of stress, your lifestyle, and even your diet. Your genes also play a significant role. Sometimes no specific cause is found. However, it may be useful to have a check-up to see if your thyroid gland is working properly and if your hormonal balance is in order.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, can indeed play a role. During menopause, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, including a drop in estrogen and progesterone. These changes can increase the production of androgens, male hormones that can shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Example: Susan, a 52-year-old woman, noticed her hair thinning as she approached menopause. After consulting with her doctor, she was advised to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helped in slowing down her hair loss considerably.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This syndrome results in excessive production of male hormones. Consequence: unwanted hair grows on the body, while hair on the scalp thins, especially at the crown. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.
Case Study: Emma, diagnosed with PCOS, experienced significant hair thinning at the crown. Her doctor prescribed medication to manage her hormonal imbalance, which, alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, helped restore some hair density.
Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss. In most cases, the damage is fortunately not permanent, and the hair grows back.
Tip: If diagnosed with alopecia areata, discuss with your dermatologist whether corticosteroid injections could be beneficial for you.
Postpartum Hair Loss
Childbirth often results in noticeable hair loss due to the drop in hormone levels. During pregnancy, the hair mass seems more voluminous due to higher hormone levels. But the hair that has completed its life cycle then all falls out at once. It can take up to two years to get things back to normal.
Advice: New mothers should maintain a balanced diet and consider gentle hair care routines to minimize postpartum hair loss.
Medications and Treatments
Certain medications can lead to hair loss as a side effect. These include:
- Hormones that stop ovulation, such as contraceptive pills
- Anticoagulants
- Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, depression, or arthritis
Tip: Always discuss potential side effects with your doctor when starting a new medication.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A shock diet, too much vitamin A, or not enough protein can contribute to hair loss. A well-rounded diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair.
Example: Maria, a vegetarian, noticed her hair becoming brittle and thin. By increasing her intake of plant-based proteins and iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils, she saw a significant improvement in her hair’s health.
Physical and Emotional Stress
Emotional or physical stress, like an illness, serious surgery, or an accident in which you have lost a lot of blood, can lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary.
Recommendation: Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.
Fungal Infections
A yeast infection on the scalp can lead to hair loss. It’s crucial to keep the scalp clean and dry.
Advice: Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can help resolve infections and reduce hair loss.
Hair Styling Habits
Hair tied too tightly, especially in a ponytail, can cause traction alopecia. This condition results from prolonged tension on the hair follicles.
Tip: Opt for looser hairstyles, and avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive heat styling.
Treatment Options
Consult a Dermatologist
A dermatologist can assess your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments. There are medicines that can slow or stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth, but the effect usually stops when treatment is stopped.
- Minoxidil: An over-the-counter topical treatment that can help stimulate hair growth.
- Finasteride: A prescription medication that blocks the production of male hormones responsible for hair loss.
Corticosteroids for Alopecia Areata
In the event of alopecia areata, corticosteroids are often administered. These can be injected into the affected areas or applied topically.
Dietary Adjustments
If a medical problem or a poor diet is causing the situation, it should be remedied so that your hair regains its health. Consider consulting a nutritionist to create a balanced diet plan tailored to your needs.
Laser Treatment
There is laser treatment available which is effective, but the long-term effect and safety of which are still insufficiently known. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can increase blood flow to the scalp and encourage hair growth.
Hair Transplants
If medication does not help, a hair transplant may be considered. However, in women, it is not always straightforward because all the hair is usually sparse, and there are no real “donor areas.”
Styling Tips
Style your hairstyle and use the right volumizing styling products. Maybe a short cut, a slight wave, or a different hairline would work better. Ask your hairdresser for advice. Allow your hair to air dry for a while before using a hairdryer.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthier Hair
- Balanced Diet: Incorporate essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hydration: Drink adequate water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
- Regular Exercise: Boosts blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensures your body can repair and regenerate hair cells effectively.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Overwashing: Can strip the hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid frequent use of hair dyes and bleaches.
- Neglecting Scalp Health: Regular scalp massages can stimulate hair follicles and promote growth.
By understanding the various factors contributing to hair loss and taking proactive steps to address them, women can effectively manage and even reverse hair loss. Whether through medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, or simply changing hair care routines, there are numerous ways to support healthier, fuller hair.
