Hair Loss Problems in Women

Hair plays an important role in a woman’s beauty and femininity. Therefore hair loss can be an incredibly painful experience for most women. Beautiful, lustrous hair is a sign of health and results in women having high self esteem. However stress factors of present times together with high pollution levels are all contributing to hair problems in women. Hair loss in women has become quite common with as many as six out of every ten women experiencing hair loss at some point during their lifetime. Typically hair grows at a rate of around one-half inch every month. Each hair also has a growth phase that is between two to six years. After that the hair rests for some time and then falls. Finally the follicle through which the hair sprang starts growing with a new strand of hair. This is typically the cycle. Before effective treatment for hair loss in women is administered it is important to understand the cause of female hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

• Some people are genetically predisposed to experience hair loss. This is because a group of hormones causes interference with the natural growth process of the hair. This group of hormones is called androgens. Androgens include androsteinedione, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone. These hormones are created in women’s bodies in smaller proportions. Often in some women testosterone comes in contact with some enzymes that reside in the hair cell after which it is converted into DHT. As the amount of DHT builds up in the follicle it causes the hair to shrink and in turn affects the natural growth process of the hair. Some hair follicles die while others become incapable of producing and maintaining healthy hair. This is one of the causes of hair loss in women and eventually results in a condition called as androgenic alopecia. In modern times the term androgenic alopecia has been replaced with the term female pattern hair loss.
• Women hair loss is also seen in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. Also some autoimmune disorders cause different kinds of hair loss issues also known as alopecia areata. In this inflammatory condition the hair often comes out in patches or clumps and this can be a form of sudden hair loss.
• Pregnancy, menopause and use of birth control pills can also cause hair loss problems. Hormonal changes can also cause hair loss.
• Some other reasons for hair loss can be traced to changes in natural and normal growth in the hair. Such changes can be seen following childbirth, major surgeries, crash dieting or in the event of a traumatic or an intensely emotional event. This may be a temporary hair loss problem and is called telogen effluvium.
• Other reasons for hair loss include anemia, other chronic illnesses and use of some medications. Consuming too little protein can also result is hair loss.

Treatment for Hair Loss

For correct treatment of hair loss problems in women, it is important that the correct diagnosis is done. In case a physical problem is detected then it has to be identified and accurately treated. Doctors often advise women to seek medical help with doctors’ specializing in female pattern balding. A doctor will often require the patient to get some blood tests and scalp biopsy done after which an appropriate line of treatment is determined and followed.