Beautiful, healthy hair is often considered a symbol of vitality and youth for women. However, hair loss is a distressing problem that many women eventually deal with. Numerous conditions, including genetic predisposition and medical issues, can contribute to hair loss in women. This thorough guide will examine women’s top 10 causes of hair loss, revealing the underlying causes and offering potential remedies for this prevalent problem.
Table of Contents
Hormonal Disorders:
Hormonal Disorders like Hyperthyroidism, PCOS, diabetes mellitus, etc. can cause hair fall in women. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is common in women of reproductive age. It happens due to high androgens in the ovaries, causing hair thinning and hair fall in women. Similarly, thyroid hormones are essential for controlling metabolism, and imbalances disrupt the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. Although thyroid can be of 2 types, mainly hypothyroidism has been linked to hair thinning. Brands like Traya provide Ayurvedic Supplements like PCOS Santulan Thryo Santulan to help with hair loss caused by such disorders.
Genetic Predisposition:
Some females can inherit genetically sensitive hair follicles to androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When exposed to DHT from testosterone production, hair follicles become vulnerable and begin shrinking; this results in androgenetic alopecia or female pattern baldness (also referred to as androgenetic alopecia or FPB), characterised by crown hair loss with further hair loss at its base and/or top scalp area; further symptoms could include thinner scalp hair thinning at its base as follicles become further exposed from DHT production by its conversion from testosterone into DHT by DPH2.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Weakened and brittle hair might result from inadequate vital minerals such as iron, zinc, biotin, and protein intake. A balanced diet full of these minerals is essential for healthy hair to last.
Pregnancy and Postpartum:
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can cause a temporary increase in hair thickness and volume. However, postpartum hair loss, often called telogen effluvium, can occur several months after childbirth as hormone levels return to normal. This condition typically resolves independently but might need additional support through restorative supplements.
Hairstyles and Hair Treatments:
Tight hairstyles like braids, weaves, extensions, and hairstyles that put excessive tension on the hair can lead to traction alopecia. Additionally, using harsh hair products, chemical treatments (such as perming or straightening), or heat styling tools frequently can harm hair and cause hair loss.
Menopause:
A woman goes through menopause naturally, distinguished by decreased oestrogen production and other hormones. This hormonal shift can lead to hair texture and thickness changes, often hair thinning.
Stress:
Physical or emotional stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium. Stressors such as illness, surgery, emotional trauma, or significant weight loss can push hair follicles into the resting phase, causing excessive hair shedding a few months later.
Anaemia (Iron Deficiency):
53% of Indian women suffer from iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is essential in producing haemoglobin which supplies oxygen throughout the body including hair follicles; when supplies diminish due to iron deficiency anaemia this oxygen supply is reduced, leading to hair loss.
Age:
Hairfall is more prominent in men than women, but as a person ages, their hair naturally changes. The rate of hair growth can slow, and individual hair strands may become thinner. This age-related hair thinning is a common occurrence.
Medications:
Certain medications can cause hair loss in women. Blood Thinners, Antidepressants, hormonal medications like birth control pills and other medications can cause hair loss, known as drug-induced or medication-induced hair loss.
Conclusion
Women may experience hair loss for various reasons, including medical history, genetic factors, PCOS, thyroid conditions, pregnancy, menopause or postpartum hair loss as well as stress related lifestyle problems and nutritional deficiencies which all may play a part in contributing to hair loss in women. Unfortunately, many women go for home remedies for hair fall when they need a holistic treatment specific to their hair loss problem. Consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider when you notice hair loss for a proper diagnosis and tailored advice on handling your particular case. You can also go for online diagnosis by giving free hair tests by brands like Traya to understand the root cause behind your hair loss and get a personalised treatment plan. Remember that frequently practical options are available to assist you in regaining and maintaining healthy, beautiful hair.
