What causes hair loss in women? What you need to know.

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Hair loss in women

Some hair loss just goes hand in hand with the phases of a woman’s life. Hormone changes from childbirth or menopause can lead to a few extra strands on the brush. Age is also a driver, especially for women who have the genes for female pattern hair loss.

Hair loss can also be a side effect of stressful times or certain medications, including chemotherapy, or harsh chemicals. Even a tight hairstyle or frequent use of wigs, both of which can cause traction alopecia, can be a factor.

Dr. Mary Lupo, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in New Orleans, explains that hair loss is a primary complaint among some of her patients. Others only mention it at the end of a visit. Either way, she notes that it’s important to discuss with a health care provider. Even minor hair loss may mean there’s an underlying problem that could benefit from treatment.

Understanding female pattern hair loss

The most common cause of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. In female pattern hair loss, hair follicles progressively shrink and hair becomes gradually less dense.

“Females tend to retain their frontal hairline and will see a widening of their part,” Dr. Houshmand says. Other signs include, “having to make more loops with their ponytail holder or finding more hair in their hairbrush, on the floor and in the shower drain.”

The risk of female pattern hair loss increases with age, and the condition tends to run in families. Scientists have discovered genetic traits associated with female pattern hair loss. More research is needed to understand the best ways to prevent and treat it.

“With hair loss in women, it’s important to know you are not alone,” says Dr. Houshmand. She encourages women with hair loss to, “optimize their overall health and wellness,” to improve their symptoms.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Dr. Houshmand notes that telogen effluvium, the clinical diagnosis that includes forms of stress-related hair loss, is widespread. It can happen at many stages of life and can be triggered by an illness, having a baby, starting a new job or getting surgery. Stress is one possible cause for this kind of hair loss. Other causes, such as a hormonal change, may also be responsible. She notes that the condition can appear two to three months after the stressor or change to the body.

Fortunately, you may not need additional treatment for stress-related hair loss. Usually, it’s not permanent. Dr. Houshmand explains that in most cases, “acute telogen effluvium resolves on its own without treatment. Chronic telogen effluvium is less common and can last longer than six months.” A medical provider can help you determine if stress or some other reversible cause is causing the hair loss.

Other causes of hair loss in women

There are several other causes of hair loss. Some lead to telogen effluvium. Some lead to other types of hair loss.

• Autoimmune conditions: The immune system can turn against hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. An example of this is alopecia areata. In some cases, this is reversible.
• Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation may cause hair loss as a side effect.
• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: A small balding patch in the center of the scalp grows over time. This is more common in Black women.
• Dieting: If you’re on a restrictive diet, vitamin deficiencies and rapid weight loss may lead to thinner hair.
• Hormone imbalance: Hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hair loss. Hormonal birth control can infrequently cause hair loss though it is usually temporary.
• Scalp psoriasis: If you have a skin condition like plaque psoriasis, it may affect your scalp and hair.
• Sexually transmitted infections: Diseases like syphilis can lead to patchy hair loss on the head and face when left untreated.
• Thyroid disease: Thyroid problems can cause hair loss that’s reversible with medical treatment.
• Toxicities: Exposure to arsenic, lithium, mercury, selenium, thallium, large amounts of vitamin A and warfarin may cause hair loss.

Many of these causes work in different ways. Some are reversible while others aren’t. So, figuring out the reason for hair loss is a critical first step.

“I always recommend having a thorough scalp evaluation and health evaluation,” says Dr. Houshmand. For instance, it may be as simple as a lack of the right vitamins. “Many common deficiencies in women include low iron levels, thyroid abnormalities and vitamin D deficiency.”

Hair growth products and practices for women

Once you understand your hair loss a little better, a health care provider can suggest products, procedures or perhaps prescriptions to help manage the problem.

Luckily, there are a few ways to help stop hair loss. Minoxidil is a popular ingredient with proven benefits for hair regrowth in some instances. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use for female pattern hair loss.

Hair regrowth serums containing minoxidil might be worth a look. Make sure you choose a product formulated for women because the product or directions may be different for men.ormulated for women because the product or directions may be different for men.

Adequate nutrition through food and sometimes supplements is also essential. “I like to recommend lifestyle changes and making sure your diet is optimized with adequate levels of protein,” says Dr. Houshmand. In addition, she says, “The health of the scalp is critical for hair growth.”

Although they can’t treat hair loss, gentle hair styling products may help prevent damage and breakage. 

Discuss options with your health care provider before attempting to treat yourself at home. After proper testing and a review of your medical history, your doctor can offer individualized medical advice that’s safe and effective for you.