Hair thinning or loss is called alopecia, and it can affect men and women of all ages. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is normal to shed about 25 to 100 strands of hair each day. However, shedding more hair than normal in young women can be an indication of a health problem, a temporary change in hormones or a side effect of certain conditions.
Hormones
A change in hormones can cause hair to shed more than usual, making it look and feel thin. Hormonal changes can occur during puberty, shortly after giving birth or while taking birth control pills. Some medical conditions can cause a hormonal imbalance as well, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid disorders.
Hair Care
Certain types of hair treatments, such as excessive coloring, perms and chemical treatments, can cause a type of hair loss and thinning called tracation alopecia. This occurs when too much tension is placed on hair, causing it to break. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and frequent tight ponytails can also cause traction alopecia.
Heredity
Androgenetic alopecia is genetic hair loss that can come from either side of the family. It can be responsible for causing thinning hair, but not baldness, in females. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair thinning due to heredity can start as early as the teenage years. While there is no cure for this kind of hair thinning, some medications can be used to promote hair growth.
Medications and Treatments
Thinning hair that results from certain medications or medical treatments is called anagen effluvium. These treatments or medications, such as chemotherapy, cause a sudden disturbance to the cells of hair follicles. Hair usually returns to its normal thickness approximately six months after the treatment or medication is no longer used.
Stress
Extreme stress, such as the type that results from major health problems or emotional disorders, can cause a type of hair thinning called telogen effluvium. This occurs when the normal hair cycle is disrupted and hair quickly enters the shedding phase. This type of hair thinning is temporary.
Hair Pulling
Thinning hair can be caused by a psychological disorder called trichotillomania, which is characterized by obsessive hair pulling. Repeatedly pulling out strands of hair causes hair to be thin overall. This problem can be corrected under the supervision of a medical professional.
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