An estimated 21 million women suffer from some form of hair loss, according to Hair Loss Learning Center. While the number of women suffering from hair loss seems to pale in comparison to the number of balding men, women account for 40 percent of the total hair-loss cases in the United States. Depending on the cause, hair thinning and hair loss can be a temporary nuisance or a permanent condition for women.
Age
Hair growth slows with age, causing hair to thin out naturally. By the age of 50, more than half of women will notice visible signs of thinning and hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. With this type of hair loss, the number of hairs shed per day exceeds the number of hairs that the aging body replaces. Over time, the hair becomes noticeably thinner all over. Heavy loss and bald spots rarely occur.
Heredity
Most women can blame their abnormally thinning pate on their parents, since heredity causes more than 95 percent of all permanent forms of hair loss. Female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia can occur at any age depending on the genetic code passed down by the parents. In females, this form of hair loss rarely causes complete baldness. The front hairline generally stays intact, and thinning occurs at the front, side and crown sections of the head. Some women may experience extreme, localized thinning, but an overall thinning is more common.
Nutrition
According to MayoClinic.com, fad diets and eating disorders can cause hair loss. Any diet that excludes iron and protein can lead to temporary hair loss since these nutrients are utilized heavily in the hair-growth cycle.
Illness
Some illnesses and medical treatments affect hair dramatically. Diseases such as lupus and diabetes, along with several thyroid disorders, can cause hair to thin. Medications to treat heart disease, depression, arthritis and high blood pressure can also lead to hair loss.
Hormones
Hormonal imbalances like those associated with pregnancy, child birth, menopause or a sudden change in birth-control medication can cause hair to thin out in women. According to MayoClinic.com, hair loss associated with hormonal imbalances may be stopped and reversed with hormonal therapy.
Beauty Treatments
Harsh chemical services and style abuse weakens the structure of hair, causing it to break. Breakage from repeated chemical services, chemical services that are too harsh and extremely tight hairstyles can make it appear as though hair is thinning. However, the hair will re-grow once it has a chance to rest.
Member Comments