Female hair loss typically provokes high-level distress among those with the condition. The diverse causes of female balding include genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases, infections, medications, systemic illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, scalp trauma and stress. Female hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause of the disorder.
Female Androgenetic Alopecia
Female androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness, represents a common cause of hair loss among women. Unlike male pattern baldness, hair loss typically occurs throughout the scalp with a net thinning of the hair. Some women with female androgenetic alopecia have more noticeable thinning toward the front of the head. The American Academy of Dermatology states that female androgenetic alopecia is an inherited condition with a gradually progressive course. Although the onset of female hair thinning can occur at any age, incidence increases with advancing age. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, approximately 40 percent of women experience some degree of hair loss by age 50.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Resulting inflammation leads to well-defined patches of hair loss. Although most noticeable on the scalp, patchy hair loss can occur anywhere on the body. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that hair often regrows in the areas of loss. Variable cycles of hair loss and regrowth typify the course of alopecia areata.
Scarring Alopecia
Damage to the scalp skin resulting in hair loss is termed scarring alopecia. In a review article on hair loss in women published in "American Family Physician," Dr. C. Carolyn Thiedke reports that possible causes of scarring alopecia include radiation therapy, thermal or chemical burns, certain infections, sarcoidosis, discoid lupus erythematosus and tight hair braiding. Trichotillomania--habitually pulling out the hair--can also cause permanent scalp scarring and hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that approximately 90 percent of scalp hairs are in an active growth phase at any given point in time. The remaining hair follicles are in a resting state known as the telogen phase. At the end of the telogen phase, the hair falls out and active growth resumes, producing a new hair. Certain triggers can provoke an increase in the proportion of hair follicles in the resting phase. Significantly increased hair shedding with overall thinning follows. This condition is called telogen effluvium. Possible triggers for telogen effluvium include protein or iron deficiency, severe infection, major surgery or illness, cancer treatment, thyroid disorders, certain medications and catastrophic life events. If the underlying cause resolves, hair regrowth typically begins within a few months.
References
- American Family Physician; Alopecia in Women; C. Carolyn Thiedke, M.D.; March 2003
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Loss & Hair Restoration
- American Academy of Dermatology: Alopecia Areata
- DermNet NZ: Female Pattern Hair Loss
- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery: Female Hair Loss and Pattern Baldness in Women
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