The American Hair Loss Association reports that women make up 40 percent of the people struggling with hair loss in the United States. Hair loss occurs in response to medical conditions and emotional stimuli, resulting in a noticeable thinning of the hair. Women with hair loss have several treatment options to encourage new hair growth.
Significance
Women who struggle with hair loss may experience a loss of self-esteem or reduced confidence levels. Because hair is one of the first things people see in business or personal settings, hair loss can affect how women feel about their work performance or relationships. Because hair loss does not represent a life-threatening condition, some women are reluctant to approach their physicians about testing and treatment for this problem.
Causes
Hair loss has several causes in women. Stress sometimes causes women to suddenly lose large amounts of their hair. This type of hair loss occurs three to four months after a major surgical procedure or long illness, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Another cause of hair loss in women is hormonal problems. The hormone changes that occur in cases of thyroid disorders cause hair to fall out. If a woman has high levels of male hormones, she may experience hair loss. Another cause of hormonal hair loss is pregnancy. Approximately three months after a woman gives birth, she may notice hair loss. This occurs because the high hormone levels of pregnancy return to normal after delivery.
Medication use and some medical conditions also cause hair loss in women. Medications that contribute to hair loss include gout drugs, heart medications, oral contraceptives, vitamin A, antidepressants and blood thinners. Medical causes of hair loss include scalp infections, diabetes and lupus.
Traction Alopecia
Some women experience hair loss because they use harsh styling methods on their hair. Some styles, such as corn rows, pull the hair and cause it to fall out. Perm chemicals and hot oil cause hair loss because they result in inflammation of the hair follicle. Doctors refer to this type of hair loss as traction alopecia. In some cases, continued styling causes scarring and permanent hair loss.
Diagnosis
Once you report your concerns about hair loss to a physician, she will ask questions to determine the cause of the hair loss. She might ask about your diet, the medications you use, your medical history and the styling techniques you use for your hair. Because hormones play a role in some cases of hair loss, a doctor will also ask about your history of pregnancy and the regularity of your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may recommend a biopsy of the scalp to determine the cause of hair loss.
Treatment
Several drugs treat abnormal or excessive hair loss in women. Minoxidil treats hair loss caused by a high level of male hormones in the body. This topical medication stimulates new hair growth. Spironolactone slows the production of male hormones that cause hair loss. It also blocks the action of existing male hormones, which reduces hair loss in women. Cimetidine also blocks the effects of male hormones on the female body. Oral contraceptives reduce the amount of testosterone produced by the ovaries, which treats female pattern baldness. Ketoconazole, a drug used to treat fungal infections, also reduces the amount of testosterone produced in the body.
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