Like men, some women are genetically destined to experience hair loss and possibly baldness. Although the incidence of these problems is far less likely for women, other factors can cause abnormal hair loss. In many cases, the problem can be treated or the cause removed from the person's life, helping restore the body and regrow hair that had been lost. It is normal for everyone to lose some hair every day, but if you are losing a quarter to half of your hair or it is falling out in unusually large quantities, see your physician.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances such as an under-active or overactive thyroid can cause hair loss in women. Women who are pregnant or who have just given birth recently are at risk for hair loss that generally occurs, according to the Mayo Clinic, within three months of giving birth. In addition, taking birth control can effect the hormonal imbalance in such as way as to cause abnormal hair loss. Women who have an excess of testosterone production may also experience hair loss in a pattern similar to male pattern hair loss.
Nutritionally Deficient Diet
Many women have diets or eating habits that are nutritionally deficient, which can cause abnormal hair loss. Not eating enough protein or iron can cause hair loss, as the body will retain its stores for basic functioning because of the deficiency. Women who have eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia often lose large amounts of hair because they lack enough nutrition to maintain the strength in the roots. If you are eating a nutritionally limited diet due to illness, you may also experience hair loss because you aren't getting the basic nutrients.
Stress
According to the National Institutes of Health, stress can play a significant role in many physical problems, including hair loss in women. Generally, they add, the stressor usually occurs suddenly and can include a severe infection, childbirth, or major illness. Usually, in cases of stress-related hair loss, the hair will suddenly come off your scalp in large clumps. Fortunately, once you have recovered fully from the cause of the stress, your hair should begin to return slowly.
Excessive Use of Chemicals
Overuse of chemicals to color, straighten or curl hair can lead to hair loss in women. This is because the hair becomes brittle due to overexposure to harsh chemicals and over treatment. Seemingly benign things like brushing your hair too much or over-styling can also lead to hair loss in women. Occasionally, allergies to the chemicals in some products can cause the hair to fall out.
Medications
Medications taken for a variety of conditions can lead to hair loss. These include arthritis medications and pills for hypertension and depression. Women receiving chemotherapy treatments may also experience hair loss. In most cases, hair loss due to medications will stop when the medications are no longer administered, although it may take some time for the hair to grow back fully.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia is characterized by loss of hair from the scalp as well as the eyebrows and other areas of the body. This condition appears to be an autoimmune reaction, but the actual cause is still unknown. The hair loss in this disorder occurs in circular areas around the scalp, but it eventually grows back, only to be lost again. Alopecia has a genetic component, and you are more susceptible to it if a parent has it.
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