According to the "New England Journal of Medicine," more than 1/3 of women experience clinically significant hair loss over the course of their lives. Women face far more stigma and emotional upset due to hair loss than men, in whom baldness is more socially acceptable and sometimes even seen as sexy. Fortunately, dermatologists can often find the causes of unexplained hair loss, and treatments may be available.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Female-pattern hair loss, medical term androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in women. This form of hair loss can manifest anytime after puberty. The "New England Journal of Medicine" reports that up to 38 percent of all women are affected by female-pattern hair loss by age 70. Hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia occurs mostly over the central portion of the scalp. The hairline typically remains unaffected. This kind of hair loss can be caused by an excess of androgen, a type of hormone. Your doctor may measure the level of androgen in your system and prescribe medication to lower it, if necessary. Minoxidil, the popular hair growth medication sold under the name Rogaine, is also an effective treatment.
Telogen Effluvium
According to the American Hair Loss Association, major stresses like surgery, childbirth, crash diets, severe emotional disorders and surgery can cause hair loss in women. This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, typically appears six to 12 weeks following the stressful event. In this disorder, hair inappropriately goes into the "telogen" or shedding phase. Normally, only 10 percent of the hair is in the telogen phase, but in telogen effluvium, 30 percent is typical. The "New England Journal of Medicine" reports that women with telogen effluvium can lose up to 300 hairs a day. Fortunately, the hair usually grows back after the stressful situation that caused it is resolved.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is the easiest cause of hair loss to prevent. It is caused by constant hair pulling and tension, and often occurs in women that habitually wear tight ponytails, cornrows or braids. If this condition is caught early enough, the hair will grow back. However, hair loss from traction alopecia can be permanent if the hair follicle is too badly damaged.
Other Causes
The "New England Journal of Medicine" says that autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, iron deficiency and fungal infections can also cause hair loss. If your hair is falling out, see your doctor. Hair loss can be the first sign of a more serious illness.
References
- American Hair Loss Association: Causes of Hair Loss
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Hair Loss in Women; J. Shapiro; Oct. 2007
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