Hair loss in women is often one of the more difficult topics to discuss. Some women feel they are alone in this problem, but it is more common than many realize. Nearly 25 million women are affected by some degree of hair loss at any given time, according to SafeMenopauseSolutions.com. Luckily, there are often treatments that can help with this condition. Hair loss has many causes, and it's important to understand the causes in order to deal with the problem effectively.
Who It Affects
Although hair loss can trouble women at any time, it is more common in older women, as well as in women who have recently undergone a large hormonal shift, such as after childbirth and during menopause. Women who are on certain medications, including blood thinners and some blood pressure medications, are also more likely to be affected.
Types
There are several different kinds of hair loss in women. Some women notice hair is thinner over the whole head of hair, while for others, hair falls out in clumps. Another common type of hair loss in women is pattern baldness; for example, sometimes the hair is noticeably thinner only in front or on top. Sometimes, the type of hair loss indicates the cause. For instance, hormonal imbalances are more likely to cause hair to thin over the whole scalp, while medications may cause hair to fall out in clumps.
Causes
Hair loss in women can have many causes. Hormone imbalance, thyroid problems, poor diet, birth control pills, and pregnancy and childbirth can all lead to thinning hair. Too much Vitamin A or too little iron in the diet and some medications may cause hair loss. Hairstyles may cause certain types of hair loss. Tight pigtails or cornrows, or frequent use of tight hair curling rollers, can cause some degree of hair loss long-term.
Treatment
Hair loss will reverse on its own in some cases, such as hair loss caused by recent childbirth. For others, eating a well-balanced diet and taking a multivitamin daily may help. For women in menopause suffering from hair loss, ask a doctor if progesterone cream would be effective in slowing hair loss. There is also a medication called Rogaine that is available at drugstores without a prescription as a treatment for hair loss.
Warning
In some cases, hair loss may be a sign of an underlying condition. FamilyDoctor.org reports that hair loss may be an early symptom of certain diseases, such as lupus or diabetes. See a doctor if the condition worsens or if any other symptoms accompany it.
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