Hair loss doesn't just occur in men. Forty percent of hair loss sufferers are women, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA.) While some thinning of the hair naturally occurs with age, large areas of thinning hair or bald spots are not normal in women. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the problem.
Genetics
Women can inherit the propensity for hair loss just as men can. Androgenetic alopecia, or male or female pattern baldness, is an inherited condition that causes hair loss at the crown and hairline in men, but doesn't affect women quite as severely. When women suffer from the problem, it is more likely to cause an overall thinning of the hair. Rising levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, cause androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. According to AHLA, DHT shrinks hair follicles and makes it impossible for healthy hair to survive.
Other Causes
Female hair loss can be caused by stress, illness, pregnancy, the stress of major surgery, scars on the head or scalp infections. Hair loss may also occur if you have certain diseases, such as lupus or diabetes. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland may cause hair loss by disrupting your body's hormonal balance. Certain medications may cause hair loss, including birth control pills, chemotherapy medications, anticoagulants and high blood pressure, heart and gout medications. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, can also cause thinning hair or baldness.
Treatment
Treating underlying problems causing hair loss, such as diabetes or thyroid gland problems, can often reverse hair loss. The prescription drug minoxidil may be helpful in growing hair if there are bald spots on the head. Hair transplants can be used to restore hair growth to areas of the scalp affected by hair loss. During a hair transplant, a small strip of skin containing healthy hair is removed from an area of the scalp unaffected by hair loss. The strip is grafted onto the scalp in an area where hair loss is a problem. Transplantation may not be an option if there is not enough donor hair available for transplantation, according to the American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. In some cases, a wig or hair piece may be the only solution to restore the natural appearance of the hair.
Considerations
Some cases of female hair loss occur due to scalp trauma caused by wearing the hair in tight hairstyles. Called traction alopecia, this condition can occur if you frequently wear your hair in tight buns, ponytails, braids, extensions or cornrows.
Warning
Taking birth control pills can cause hair loss in some women. Because the pills change the natural hormone levels in the body, women who are predisposed to experience hair loss due to hormonal influences are at risk. The AHLA recommends using low-androgen index birth control pills to avoid this problem and suggests using another form of birth control if you have a family history of genetic hair loss.
Member Comments