Many of the same causes of hair loss and hair thinning in men can affect women. Actually, the American Hair Loss Association estimates that roughly 40 percent of all people suffering from hair loss are women. From stress and hormones to genetics and medications, a variety of different factors play a role in female hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Much like men, women can have androgenetic alopecia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Often referred to as female-pattern baldness, this type of hair loss is caused by dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT can attach to hair follicles in the female scalp, shortening its growth cycle. Over time, the hair produced by the affected follicle becomes increasingly thinner until it stops growing.
Telogen Effluvium
The American Hair Loss Association says hair loss in women may also be a result of telogen effluvium. This condition is characterized by an almost sudden shift in the growth cycle of the hair into the telogen phase, or resting phase. The end of this phase is marked by a shedding of hair. When the majority of the follicles in a women's scalp are in this phase, she experiences an extensive loss of hair. The association attributes this condition to physical or emotional stress, as would be seen in malnutrition, traumatic events, surgical procedures and even childbirth.
Alopecia Areata
The Mayo Clinic credits alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, as a cause for some women's hair loss. Genetics is the most likely reason for this condition, but other factors may also play a role in its development--such as viruses, irritants or allergies. This is often considered a temporary form of hair loss. Many women who lose their hair due to alopecia areata experience regrowth later.
Traction Alopecia
The Mayo Clinic and the American Hair Loss Association suggest traction alopecia as a possible cause for female hair loss or hair thinning. This condition is actually preventable, because it's directly caused by extended periods of tension placed on the hair shaft from tight braids or ponytails, which can damage the follicle. This damage may cause abnormal shedding or loss of hair.
Hormonal Changes
Women going through hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause or even birth control may also experience hair loss, the Mayo Clinic says. However, this isn't a permanent form of hair loss. Most women experience regrowth after the hormonal changes have passed.
Cicatricial Alopecia
An underlying skin condition may cause inflammation of the hair follicle, resulting in cicatricial alopecia, the Mayo Clinic says. The inflammation scars the follicle so that it can no longer produce hair, triggering an abnormal amount of shedding. Effects are often permanent.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium is a condition characterized by a loss of hair in its growth phase, says the American Hair Loss Association. Because more than 90 percent of a woman's hair is in this growth phase at one time, hair loss can be quite extensive. However, this condition doesn't develop without a direct cause. Most women experiencing this type of hair loss do so because of a medication, namely chemotherapy drugs.
Member Comments