The American Academy of Dermatology says that hair loss is primarily determined by heredity. There are many causes of hair loss in older women including heredity, medications, menopause, diet and stress according to the academy.
Heredity
Female-pattern baldness is hereditary. According to Mayo Clinic experts, your genes affect the age when hair loss begins and the extent of it. As time goes on, hair growth slows and the strength of the hair decreases. Hair falls our more easily but is not easily replaced. The American Academy of Dermatology says that female-pattern baldness happens gradually with thinning occurring over the front and top of the scalp.
Medications
Some medications cause hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of Environmental Nutrition cite blood thinners at the top of the list of medications that cause hair loss. Others include vitamin A when taken in excess, as well as some antidepressants, heart and high blood pressure medications, and arthritis medications.
Menopause
Environmental Nutrition states in the article "Ironing Out the Many Causes of Hair Loss", June 2004, that women in menopause are more likely to have prescription medications cause hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that estrogen levels drop during menopause, causing hair loss. Usually hair loss is temporary and re-growth does occur, but women older than 40 should not expect the same thickness and fullness as they may have had when they were younger according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Diet
Often as women age, their diet may not be adequate to maintain healthy hair. Iron deficiency anemia and low protein intake also lead to hair loss as the body tries to preserve iron and protein for more vital bodily functions, according to the Journal of Environmental Nutrition and the American Academy of Dermatology. Eggs, dairy, fish, and meat are prime sources of protein. Soybeans and spinach are examples of iron-rich foods.
Stress and Illness
The physical stress of an illness accompanied by high fever, a surgical procedure, or even emotional trauma can cause the hair to fall out at any age. For older women who are more vulnerable to health problems and life changes, hair loss often follows a stressful physical or emotional event according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the Journal of Environmental Nutrition and the Mayo Clinic.
References
- American Academy of Dematology: Hair loss
- Mayo Clinic: Hair Loss
- Journal of Environmental Nutrtion, Ironing Out One of the Many Causes of Hair Loss, July 2004
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