Hair loss in women is one major problem in the recent world. It usually occurs when the cycle of hair shed and growing is interrupted or when its follicle is destroyed and consequently replaced with tissues of the scar.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a good number of people lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. In addition to that, people who wash theirs loose up to 250 strands on a daily basis. This is considered normal shedding and lose. It should be nothing you are worried about.
It is typical for men to experience this problem, but about 40 percent of American women face the same condition. But what causes this problem in women? Here are the possible causes of pattern hair loss in women and their respective treatments.
1. Genetic (family history)
Androgenetic alopecia or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is actually the most common cause of hair loss in women. It also affects males, but it’s more evident in females. FPHL occurs slowly but in very predictable manner. In females, it takes place as a thin receding hairline while bald spots in males. Moreover, hereditary also affects the rate at which you lose it, the age at which you start losing it, and the extent to which it is lost.
Treatment:
Make good use of the medically approved minoxidil (Rogaine) 5%. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of female pattern baldness. Use it once daily, and 81 percent of your hair will grow back. If situations dictate, you can also undergo a hair transplant. Check this article for more info.
2. Medical conditions
This normally takes place when someone uses some medications that, unfortunately, results in loss of hair. Females who use drugs for arthritis, cancer, heart problems, depression, birth control and high blood pressure can sometimes suffer from this problem. Too much intake of vitamin A can also lead to the hair problem.
Treatment:
Use the prescribed dosage of the medication mentioned above and avoid taking the drugs for a long time. Take the drugs only when necessary and as prescribed by the doctor.
3. Hormonal changes
Changes and imbalances in the body hormones can also lead to temporary loss of hair. This usually happens during menopause, pregnancy, or even during childbirth. Aside from that, hormones can affect the thyroid glands, which can lead to the loss.
Treatment:
Make sure that you eat well and incorporate essential foodstuffs in your diet. Include a lot of fiber in your diet, which can greatly help you in reducing the hormonal level in your blood through the process of elimination.
4. Loss of hair patches
This a non-scarring type of hair loss that is medically termed as alopecia areata. It normally takes place when the immune system is attacking its follicles. This causes it to fall off, leaving smooth, bald areas on the head.
Treatment:
Rogaine (Minoxidil) can be used as a medication for females with patchy hair loss condition. It slows down or stops the loss and helps in regrowing the hair back.
5. Certain hairstyles and hair treatments
Excessive treating and stylising can greatly result in some loss. Some extreme hairstyles such as cornrows and pigtails, which pull it tightly, can lead to alopecia areata condition. Additionally, some treatments like hot oil results in follicle inflammation that consequently causes hair to fall off.
Treatment:
Avoid too detailed hairstyles and treatments, which are not medically proven. This is the best way to prevent it from falling off your head.
6. Radiation therapy
When radiation therapy is done on your head, it can lead to permanent loss. But it usually depends on the spot where radiation therapy has been done. The act also comes with other side effects if not properly administered.
Treatment:
If your hair is long, cut it short before undergoing a radiation therapy. This is important since it decreases the impact theloss when the treatment takes place. Furthermore, if situations demand, you can also undergo a transplant.
7. Scalp infections
Skin infections, like ringworm, cause scaly patches on the head and hair loss.
Treatment:
Seek medication for the scalp infection. Once it is immediately treated, it can grow back.
8. Trichotillomania or Hair-Pulling Disorder
This condition gives people an irresistible urge to pull their hair, whether from the eyebrows, scalp, or any other body part.
Treatment:
Being a disorder, there are a number of ways in which you can overcome this. Learn what your body needs instead of pulling. You can wear a bandana to bed, and if need be you can even join a support group.
9. Diet and poor nutrition
Having poor eating habits can greatly lead to the suffering of your hair. Poor eating results in shifting of nutrients to important body organs and away from it. Lack of proteins, iron, vitamin D, and calcium in your diet leads to hair loss.
Treatment:
Practice good eating habits. Ensure you include all the required nutrition in your diet. Eat foods that are highly rich in vitamins, calcium, iron, and some proteins.
10. Traumatic experience or stressed life
After a traumatic or stressful event, it’s possible for one to notice unusual shedding of hair. Some of the stressful events that can lead to these include divorce, excessive or sudden weight loss, loss of spouse, surgery, or even a high fever.
Treatment:
Seek for counseling whenever you are in a stressful condition. Avoid thinking too much about the situation and things you can’t easily solve.
11. Other types of skin disorders
Other types of skin diseases such as lichen planus and sarcoidosis can result in permanent loss.
Treatment:
Seek medical attention for the involved skin infections. As soon as they are treated, it starts to grow. I hope the post was helpful