Hair fall in women, also known as female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition characterized by thinning of the hair on the scalp. There can be several hair fall reasons in female.
In women, hair fall typically starts with a widening parting and thinning hair on the crown of the scalp. The hair may become noticeably thinner or less dense over time and some women may experience hair loss in other areas as well such as the temples or along the hairline. This can be distressing for many, as it can affect self-esteem and confidence. However, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage hair fall, depending on what is causing it.
Read on to understand the different hair fall causes in female.
Common Hair Fall Reasons in Female
There are many reasons for excess hair fall in women. Let’s explore some of these in detail:
1. Genetics: Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common genetic condition that can cause hair loss in women. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. Women with female pattern baldness usually experience thinning of hair on the crown and top of the head.
2. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can also be some of the sudden hair fall reasons in female. During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels can prolong the growth phase of hair, resulting in thicker and more lustrous hair. However, after delivery, hormonal changes can cause hair to enter the resting phase, leading to hair fall. Similarly, during menopause, decreased estrogen levels can cause hair to become thinner and more brittle. Thyroid disorders decrease metabolism and can also cause hair loss.
3. Stress: High-stress levels can cause a condition called telogen effluvium, which can result in hair loss. This condition causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, resulting in hair loss. Stress can also cause hormonal imbalances, leading to hair loss.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins can be leading reasons for excess hair fall in women. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the hair follicles. If there is an iron deficiency, there is less oxygen delivered to the hair follicles, leading to weakened hair growth.
Vitamin D is necessary for hair follicle cycling and if there is a deficiency of this vitamin, hair growth can be affected. B vitamins, particularly biotin, are important for healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in biotin can lead to brittle hair and hair loss.
5. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can become gradual or sudden hair fall reasons in female. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can cause hair loss as the body’s immune system attacks and causes lesions over the scalp. Scalp infections, such as ringworm, can also lead to hair loss by damaging the hair shaft and follicles. Alopecia areata and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are other medical conditions that lead to hair loss.
What You Can Do to Cease Hair Loss
Here are a few things that you can do when experiencing excessive hair fall:
- Consult a doctor: A doctor can help you determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment, including hair fall supplements, topical solutions, or surgery.
- Diet: A well-balanced diet with foods rich in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins can help prevent hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies.
- Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or exercise help manage stress levels and prevent hair loss.
- Hair Care: Use gentle hair care products and avoid harsh treatments like hot styling, chemical straightening, coloring, or perming. Avoid pulling your hair tightly as well.
Conclusion
Hair fall can be a distressing experience for women. However, identifying the underlying hair fall reasons in female can help manage and treat the condition effectively. Therefore, with the first signs of hair loss, it is best to consult a doctor and take the necessary steps to prevent this condition from worsening. Also, timely action and a healthy lifestyle can prevent stress and imbalanced nutrition to become reasons for excess hair fall in women.