Hair loss and thinning doesn’t just affect your appearance. It can also negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. This can lead to avoiding activities you once enjoyed, withdrawing from family and friends, and laying low in your professional life. While losing 50 to 100 strands a day is normal, a noticeable increase in hair shedding indicates an underlying issue. Understanding the cause of your hair loss is the first step to determining the best course of action for treating and preventing further hair loss. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of hair loss in women.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women
1. Genetics
Contrary to popular belief, it is not just men who experience hereditary hair loss. Women can experience female-pattern hair loss (FPHL), a genetic condition affecting millions of women each year. Unlike in men, most women do not go completely bald. Instead, they experience thinning on the crown and around their part.
2. Changes in Hormones
One of the most common causes of hair loss in women is hormonal changes. Since hormones play a significant role in regulating hair growth, any change can interrupt the process and lead to hair loss and thinning. The most common times in a woman’s life that hormonal changes interrupt her growth are:
- Postpartum – Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy extend the hair’s growth phase. This is why many women have a fuller, thicker head of hair during pregnancy. However, after birth, estrogen levels drop very quickly (known as the ‘hormone dump’), and women tend to shed a lot of hair all at once. In most cases, women resume normal hair growth once their hormones are regulated.
- Menopause – Reduced estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause, paired with increased androgens (male hormones), can lead to hair loss and thinning. Androgens cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in weaker, finer strands of hair.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – Better known as PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder in which affected women produce excessive amounts of androgens. This can lead to androgenetic alopecia and female-pattern hair loss.
3. Lack of Proper Nutrients
Your hair follicles need adequate nutrients to produce healthy strands of hair. An inadequate diet means that your follicles will not have the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support normal hair growth. Furthermore, a lack of proper nutrients can cause your hair strands to fall out prematurely, leading to Be sure to consume a well-balanced, healthy diet.
4. High Levels of Stress
Chronic, high levels of stress can significantly impact your overall health, including hair growth. Stressful events such as emotional trauma, long-term stressful situations (e.g., jobs, relationships), sudden weight loss, and even surgery can result in hair loss.
5. Health Conditions
Health conditions such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and scalp issues can cause hair loss. In most cases, once the medical condition is managed, normal hair growth will resume.
6. Medications
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, cause hair loss. Other common drugs that can lead to hair loss include blood pressure, depression, and acne medications.
Let Christine Pusateri Hair Solutions Help
Many factors can cause hair loss in women. Determining the cause of your hair loss or thinning is crucial to choosing the right course of treatment. If you notice excessive hair shedding, it is time to seek professional treatment. Christine Pusateri Hair Solutions specializes in women’s hair loss solutions. As Illinois's leading hair restoration studio, we offer a full line of hair loss solutions to fit your lifestyle and budget. Don’t waste another minute dreaming about a full head of hair. Contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation!
