Hair Loss in Women: Causes

Hair Loss in Women: Causes and Conditions

There are three more commonly recognized causes of hair loss. These are each identified by their unique presentation.

Andronic Alopecia

In the unfortunate event of hair loss resulting from andronic alopecia, also known as female pattern baldness, the hair loss occurs for the very same reason men lose their hair. The presence of the hormone testosterone, popularly known to be a masculine hormone, can too be present in females. The testosterone causes ‘andronic alopecia’, however fortunately, due to the presence of common female hormones; the extent of hair loss may be less.

Diagnosis for this usually type of hair loss is usually by the taking of a blood sample, to confirm the presence of testosterone.

Alopecia Areata

This condition affects both males and females equally. It is common for sufferers to experience this condition even as a child. This type of hair loss often begins with the initial loss of small clumps of hair, and may not be too noticeable. How the condition then progresses varies enormously, and in some cases, the hair can be lost forever.

Alopecia areata can be caused by autoimmune disease. In cases of this, the body sees some part of it as foreign and rejects it. In the case of hair loss, the immune system does not recognize the hair, creates an inflammatory process, and the hair subsequently falls out. It is not known entirely why this autoimmune process occurs, however some triggers are thought to be:

• Medication
• Environmental factors
• Infection
• Viruses

This type of hair loss is classically diagnosed by its presentation of the loss of smaller clumps of hair.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium affects both males and females. As well as presenting with hair loss on the scalp, it also contributes to hair loss elsewhere on the body. The pattern of hair loss is usually more of a thinning process, as opposed to loosing clusters of hair. Over a period of months, the hair loss may be subtle, but over time quite noticeable.

This condition is thought to be triggered by intense stress on the body’s physical or hormonal systems. Some medications exacerbate the problem.

Psychological Impact of Hair Loss in Women

For a man, hair loss is likely to be inevitable at some point in life. For a woman however, hair loss, even on a minor scale, is likely to be distressing and have a profound psychological impact.

Hair loss in women causes a significant psychological reaction. The initial reaction is to attempt to cover it up, which is often a fruitless exercise unless a wig, hat or headscarfs are worn all of the time. To be able to deal with the psychological stresses associated with hair loss, it is essential that a woman fully understands the cause, the extent that the hair may be lost, and is made aware of any treatments that may help regain hair growth.

Unlike men, when a woman loses hair, it is relatively noticeable, as to the observer something different has occurred. In cases of male hair loss, society as a whole accepts this, and there is no stigma attached to it. Therefore, some men do not generally concern themselves too much or feel the need to conceal it.

Hair loss is also associated with some more serious medical conditions. Thyroid disease causes hair loss is some, and cancer patients often lose hair as a direct result of chemical treatments they receive.

Treatments

Hair loss is treatable.

Rogaine

‘Regaine’ (Minoxidil) -- known as Rogaine in the United States -- is the most widely recognized treatment for hair loss. Now available over the counter, Regaine is a lotion applied directly to the scalp. It is recommended for the treatment of thinning hair, or where very small patches of hair loss occur. Use this treatment at onset of symptoms to gain the best results. Results can be expected in around four to six weeks.

Use Caution

It is important to be wary of non-medical treatments available that claim to reduce, or even cure hair loss. Hair loss in women causes at times irrational behavior. Women are usually willing to trial any product on the market, hoping it may provide a miracle cure. Often these products are expensive, and some manufacturers take advantage of women who are desperate to regain their precious hair. Ensure that you consult you doctor before making expensive and unnecessary purchases of treatments that may make no difference at all.