What Causes Hair Loss In Women And Can This Embarrassing Condition Be Reversed?

The words ‘hair loss’ or ‘balding’ are commonly associated with men, but it may surprise you to know that this condition affects many women. We just don’t notice it as much because women cover up the problem by wearing wigs, other hair-pieces, hats, or weaves. Let’s look at what causes hair loss in women.

Before discussing the causes, it is must be emphasized that the key to treating hair loss is to see a doctor as soon as the hair begins to fall out. This will improve your chances of having the condition reversed. Don’t ignore the situation – this could result in the worst case scenario, i. E. Baldness. Luckily for women, the success rate of reversal is quite good.

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Women often get traction alopecia from wearing hats, very tight weaves and even by certain hairstyles. Traction alopecia results from continual stress on the hair follicles caused by long term use of corn rows and weaves. Eventually the hair will start falling out.

Hats that are too tight also put undue stress on the follicles – this also affects men who regularly wear tight hats. They say that a woman’s hair is her crowning glory, so think twice before you go for that weave if you want to keep your own hair for the rest of your life!

Women may be prone to a temporary loss of hair during their menstrual cycle, or because of a hormonal imbalance. The temporary loss of hair is referred to as telogen effiuvium. Other causes include medication side-effects, stress (both physical and emotional) as well as some thyroid conditions.

Another type of alopecia that affects women is alopecia Areata – this is when hair loss occurs in random areas of the head. A weak immune system or a deficiency in nutrients or minerals can bring on this condition, rendering the follicles incapable of fighting back. A healthy diet combined with mineral and vitamin supplements usually resolves this.

Bearing all this information in mind, it is clear that the quicker a doctor is consulted to treat alopecia, the better. Thinning of the hair often occurs during the menstrual cycle. It can also be a side-effect of oral contraception, or at the onset of menopause. In such cases, treatment is usually successful.

Alopecia in women can also be hereditary and, as with alopecia in men, the overall cause is attributed to high levels of testosterone. The body then converts this over-production to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which gradually kills the hair follicles. Scientists are still trying to find a way to prevent this.

Learn more about what causes hair loss in women. Stop by John Farikani’s site where you can find out all about hair loss and what it can do for you.

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