Navigating Female Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Ohh, you are here! Perhaps you have recently pulled a tangled ball of hair out or simply noticed a little more scalp showing tying your hair up.
Seeing a lump of hair coming down your head can be scary, but you are not alone. Hair loss in women has been on the rise in the high-stress world we live in. Even many studies have shown that around 40% of women are experiencing hair loss by age 50.
Largely thought to be a men’s issue, hair thinning, and baldness can affect women too. Figuring out the cause of hair loss in women can be tricky because, from hereditary hair loss to menopause, there are numerous causes of hair loss in women.
Some causes might only lead to temporary hair shedding, but others can progressively increase hair shedding over time.
Read on to learn about the top hair fall reasons in females, some of the best hair loss treatments for women, and what you can do to prevent hair loss.
Let’s dive in!
Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Women
1.Genetics
Hereditary hair loss not only causes male-pattern baldness but can lead to female-pattern baldness. People of all genders are susceptive to hereditary hair loss.
Genetic hair loss in women can be prevented by using Minoxidil or Finasteride, which help slow down hair loss.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Another reason for female hair loss can be nutritional deficiencies due to improper diet. A healthy body means healthy hair, which simply means that you need to ensure that you are eating right and getting all the needed nutrition.
Vitamins and mineral aid in the hair growth cycle; hence, inherent vitamins and mineral deficiencies can lead to hair weakening, ultimately leading to hair breakage. Include adequate amounts of proteins, biotin, zinc, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals in your diet for long, strong, and beautiful hair.
3. Childbirth And Menopause
Postpartum hair loss is nowadays very common and affects around 40-50% of women after giving birth. Hair loss due to menopause is also another possible reason for female hair loss, as the sudden rise and fall in hormone levels in women can be tough to manage.
Both childbirth and menopause effectuate hormonal imbalances; for instance, Estrogen levels rise during pregnancy which can affect hair growth. Hair shedding after childbirth usually starts from 1 to 6 months after childbirth and lasts up to 15 months postpartum.
While in menopause, Estrogen and Progesterone levels fall, and the effects of androgens levels which are male hormones starts increasing. This hormonal imbalance can either cause hair fall or hair growth in areas you didn’t have hair before.
4. Medical Conditions
Women who have undergone medical procedures like chemotherapy can experience hair loss. This type of hair loss in women is not permanent because the medical procedure has been completed or was done to resolve any medical condition.
5. Medications
Many medicines for common health problems can also be the reason for hair loss. Medicines like blood-thinning medications, drugs for depression, oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatories tablets, and calcium blockers can cause hair thinning and female pattern baldness.
6. Other Hair Concerns
Hair conditions like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata are possible reasons for hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia can cause drastic hair loss on the scalp, whereas alopecia areata can lead to hair loss all over the body.
Different Types Of Hair Loss In Female
The hair cycle is a four-phase process that includes
- Anagen [Growth]
- Catagen [End Of Growth Cycle]
- Telogen [Dormancy]
- Exogen [Shedding]
Each of our hair follicles passes through this process at different times. Talking about the types of female hair loss, there are mainly three types:
Anagen Effluvium
This type of hair loss is caused by medications like medicines given to diagnose cancer which destroys a growing hair follicle.
Telogen Effluvium
The second type of hair loss is Telogen Effluvium which is caused by an increased amount of hair follicles reaching the Telogen phase – a stage where hair falls out.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss(FPHL), also known as female pattern alopecia and androgenetic alopecia, is one of the most common types of hair loss, which causes hair thinning over the top part and on the sides of the head.
Which Women Can Experience Hair Loss?
Any girl or woman can get affected by hair loss, but below it is hair loss is usually seen in women who
- Are older than 40
- Just gave birth to a child
- Had chemotherapy
- More often use hairstyling products and harsh chemicals on hair
- Had Menopause
How Can Hair Loss In Women Be Prevented?
Preventing hair loss might be not completely possible in some cases, like serious disease, aging, heredity, or physical injuries. But you can prevent hair loss caused by treatable reasons.
Some tips to prevent hair loss in women
- Manage Stress Doing Exercise, Yoga, Self Care & Mindfulness Techniques
- Amp Up Your With Nutrients Rich Foods
- Try Acupuncture To Stimulate Hair Follicles
- Take Iron & Zinc Supplements (Note To Consult Doctor For This)
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles
- Avoid Using Harsh Chemical & Excess Heat On Hair
- Stop Smoking
Popular Hair Loss Treatment For Women
Treatment generally depends on the type of hair loss; however, below are some of the best hair loss treatments for women to stop hair loss.
Minoxidil
Dermatologists often recommend minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, to handle hair loss. Minoxidil is a drug that can be directly applied to the scalp to increase hair follicle size and extend the hair growth phase.
You can purchase this medicine over the counter and can apply it on the scalp every day as per your doctor’s guidance.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP treatment for female hair loss is one of the most effective and minimally invasive methods to boost hair growth. In this procedure, blood is extracted from the patient’s body, and by using a centrifuge, the growth factor-rich PRP is separated. Later this platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp to promote hair growth.
At Musk Clinic, we offer customized PRP treatment for hair loss. Our highly specialized professionals ensure to provide world-class treatments to our patients for desired and promising results.
Hair Transplantation
In severe cases where both medications, PRP, and other hair loss treatments don’t work, then one needs to consider a hair transplant.
But not everyone is suitable for a hair transplant, certain criteria need to be met before proceeding with a hair transplant.
To give an example, hair loss should be stable; there needs to be clear donor and recipient areas.
To Sum Up Hair Fall Reasons In Female
Hair loss in females is common, but the good news is it can be addressed. There are many preventative steps you can take to minimize hair loss, and if that too doesn’t work, you can go with the above-listed effective hair loss treatment for women.
And if you are at the stage where you need to undergo these treatments, contact Musk Clinic today.
Musk Clinic is a renowned and trusted multi speciality skin & cosmetic clinic in Ahmedabad, India. We have years of experience and expertise in performing cosmetic and hair treatments. Using advanced technology and following hygiene and safety measures, we provide the best PRP treatment for hair loss in females.
So if you are looking to regain your healthy and beautiful hair, book your appointment with us today.
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