Hair Loss in Women: 5 Common Causes & What You Can Do

What are the most common causes of hair loss in women, and how to treat this condition? Continue reading to learn more.

Full and voluminous hair is often considered a symbol of beauty, health and vitality, so it is no surprise that hair loss can be a distressing experience for many women. 

While this common hair problem is typically associated with men, it can also affect women as a result from a variety of factors, from hormonal imbalances to nutritional deficiencies and even dietary and lifestyle changes.

With these considerations in mind, it is important to get a good understanding of what causes hair loss in women, what are the underlying issues that may lead to this condition, and what are some effective solutions that you can undertake depending on each particular cause.

But before we jump in, keep in mind that each woman's experience with hair loss is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach may not always work. For this reason, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a trichologist to help you address your concerns properly.

And now, let's take a deep dive into the most common causes of hair loss in women:

What is hair loss in women?

Hair loss in women refers to the excessive shedding or thinning of hair, leading to a reduction in hair volume and sometimes noticeable bald patches. It can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, stress, certain medical conditions, and improper hair care practices.

According to Cleveland Clinic, more than 50% of women will experience some sort of a noticeable hair loss at least once throughout their lives.

In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) affects approximately 40% of women by the age of 50, making this condition more common than you probably have imagined.

Can female hair loss be fixed?

Yes, in many cases, female hair loss can be treated and fixed effectively, as long as the underlying cause is identified and addressed adequately. For example, hair loss as a result from nutritional deficiencies can be corrected through dietary changes and supplementation. 

As we mentioned earlier, some causes of hair loss in women can be temporary and reversible, but others may be more challenging to tackle, and may require a more comprehensive approach. 

One such example is scarring alopecia - a type of hair loss characterized by the destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue. Once the hair follicles are permanently damaged, They can become more difficult to regrow.

Treatment options may focus on managing the underlying condition causing scarring alopecia and preventing further progression, but regrowth is often limited.

What causes hair loss in women?

There are many factors that may cause hair loss in women, but let's take a look at some of the most common ones:

1. Hormonal changes

One of the most common causes of hair loss in women are hormonal changes, which we tend to experience throughout our whole lives. Fluctuations or imbalances in specific hormones, such as estrogens during pregnancy and menopause, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss. 

Thyroid hormone imbalances, such as in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also disrupt the hair growth cycle.

Another common, hormone-related condition that may lead to hair loss in women is PCOS, characterized by increased androgens which can shrink the hair follicles, shorten the hair's growth cycle, and produce finer, shorter hairs.

How do I fix hair loss caused by hormonal changes?

The most effective treatment for hair loss caused by hormonal changes may depend on each unique situation, so it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to find the right treatment for you. 

Some ways how to treat hair loss in women include hormonal therapy to regulate hormone levels, topical treatments to promote hair regrowth and slow down further hair loss, as well as nutritional support from healthy foods.

2. Poor hairstyling practices

Poor hairstyling practices can also lead to hair loss in women, that's why it's extremely important to take the right measures and prevent damage when styling your beautiful mane.

Tight hairstyles such as ponytails and braids, chemical treatments, using excessive high temperatures for straightening or curling your hair, as well as frequent use of harsh hair products can damage your hair over the long run, and contribute to hair loss.

How do I fix hair loss caused by poor hairstyling practices?

The best way to avoid hair loss caused by poor hairstyling practices is to avoid doing them in the first place - and here's what we mean.

For example, if you are a lover of thermal hair styling, having the right heat styling tools is absolutely essential if you are looking to straighten or curl your hair without damage.

Using low-quality flat irons and curling wands made from cheap materials will not only damage your hair, but will also not last you very long and may lead to unsatisfactory results.

Instead, opt for a flat iron with tourmaline plates such as the NuMe Megastar Flat Iron - it uses negative ion conditioning technology, as well as proprietary far infrared technology, to help with moisture retention and achieve effortless styling without the damage.

In addition, instead of of using tight hairstyles, opt for something looser such as a low ponytail or a loose bun to avoid pulling your hair too tightly. 

Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, buns, or extensions that exert constant pulling force can damage the hair follicles over time, leading to hair breakage and thinning in the affected areas.

Also, make sure to avoid hair care products with harsh chemicals - instead, opt for a vegan shampoo, conditioner and hair mask made with natural ingredients like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care Set.

3. Stress

Another reason for hair loss in women is stress. Stress can contribute to hair loss in women through a condition called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair.

Normally, around 80-90% of hair follicles are in the growing (anagen) phase, while the remaining 10-20% are in the resting (telogen) phase.

During telogen effluvium, a higher percentage of hair follicles enter the telogen phase at the same time, leading to increased shedding and noticeable hair loss. Stress can affect hair growth in several ways:

• Disruption of hair growth cycle - stress triggers hormonal and physiological changes in the body, disrupting the normal hair growth cycle and increasing hair shedding.
• Shortened growth phase - it can also shorten the duration of the anagen (growth phase of the hair cycle), which means that hair spends less time actively growing, leading to shorter length and reduced volume.
• Impaired Nutrient Absorption - chronic stress can impact the body's ability to absorb and utilize essential nutrients, including those necessary for hair health. Inadequate nutrient supply can weaken the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
• Increased Inflammation - stress can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, including the scalp. Scalp inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and contribute to hair loss.

How do I fix hair loss caused by stress?

In this case, fixing hair loss revolves around managing the levels of stress, which can be a combination of stress management techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises, regular physical activity, adopting a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and sleep, as well as nutritional support.

4. Medical conditions and treatments

Among the most common causes of hair loss in women are certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, scalp infections and autoimmune diseases, which can affect the hair follicles and influence hair growth. 

In addition, some medications used to treat various medical conditions can also have hair loss as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, certain antidepressants, and immunosuppressants are examples of medications that may lead to hair thinning and loss of hair.

How do I fix hair loss caused by medical conditions and treatments?

Fixing hair loss caused by medical conditions and treatments involves addressing the underlying cause while implementing strategies to support hair health.

However, because each situation is highly unique, we recommend you to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to evaluate your specific conditions and run the necessary tests.

5. Aging and genetics

Age and genetics both play a significant role in causing hair loss in women. For example, genetic predisposition is a key factor in female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. Women with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience hair thinning and balding themselves.

Hair loss as a result of genetics is influenced by the inheritance of genes that affect the hair follicles' sensitivity to androgens. Over time, the hair follicles miniaturize and produce finer, shorter hairs, leading to a gradual reduction in hair volume.

As we mentioned earlier, age is a huge factor when it comes to hair loss. 

As women age, the hair growth cycle naturally undergoes changes. The hair follicles' ability to produce new hair gradually diminishes, leading to thinner and less dense hair overall. This process is known as age-related or senescent alopecia.

How do I fix hair loss caused by age and genetics?

Hair loss caused by age and genetics can be managed but not completely reversed. Treatment options such as medications like minoxidil or finasteride, low-level laser therapy, hair transplantation, and camouflage techniques, aim to address the concern of how to treat hair loss in women.

Consulting with a healthcare professional or dermatologist is crucial to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

FAQ

Is hair loss in women reversible?

Hair loss in women can be reversible depending on the underlying cause. Some types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium or temporary shedding due to hormonal changes, can often resolve on their own.

However, conditions like female pattern hair loss may not be fully reversible, but treatments can help slow down further hair loss and promote regrowth to some extent. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the specific cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Can stress or hormonal changes lead to hair loss?

Yes, both stress and hormonal changes are common causes of hair loss in women. Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium.

Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS, can also impact hair growth and potentially cause hair loss. Seeking appropriate management and stress reduction techniques can help mitigate these effects.