The average woman loses up to 100 strands of hair each day, but you might notice more hair on your brush or in the shower than usual if you are experiencing hair loss—even if only temporarily. Hair loss can be caused by several reasons, including stress, hormones, and genetics, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s happening in your life and your body to determine the cause of your hair loss before attempting any remedies. Here’s the lowdown on six common hair loss reasons in females and how you can treat them.
1) Hormonal Changes One of the Most Common Hair Loss Reasons in Female
One of the most typical causes of hair loss in women is hormonal changes. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, hair follicles go into dormancy. This means that there’s less growth and more shedding, which ultimately leads to thinning hair. Hormones also play a role in how quickly the scalp renews itself and sheds old hair.
For example, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) produce too many male hormones called androgens, which can be linked to hair loss. Polycystic ovaries lead to hyperandrogenism, which may cause a woman’s body to produce testosterone at higher-than-normal levels.
2) Weight Loss
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common are hormonal changes, medications, thyroid disorders, and stress. Here are the top hair loss reasons for females:
-Hormonal Changes: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate hair growth on the scalp. When hormonal levels fluctuate or drop too low due to menopause, pregnancy, or birth control pills, your hair might start to thin out. Other possible causes of hormonal change include side effects from some medications or eating disorders.
-Medications: Certain medicines may cause an increase in male hormones that contribute to hair loss. Thyroid disorders and diabetes can also lead to hair loss because these conditions damage the cells that produce new hair.
3) Thyroid Conditions
Hair loss can be triggered by thyroid conditions, which affect both men and women. Thyroid glands produce thyroid hormones that are necessary for normal growth, development, and metabolic processes. When production slows or stops, hair loss can become a problem.
There are several other hair loss reasons for females, such as nutrient deficiencies or iron levels below what is required to produce new cells. Conditions such as anemia (which might be due to iron deficiency), tuberculosis, or scarring on the scalp might also cause hair loss.
4) Medical Treatments
Due to genetics, hormones, and other factors, some people may experience excessive hair loss. Sometimes hair loss in females can be a cause for concern, which is why knowing about the most common causes of this condition can help.
-Heredity: This accounts for nearly 30% of cases. When your mother or father had alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia (AGA), there’s a strong chance you will have it as well.
So if you have one of these conditions, make sure to tell your doctor because she might want to examine the rest of your family members too.
The next three hair loss reasons in females include hormonal changes, thyroid problems, and blood-clotting disorders. These often result from an underlying health problem like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome that needs to be treated by a medical professional.
And lastly, the final hair loss reason in females is medications including those used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, depression, and certain autoimmune diseases. Speak with your physician if you take any medications so he can check on side effects that could contribute to hair thinning over time.
One thing all women should remember is that hair grows back even after a major trauma like cancer treatment!
5) Genetics
Genetics plays a big role when it comes to hair loss. If you have parents who are both bald or have premature graying hair, you may be more susceptible to hair loss. Research has shown that the genes involved with the miniaturization of the follicles can be passed down from parents to their children. Androgenetic alopecia, which is also known as male pattern baldness, can also run in families if one or both parents suffer from this condition.
Genetics plays a big role when it comes to hair loss. If you have parents who are both bald or have premature graying hair, you may be more susceptible to hair loss. Research has shown that the genes involved with the miniaturization of the follicles can be passed down from parents to their children.
6) Heat Styling
It’s no secret that women use heat styling tools, from blow dryers to flat irons and curling irons, daily. But did you know that these styling tools can cause hair loss? The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery says that one of the leading causes of female hair loss is heat styling.
Heat styling damages your hair by breaking down the protein bonds and leaving your hair weak and brittle. Also, if you style your hair too often with hot tools it can lead to thinning, breakage, and overall unhealthy hair. So take a break from those hot tools every once in a while!
If you must use heat styling tools, limit your usage. Try using them no more than two or three times per week and always use a heat-protectant serum before each styling session. Also, try to use a cooler setting on your tools if possible as it will cause less damage to your hair. Using lower temperatures when using hot styling tools also works better for women with fine hair as well since high temperatures can cause their hair to fall flat.
Conclusion
So, what are the top six hair loss reasons in females? You can avoid a lot of hair loss if you know the cause. Hair loss usually starts as an issue with your scalp and hair follicles. It’s important to get to the root of the problem and find out why you’re losing hair so you can treat it. So, if your scalp feels irritated or itchy, or if you’re experiencing extreme hair fall after shampooing, there could be something wrong with your scalp and follicles that needs treatment.
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