What is Female hair loss?
Hair loss can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you are experiencing it for the first time. It’s important to understand that there is no one cause of female hair loss. Many factors can contribute to your hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, diet, medications, and more. This article will help you identify what may be causing it and give you some tips on how to manage this problem.
What causes hair loss in women?
A number of different things can cause hair loss in women. The most common cause of hair loss in women is due to the natural aging process. As we get older our hormones change which can lead to thinning or even complete baldness. Other causes include:
1. Dietary deficiencies
Some vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy hair growth. If you have a deficiency in these nutrients then this could also result in hair loss.
2. Stress
Stress can affect both men and women but it has been proven that women tend to lose their hair faster than men when stressed out.
3. Medications
Certain prescription drugs can cause hair loss. These include birth control pills, anti-depressants, and other medications.
4. Hormonal imbalances
The menstrual cycle can play a role in hair loss. During periods, estrogen levels rise while progesterone levels fall. When estrogen levels are high, hair follicles become dormant (or “resting”) so they don’t produce as much new hair. Progesterone helps keep the hair follicle active by stimulating hair production.
5. Genetics
Genetics can play a part in hair loss. Women who inherit certainly have a higher chance of developing hair loss. However, not all women with inherited it develop it totally. Some only lose their hair from certain parts of their body.
6. Medical conditions
Medical conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes, lupus, and anemia can also cause hair loss.
7. thyroid issues
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones. This can cause hair loss because the thyroid gland regulates many functions in the body, including hair growth. Hypothyroidism can also cause weight gain and fatigue.
8. pregnancy/childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause temporary hair loss. After giving birth, the hormone prolactin increases. Prolactin stimulates the hair follicles to stop producing hair. Hair loss usually occurs within 6 months after delivery.
9. Menopause
Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation. At this point, estrogen levels drop significantly. Estrogen plays a major role in regulating hair growth. Without it, hair follicles become inactive.
10. autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune diseases are caused by the immune system attacking its own cells. It can cause hair loss, skin rashes, joint pain, and other symptoms.
11. alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It often starts as small patches of hair loss before spreading across the scalp.
12. lack of sleep
Lack of sleep will increase stress levels, which can cause your body to release more cortisol, a hormone that can damage hair follicles.
How can I control this problem?
There are several ways to treat female hair loss. You may want to try one of them or combine two or three methods together. Here are some tips on how to prevent hair loss and what you should do if you have already experienced it.
Oral remedies:
1. Multivitamin supplement
A multivitamin supplement can help improve overall health. A good multivitamin contains vitamins B, C, D, E, Folic acid, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and iodine.
2. Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex supplements contain vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), folic acid, biotin, choline, and inositol. These nutrients support healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss.
3. Fermented Biotin supplement
Fermented bovine colostrum has been shown to be effective at preventing hair loss. It contains high amounts of biotin, a nutrient found naturally in dairy products.
4. Zinc supplement
Zinc deficiency causes thinning hair. To avoid hair loss, take a daily dose of 20-30 mg of zinc. If you don’t like taking pills, you can get zinc from foods rich in protein, like meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, and cheese.
5. Vitamin C:
Taking vitamin C helps boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress. In addition, it supports collagen production, which keeps hair strong.
6. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is essential for bone formation and calcium absorption. However, it’s also necessary for maintaining healthy hair. Studies show that people with low levels of vitamin D tend to lose their hair faster than those who consume adequate amounts.
Oils and hair masks:
7. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is great for treating dandruff and promoting hair growth. Massage coconut oil into your scalp twice a week. This will stimulate blood flow, which promotes new cell growth.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil is another natural remedy for hair loss. Mix 1 part castor oil with 3 parts olive oil. Apply it to your scalp once or twice a week. The combination of these oils stimulates hair growth and prevents further hair fall.
9. Rosemary oil:
Rosemary oil is an excellent treatment for hair loss. Use it by massaging it into your scalp every night.
10. Argan oil:
Argan oil is made from argan trees that grow in Morocco. It’s considered a miracle oil because it treats hair loss, alopecia, and other skin conditions.
11. Egg hair mask:
Egg yolk contains proteins that promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands. Make an egg hair mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of egg yolk with 4 teaspoons of honey. Leave it on your hair for 1 hour before washing off.
12. Banana hair mask:
Bananas contain potassium, which strengthens hair follicles and reduces hair loss. Mash up a ripe banana and add olive oil. Apply it as a leave-in conditioner. Wash out after 30 minutes.
13. Avocado hair mask:
Avocados are packed with nutrients such as fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamins B and E. They’re also high in monounsaturated fats, which nourish the roots of your hair. Mash up half an avocado and apply it as a leave-in conditioner. Rinse out after 15 minutes.
14. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Try applying a gel form of aloe vera directly onto your scalp. Alternatively, soak a cloth in aloe vera juice and apply it to your hair regularly.
15. Onion Juice:
Onions help treat dandruff and prevent hair loss. Soak a few slices of onion in water overnight. Then strain them and use the liquid as a rinse for your hair.
What are the different types of hair loss in women?
Hair loss affects both men and women. But there are some differences between male and female hair loss. Here are some of the most common types of hair loss in females.
1. Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)
This type of hair loss occurs when the hairs start falling out in clumps. The cause of this type of hair loss can be genetic. Women usually experience it during pregnancy, around the time they go through menopause, or after childbirth.
2. Telogen Effluvium (TE)
This is a temporary hair loss caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes. TE happens when the body stops producing enough telogen cells, the cells that produce short hair. After the body regains its normal level of telogen cells, you’ll have hair again.
3. Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
Androgenetic means “caused by hormones.” AGA is more common than you think. Most people who lose their hair don’t realize it’s due to AGA until later in life. This type of hair loss typically begins at puberty and continues throughout adulthood.
4. Trichotillomania (TTM)
Trichotillomanic is a mental disorder where someone pulls out his/her own hair over and over again. TTM is very rare but has been known to occur in children and adults.
5. Alopecia Areata (AA)
Alopecia areata causes bald spots on your head. It’s not a serious disease, so it doesn’t require treatment. However, if you do decide to seek treatment, medications may include cortisone injections or minoxidil topical lotion.
6. Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy Related Hair Loss
Chemo treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy destroy cancerous cells. Unfortunately, these treatments also affect healthy cells, including those in your hair follicles. As a result, you may notice thinning hair even before any other symptoms appear.
7. Postpartum Hair Loss
After giving birth, many new mothers report losing hair. This is called postpartum hair loss. Your doctor will likely recommend using special shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for pregnant women.
8. Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a skin condition that causes small white bumps and sores on the skin. Although it rarely leads to permanent hair loss, it can make existing hair loss worse.
9. Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium is a hair loss condition that occurs when the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle ends prematurely. The root of the hair follicle becomes weaker and eventually dies off.
10. Follicular Atrophy
Follicular atrophy is a gradual process that happens with age. You won’t see much difference in the first year or two, then suddenly one day you wake up and find that half of your hair is gone.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a big problem for both men and women. In fact, about 40% of all men suffer from hair loss at some point in their lives. For women, the percentage is even higher. About 80% of women experience it. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to treat hair loss. There are also several different types of it. Knowing what kind of hair loss you’re dealing with can help you figure out which treatment options work best for you.
The most important thing to remember is that no matter how bad your hair shedding might seem, it’s completely normal. You shouldn’t let it get you down!