WOMEN’S HAIR LOSS | What you can do

The causes of women’s hair loss and thinning can range from simple dietary issues to complex health concerns. In many cases, there are solutions to treat female hair loss. Here are some reasons there may be less hair on your head, and what might help:

STRESS

Physical stress – Extreme physical trauma can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Hair has phases of growth, rest, and shedding. An extremely stressful event such as surgery, a car accident, or severe illness can shock the cycle, pushing more hair follicles into the shedding phase.

Emotional stress – Emotional stress does not usually cause hair loss, but it can exacerbate a problem that’s already there. Divorce or the death of a loved one could accelerate hair loss that has already begun.

What to do: Women’s hair loss caused solely by physical or emotional stress is temporary and time will usually return your hair to its normal state. Taking care of your physical and emotional health will help your body, and your hair, return to normal.

NUTRITION

Excess vitamin A – Too much vitamin A through supplements or medications can trigger hair loss. Adults shouldn’t consume more than 5,000 International Units (IU) per day.

Anemia – Almost one in 10 adult women suffer from anemia due to an iron deficiency. A blood test can determine your anemia.

Vitamin B Deficiency – Although uncommon in the U.S., low levels of vitamin B can cause hair loss.

Lack of Protein – Without enough protein, your body may go into survival mode by shutting down hair growth.

Dramatic Weight Loss – Sudden and dramatic weight loss can result in thinning hair.

What to do: If your hair loss is caused by a deficiency or excess of certain vitamins or nutrients, normal hair growth can be restored by correcting the imbalance. Eliminating unnecessary supplements and eating a balanced, healthy diet will promote hair growth and better health overall. Sudden weight loss shocks the system, and after a six-month period of hair loss, the situation usually corrects itself.

HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Female Hormones – Pregnancy, taking birth-control pills, and menopause are all hormonal events that may cause hair thinning or loss.

What to do: Any hair loss following pregnancy will typically resolve itself within six months. The same applies to hair loss after switching or stopping birth control. Talk to your doctor about prescription options. Menopausal hair thinning should slow over time, and topical solutions can be used to maintain your hair.

Hypothyroidism – The thyroid produces hormones that are critical to metabolism as well as growth and development. When it’s not functioning correctly, it can contribute to hair loss. Medical tests can determine if the thyroid is the culprit.

What to do: Synthetic thyroid medication may be prescribed. Once thyroid levels return to normal, hair should regrow.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance in male and female sex hormones. It can lead to numerous health issues, including hair thinning.

What to do: Treating PCOS can correct the hormone imbalance and help reverse some of these changes. Treatments include diet, exercise, and potentially birth control pills.

DISORDERS

Auto-Immune Disorder – Alopecia areata appears as round patches of hair loss on the head and is caused by an overactive immune system that sees the hair as foreign and attacks it.

What to do: Steroid injections and drugs, including Rogaine, are often used. The course of the condition can be unpredictable, with hair growing back and then falling out again.

Trichotillomania  – Trichotillomania causes people to compulsively pull their hair out. The impulse control disorder often begins before age 17 and is more common in women. The constant pulling damages hair follicles and can result in areas of permanent baldness. 

What to do: Seek medical attention if you can’t stop pulling your hair out. Behavioral therapy, antidepressants, or other treatments may be explored.

MEDICATIONS

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells, but also rapidly dividing cells like hair.

What to do: Once chemotherapy is stopped, your hair will grow back although it may come back with a different texture, a different color, or thinner.

Antidepressants, Blood Thinners, and More – Certain medications may also cause hair loss: blood thinners and blood-pressure drugs known as beta-blockers,  methotrexate, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, and possibly antidepressants.

What to do: If your doctor determines that one or more of your medications is causing hair loss, discuss either lowering the dose or switching to another medicine. 

HEREDITY & AGING

Female-pattern hair loss is called androgenic alopecia. If your female relatives experienced hair loss at a certain age, you might be more prone to it. Unlike men, women don’t usually develop a receding hairline.  Instead, their part may widen and they may have noticeable thinning. It’s also not uncommon for women to see hair loss or thinning as they enter their 50s and 60s.

What to do: Women may benefit from minoxidil (Rogaine) to help grow or maintain hair. A healthy diet and gentle treatment will also preserve the remaining hair.

If you are experiencing women’s hair loss due to illness, genetics, chemotherapy, or other reasons, Artemis Hair Studio will be your partner whether you want to look like you again or try something completely different. We specialize in creating high-quality, natural-looking wigs that are custom designed to match the style, color, and cut you want. Call 713-667-1283 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced stylists today.