Any woman who experiences hair loss knows how devastating it can be, but there are options for those who suffer from it.
What causes hair loss in women?
The most common cause of hair loss and thinning hair in both sexes is genetic hair loss and common baldness. However, women can also suffer hair loss as a result of hormonal fluctuations, such as hair loss after pregnancy, menopause-related hair loss, starting or stopping some forms of birth control, and underlying hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, over-processing the hair with heat and abuse of shampoos with chemical components, or using hairstyles that pull on the hair can also cause erosion, hair breakage and traction hair loss. It is also important to realize that women can often have more than one cause of hair loss or thinning hair at any given time.
How do we really know we have hair loss?
One question many of us want to know is: how much hair loss equals actual hair loss? Many of us may be familiar with the experience of standing in the shower, watching hair after hair fall out, but this is usually completely normal. Throughout our lives hair is constantly undergoing repeated cycles of growth and shedding. Each individual has a different number of hairs shed per day as part of their normal hair follicle cycle. Depending on the number of hair follicles on the scalp, it can be normal for a person to shed up to 100-150 hairs per day.
Are some people more prone to hair loss than others?
Yes! There are many myths surrounding common baldness, such as “it can only be inherited from your maternal grandfather” or “it only happens to men”. A family history of early onset genetic hair loss is a risk factor for any member of that family. The earlier the age of onset, the stronger the genetic trait.
What should women change in their hair care routine?
Minimize damage from external factors, such as reducing heat exposure to our hair and using shampoos and conditioners that do not contain chemicals. It is important to visit a trichology expert to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of hair loss. If you have already been diagnosed with female pattern hair loss (common baldness in women), consider starting with 5% topical Minoxidil as a solution or foam, applying to the affected areas once a night. Topical Minoxidil is the only product tested and licensed to help female pattern hair loss, and you can purchase it at any drugstore. It can be a good treatment for hair loss.
What else would you advise those experiencing hair loss?
Hair follicle cells are some of the fastest dividing cells in the body, and therefore require all the nutritional support provided by a healthy, balanced diet including: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. There is no evidence that routinely taking supplements improves hair growth in the absence of deficiency. In some women with low iron (ferritin) levels, hair growth improves when ferritin levels increase with iron supplementation. Supplementation should be treated on a case-by-case basis.
To learn more about hair loss in women contact a specialist.