Causes of Hair Loss in Women and How to Prevent It

Hair fall is natural. Its normal is your hairs sheds in morning shower, or while you comb and blow dry. Hairs have a cycle of growth and when a mature hair falls, there is a new one that replaces it. Research claims that on an average, we lose fifty to a hundred hairs a day. But, unexplained and excessive hair loss that clogs your drain, widens your part or thins your pony tail needs immediate attention and dermatological consultation as it could be an indication of a serious ailment.

Here are five causes of hair fall and their treatment options suggested by medical experts:

Hereditary Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss is mostly genetic and can be inherited from either of the parents. Scientifically termed as Androgenic Alopecia, it sets in early in life, and worsens with age. There is thinning of hair in the crown region, unlike men who get a receding hairline, and the symptoms are widening of part or thinning of a pony tail.

Although there is no way to prevent genetic hair loss in women, it can be controlled with a prescribed dose of minoxidil which is applied to the scalp twice a day. Minoxidil is reported to have minimal side effects as compared to other hair loss treatments and is more effective for female pattern hair loss as compared to male pattern hair loss. However, pregnant and lactating women should avoid the use of minoxidil or propecia.

Tellogen Effluvium

The change in hair growth cycle wherein the hair moves faster from one phase to another - the growing phase into the “resting” phase and finally to the shedding phase or the “tellogen” phase-  is called Tellogen Effluvium.

This type of hair loss generally occurs after a stressful event or a chronic disease which leads to nutritional deficiency in body. If you notice a significant hair loss between six weeks to three months after pregnancy, drastic weight loss, stress, surgery or a chronic malady, you are likely to be affected with Tellogen Effluvium.

Make dietary changes and incorporate more whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Consult a medical expert for stress related medication. Avoid taking over the counter drugs for hair loss if you have undergone a surgery.

Excessive Styling

Regular use of permanent dyes, blow dry, hair straightening solutions, or harsh chemicals in form of shampoos, conditioners, hair gels disturb the normal acid-alkaline balance leading to hair fall and dandruff. Use home-made hair cleansing paste made of neem, amla, brahmi and other herbs instead of commercial range of hair cleansers and conditioners.

Avoid hot water baths hair as it opens the pores and weakens the hair follicles. Use thick hair brush to comb your hair and make sure you oil your hair as frequently as possible. A hot oil massage with a bowl of mixed hair oils will restore nourishment to your hair lost with the harsh styling treatments.

Hormonal Imbalance

Another extremely prevalent cause of hair fall among women is hormonal imbalance.  Hormones get disturbed when body undergoes vital changes during menopause, pregnancy, ageing or medical treatment. Women often suffer from thyroxin imbalance leading to hypo or hyperthyroidism after pregnancy or during menopause. These hormonal disturbances affect the body’s metabolic rate and causes hair fall. Excess male hormones such a androgens are also responsible for hair loss in women.

To combat hair loss due to hormonal disturbance, it is advisable to seek treatment for hormone imbalance rather than using the popularly recommended hair loss medication, such as minoxidil or Propecia.

Consult a gynaecologist or seek medical opinion online to determine the cause of hair loss and the course of treatment that will be suitable for you. 

By Medical Opinion