Why Do Women Experience Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be particularly terrifying for women, especially those with long hair. What are the reasons behind hair loss in women? To effectively treat hair loss and restore your thick hair, it is important to identify the causes and address them specifically.
1: Thyroid Disorders. Both an overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Hair loss is often not the only symptom of thyroid disorders, as they are usually accompanied by weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart rate.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Women with this condition experience long-term hormonal imbalances, with an excess of male hormones. This can lead to excessive facial and body hair growth, while the hair on the scalp becomes thin. It can also cause issues with ovulation, acne, and weight gain. Sometimes, thinning hair is the only symptom of this condition.
Alopecia Areata: This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicle cells, resulting in patchy hair loss. In most cases, the hair will grow back within six months to a year.
Tinea Capitis: This fungal infection causes a characteristic pattern of hair loss - itchy scalp, red and round areas of hair loss, and scaly patches on the scalp. It is contagious, so family members of the affected person should also be examined.
Childbirth: Some women experience thicker hair during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels, which prolongs the hair's growth phase. However, after giving birth, hormone levels return to normal, and the excess hair will rapidly shed. It may take up to two years for the hair to fully recover.
Medication: One lesser-known side effect of birth control pills is hair loss. Some women may experience thinning hair, especially those with a family history of hair loss, due to the contraceptive's suppression of ovulation. Additionally, medications for anticoagulation, hypertension, heart disease, rheumatism, and depression may also lead to hair loss.
Dieting: Rapid weight loss through dieting can lead to hair loss. Once the diet returns to a healthy level, the hair will grow back. Insufficient protein intake or excessive vitamin A can also cause hair loss.
Cancer Treatments: Both radiation and chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Once the treatment is discontinued, the hair will grow back.
Extreme Stress: Severe illness, major surgery, significant blood loss, and extreme negative emotions can cause a person to lose half or all of their hair. This condition can last for 6 to 8 months.
Tight Hairstyles: Many women find that hairstyles such as tight braids, ponytails, and wearing tight headbands can lead to hair loss. These improper hair practices can also cause scalp scars, resulting in permanent hair loss.
