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Causes of Hair Loss in Women |
Understanding how hair loss in women occurs is the first step to finding a " hair loss product" or treatment that works. The following article outlines the five most common causes of female hair loss.
2. Wonens Hair Loss with Age - Involutional Alopecia.
For most men and women hair loss increases gradually with age. This is a natural phenomenon called involutional alopecia. Hair follicles turn dormant and the hairs that are left become thinner and sparser. Many health conditions can also lead to thinning hair and thus hair loss in women and men.
Like skin cells, hair grows and is shed regularly. Shedding 50 to 125 hairs a day is normal unless the hair lost is not being replaced by new hair. Progressive male and female hair loss begins naturally in both sexes around the age of 40, accelerating in the 60s. When new hair growth fails to keep up with hair loss, it results in thinning hair that can eventually lead to substantial hair loss in women and even baldness.
3. Female Pattern Baldness - Men vs Women
Hair loss in women, unlike male hair loss, begins with thinning hair over their entire scalp without any specific pattern with the most noticeable hair loss at the crown. This is called Female Pattern Baldness or simply female balding, and is a major cause of hair loss in women. A woman may not notice her hair thinning until she is in her 40’s or older.
Female hair loss balding pattern may begin as early as puberty. In these cases if there are signs of hormone imbalance, such as excess facial or body hair, a hormone evaluation should be done. Hormonal changes can also cause female hair loss.
4. Androgenetic Alopecia - The role of genetics
The single most significant factor for thinning hair hairloss in women and men is heredity and is called “Androgenetic Alopecia”. This is responsible for the genetic predisposition in both men and women for pattern baldness. This is the cause of over 95% of all pattern hair loss, including male pattern baldness in men and thinning hair in women. Pattern hair loss in women and male pattern baldness in men occur in predictable stages and progress as people age.
5. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - Hormones & Your Hair
Since hormones regulate hair growth, they can also have the biggest impact on hair loss in women and men. This type of hair loss in women is caused by DHT.
The main hormone in the creation of DHT is testosterone. Both men and women have testosterone in the blood, but men have higher levels. The skin of the scalp converts testosterone to another substance called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicles in areas that are destined to become bald seem to be especially sensitive to DHT, and shrink when exposed to it. Follicles on the sides and back of the head are not affected by DHT. To date the most effective preventive hair loss treatments are anti androgens drugs that prevent the creation of DHT.
6. Other Hairloss Factors - Life’s effect on Your Hair
Thyroid disease, substantial weight loss or gain, stress and anemia are all problems that may cause hair loss in women. Pregnancy and menopause also create hormonal changes that affect your hair.
Many women experiencing hair loss do not realize that female hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body. These types of hair loss in women are called “Telogen Effluvium” and are usually temporary. It is important to remember that this type of hair loss in women may be delayed by up to three months following the change.
Scalp infections can cause hair to fall out in clumps. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies cause hair loss in women. Chemical hair treatments such as perms or coloring may also contribute to women’s hair loss. Even blow drying your hair or wearing a ponytail can thin out your hair.
An important thing to remember is that it takes a long time to replace hair loss which does not occur naturally. Proper care and attention should be given to the health of your hair, which will eventually save you lot of money, frustration and stress. If you are a women and notice excessive hair loss- treat it as soon as possible or see a doctor.
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Article Source: http://www.haircarearticles.com/article/Causes-of-Hair-Loss-in-Women
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