Causes of Hair Loss in Woman

Hair loss in woman is an extremely common condition. Even though there has not been a lot of talk about it, a lot of people do not know that it is a widespread problem. In fact, it has been reported that almost 30% all people who are suffering from loss of hair or its symptoms are women. With this number increasing annually, it is estimated that hair loss will occur in 20 to 50% of all women.

Hair loss is a condition that can be tremendously demoralizing, most especially in women. The disorder brings with it physical and emotional distress and anxiety, making it a painful and difficult station for a woman to be in. In a world where image is everything, hair loss in woman is not exactly equated with attractiveness. With some, loss of hair is just like losing womanliness.

It has been reported that some women who became victims of hair loss underwent traumatic experiences, including social isolation, marital break ups, career and job problems. Hair loss in woman can result in apprehension, depression symptoms, and other worse consequences.

Hair loss in woman is characterized by a thinning out of hair behind the hair line, which will then usually thin out all over the head in a even manner. Under normal circumstances, women lose 100 to 125 hairs every day, but these are replaced. In true hair loss problems, the hair that was lost are never replaced or regrown again.

Hair loss is considered a condition that is caused by hormones. It can be the result of abnormal thyroid or the consequences of menopause or pregnancy. Other common causes why women lose hair are starting or stopping the birth control pill, postpartum depression and pre and early post menopausal periods.

Other reasons for hair loss in woman include:

• Physical stress including surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change
• Emotional stress
• Certain prescription medications
• A poor diet & nutrient deficiencies
• Certain skin diseases
• Illness
• Ringworm
• Styling treatments
• Immune disorders

Other than that, there are also medical conditions that can cause extensive hair loss in woman:

• Obstetric and gynecologic conditions like post-partum and post-menopausal states, or ovarian tumors
  
  
• Anemia (iron deficiency)
  
  
• Thyroid disease
  
  
• Connective tissue diseases like Lupus
  
  
• Nutritional-related like crash diets, bulimia, protein/calorie deficiency, essential fatty acid or zinc deficiency, malabsorbtion, hypervitaminosis A
  
  
• Stress like surgical procedures, general anesthesia, and severe emotional problems

Genetics are also the reason for hair loss in woman. As a matter of fact, hereditary factors account for up to 70% of loss of hair in women. The remaining 30% are caused by the reasons stated above.

Common or hereditary baldness in women is also referred to as female pattern alopecia. It is a genetic and can come from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family. It is instigated by the actions of two enzymes, namely: the aromatase, which is found predominantly in women, and 5-a reductase, which is found in both women and men.

There are a host of other conditions that can cause hair loss in woman. To ensure a correct diagnosis, it is recommend that those women who are affected with loss of hair should talk things out with their doctors first.

Click here for more information on an effective way to prevent hair loss in woman.