A woman’s hair is often touted as her crowning glory, but for women experiencing thinning or loss of hair, it is often a source of self-consciousness. Diseases, medicines or medical treatments are commonly recognized reasons for women’s hair loss, but here are five less commonly known causes.
Heredity
Men are not the only ones who can inherit pattern baldness. Androgenic alopecia is female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and is the most common cause of women’s hair loss according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Women with FPHL will typically notice their parts getting wider and general thinning of the hair. Sometimes the hair at the temples will recede, but women will not lose all of their hair as many men with male pattern baldness do.
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen is a powerful female hormone, and falling estrogen levels is a widespread cause of women’s hair loss. Women who have recently had a baby experience a drop in estrogen and may see noticeable hair shedding in the months that follow, reaching a peak approximately four months after childbirth. Menopause and switching or eliminating birth-control pills can also lower estrogen levels and lead to hair loss in women.
Poor Nutrition
Getting too much – or not enough – of certain vitamins and minerals over time can also cause hair thinning or hair loss in women.
- Vitamin A: Hair loss is usually a result of consuming too much preformed vitamin A from supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health.
- Protein: Hair loss becomes noticeable after two to three months of protein deficiency, says the AAD.
- Iron: Iron-deficiency anemia is very common among women and causes hair loss due to decreased oxygen delivery, according to the American Society of Hematology.
Physical or Emotional Trauma
Major stress, emotional upheaval or physical trauma can cause women’s hair loss, too. The hair is shocked through the growth and resting phase during these traumatic times and moves directly into the shedding phase. Reducing stressors can significantly improve the situation, and – as with many things – the severity will decrease with time.
Sudden Weight Loss
Weight loss of more than 15 pounds may cause women’s hair loss, as well. This is likely due to body considering a sudden weight loss to be a physical trauma of sorts. This can also be an indirect occurrence as many weight-loss diets can lead to a nutritional deficiency, in turn resulting in excess shedding or hair loss.
If you are dealing with women’s hair loss, contact Hair by Janet to schedule a consultation to find a hair replacement option that’s best for you. With a variety of partial and full wigs available, we can help you regain your confidence. Call us today at 650-592-3691.
