Hair loss in females: Causes|Symptoms|Treatments
Hairs are like the crown of your head. Hair is very important for women as they make their day or break their day. Your hair plays a significant role in enhancing your natural beauty. Our hair adds a special look to our outfits. When your hair is right, you appear confident. There comes a time when your body goes through some changes resulting in hair loss problems. They are commonly seen in men and women. In males, it generally starts from the temples of the forehead. Females will see the gap between their partition widening. There are several reasons for hair loss in females. It might be hormonal changes, some illnesses or conditions, poor diet, etc. which results in severe hair loss. Let us discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments we can use to protect our hair and promote hair growth.
1.What are the causes of hair loss in females?
Hormonal changes
Women may suffer from hair loss at the time of menopause. The main reason behind sudden hair loss can be a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. This hormonal imbalance can result in various issues like thinning of hair, scaling around the scalp, round patches on the scalp, etc. The thinning of hair is commonly observed as soon as women quit taking hormonal birth control pills. Here, estrogen levels play a vital role in hair growth. Imbalance in the estrogen levels can affect the life of hair follicles resulting in the thinning of the hairs.
Lack of proper nutrition
The lack of proper nutrition is one of the most common causes behind the poor condition of hair. Nutritional deficiencies may result in hair loss. When your diet lacks proteins and certain essential vitamins like iron, biotin, vitamin C and D, zinc, etc. it may cost you your hair. The best way to identify the deficiencies is to carry out a blood test which will give you accurate reports about your nutrition.
Heredity
Heredity hair loss is a kind of hair loss that is decided by your genetics. If someone in your father’s family or mother’s family has a history of hair loss cycle then you might become a part of that cycle. Heredity hair loss is not a disease but a natural condition that is a combined result of genetics, hormones, and the aging process. Many people around the world face heredity hair loss as they age.
Emotional or Physical Trauma
Sometimes, we go through some extreme emotional trauma such as the sudden death of our loved ones, exam stress, relationships, illnesses, etc. These traumas might become the culprits behind your hair loss problem. Sometimes, our body goes through physical stress due to pregnancy, illnesses, surgeries, etc which might trigger hair loss. No need to worry as your hair condition will get better with time.
Stress on follicles
Hairs are like the crown of the head. Many people spend money on their hair to look good in front of the mirror. Sometimes, we become harsh on our hair follicles. We take some treatments that cause damage to our hair. Using straighteners and coloring the hair too often may result in your hair losing its natural consistency and eventually fall out.
Medical conditions
There are several medical conditions that play a part in weakening the hair follicles. Hair loss could be one of the symptoms of this medical condition. Let us see some of the common conditions that may cause hair loss:
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition where there are round patches of hair loss around the scalp which grow over time. Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system starts attacking hair follicles, eventually weakening the hair follicles. The main symptoms include hair loss, itching, and small dents in the nails.
Telogen effluvium
Anagen effluvium is a condition in which hair is in the growth stage. It is a contrast to Telogen effluvium in which hair loss occurs in the shedding stage. In this condition, there is a sudden hair loss experienced by the patient. It can be a result of several drugs consumed for certain medical conditions. Hairloss will be reversed once the patient quits such drugs.
Thyroid conditions
Certain thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss in women. If your body produces too many thyroid hormones, you can develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. If your body produces little of these hormones then you might suffer from hypothyroidism. These hormonal imbalances are common during the pregnancy period which may result in severe hair loss.
What are the symptoms of hair loss in females?
Round bald spots
This condition results in circular spots around the scalp. You will feel itchy once your hair falls out from the spot. The skin may be visible and might become reddish in color due to itchiness.
Full-body hair loss
There are some medical conditions like chemotherapy where you might lose hair all over your body.
Scaling on scalp
Scalp psoriasis is a condition responsible for scaling on the scalp, It can affect your entire scalp up to your neck and forehead. The symptoms include reddish skin, skin peeling, rashes around the scalp.
Thinning of hair
Hairloss in females generally begins from the top of the head. Women might notice that the gap between the partition is widening.
Sudden loss of hair
You might experience a sudden loss of too much hair. You will see more hair than usual on your towel and comb. Your ponytail will become shorter. Hair might become brittle and fall out easily.
What are the treatments available for hair loss in females?
Medical Treatments
There are several medications available for female hair loss which might take some months or years to show results. Some of the most common ones include.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil generally comes in a liquid form. It is a medication used to control blood pressure and male and female pattern baldness. We have to use it for the long term even for months to see desired results. Some of the side effects associated with minoxidil are eye itching and redness or rashes in the treated area. Use it only under the doctor’s advice.
Estrogen therapy
During the period of pregnancy or menopause, women can face the issue of hormonal imbalance. Their estrogen levels can drastically decrease which might result in various issues. One of them is hair loss which can be reversed with estrogen therapy. Estrogen therapy is a procedure carried out in females where they are supplied with estrogen from medications to further balance the hormone in the body. Hair loss will decline as soon as the body is out of that tenure.
Hair transplant surgery
Hair transplant surgery is a procedure where your bald spots are covered with hairs from other parts of your body. Doctors will take the samples of hair from healthy parts of your body and will transplant it to the affected area. Hair transplants can be different for each individual. It may not work for someone who has widespread thinning and baldness. Another issue with transplants is their cost. They can be very costly and not everyone can afford them. There have been some side effects seen in the patients such as infections, itching, bleeding, etc.
Food and lifestyle
Most people suffer from hair loss due to their own choices of lifestyle and food habits. Your diet plays a crucial role in your body to promote hair growth and prevent it from further damage. Let us see some of the superfoods you should definitely include in your diet
Fruits
Fruits are one of the excellent sources to complete your daily nutritional needs. Fruits like avocados, apples, bananas, apricots, grapes, oranges, etc are full of Vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, fiber, and potassium. They are rich in various antioxidants which protect your hair follicles from falling out and keep your scalp in a healthy condition.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrition that is important in hair growth. They are a good source of B-vitamins, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain essential minerals like protein and magnesium. Some of them to include in your daily diet are walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach are full of essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta carotene, and iron which are very important to prevent hair loss and further improve hair condition.
Eggs
Your hair loss might trigger if your body is in protein deficiency. Eggs are one of the best sources of zinc and protein which help you reverse your hair loss. They also contain biotin that can prevent greying of the hair.
Some lifestyle habits to improve
Our daily choices can be a hindrance to our hair growth. These are some of the habits that are linked to hair damage and need to stop:
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Using blow dryer too much
- Using cosmetic products regularly
- Avoid combing when hair is wet
- Wash it regularly
- Avoid tight ponytails
- Stay hydrated
Takeaway
If you see more hair on your brush or towel than you were used too then do consult your doctor. Make sure you first find the correct cause of your hair loss and then take the necessary action. Starting your treatment early will be a good choice if you see any irregularity in the hair. We know that hair is an essential part of your overall look, but no need to stress over it. Hair Loss is a natural process that everyone goes through in their lifetime. Don’t feel insecure or lower your confidence because of hair loss. Remember, confidence comes from within and not outside appearance. Just take the necessary precautions and live your life with a smile on your face!