Many people assume that losing hair is something that only affects men. But when you look into the case reports and clinical evidence, it is also something that can have a significant impact on the lives of women, too. Hair loss is actually something that can affect both genders. 

Of course, when it affects women, it usually comes in a different form. While males bald in a specific way, women’s hair seems to do something different, which is probably hormonally driven. 

The purpose of this post is to explore some of the things that cause female hair loss and what, if anything, you can do about it. 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Some women can actually experience the same type of hair loss as men due to male androgens in the blood. All women have some baseline testosterone in their system, but for some, the level can be higher. When that happens, it can damage the hair follicles over the years, leading to a receding hairline.

Female androgenetic alopecia doesn’t quite take the same form as the male version. However, it can lead to a larger forehead, which may cause distress. Usually, it happens after the menopause when estrogen levels decline, although it can occur before due to genetic reasons. 

The good news is that androgenetic alopecia in women can be stopped by topical minoxidil and spironolactone taken orally. However, if you want these medications, you’ll need to go to a doctor. They’ll evaluate your situation and tell you if you’re a candidate. 

Also, be aware that the results from these treatments can vary. While minoxidil is highly effective for some people, it is less effective for others. 

Telogen Effluvium

Another common cause of female hair loss is telogen effluvium. This is where the hair temporarily sheds, usually due to a shock to the system of some kind. 

Common triggers include things like: 

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Stress
  • Childbirth
  • Surgery and illness

Telogen effluvium occurs when hair follicles enter their resting phase (where they don’t produce any hair) early. When this happens, they shut off production and sometimes shed any already-attached hairs, leading to hair fall. 

When this happens all at the same time, it can be distressing. Many women wonder what on Earth is going on.

Fortunately, though, it is short-lived and usually reversible, especially if you deal with the trigger quickly. For example, suppose you’ve been on a restrictive diet and haven’t been getting all the nutrients you need. Making sure you get what your body requires is critical. 

The best way to play it safe is to use a multivitamin supplement. These provide your body with everything, usually returning to normal hair growth in a matter of months. 

If you have profound stress in your life that’s leading to hair fall and premature graying, look for ways to eliminate it. Sometimes, small changes to your routine can have a profound impact on how your hair looks. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is another form of hair loss mediated by the immune system. Like other autoimmune conditions, the immune system attacks hair follicles, seemingly at random, leading to patchy losses. 

Alopecia areata can be quite hard to deal with. Most doctors will apply corticosteroids and immunotherapy to try to shut down and reset the defective immune system. This action then enables the hair to regrow, unmolested. 

Usually, you’ll notice that hair regrows within about 6 months of starting treatment (if it is still possible). However, drugs can have side-effects, which is why many patients with alopecia areata find it challenging to go into remission long-term. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to female hair loss. If you have additional androgens in your system, it is much more likely to lead to hair thinning over the long-term. 

The same applies to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If you have too little or too much circulating thyroid hormone, it can prevent hair follicles from going through their regular cycles, changing how they behave. 

Usually, this problem is solved by simply providing exogenous thyroxine, or using medications to tamp down thyroxine production in the thyroid. 

If PCOS is the issue, then hormone therapy is also an option and something that a lot of women should explore. 

Hair restoration for women is available in some settings. This approach involves adding back hair from other parts of the scalp, ensuring a more even and youthful coverage long term. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies are another reason for hair loss in adult women. If specific nutrients are low (as already mentioned), it can lead to hair loss. 

The most common missing nutrient is vitamin D. When this is out of the picture, then hair won’t grow as well. However, hair follicles also need iron, zinc, biotin and even protein to form well. Anyone who isn’t getting enough of these risks dry, brittle and damaged hair. 

Fortunately, you can reverse this problem with a balanced diet and the right supplements. Restoring proper nutrition will usually enable hair follicles to start producing more, and generally move your scalp in the direction of having more hair. 

If you think nutrient deficiencies are the issue, it’s well worth doing some blood tests to identify where the problem is coming from. 

Traction Alopecia

Finally, physical stress on your hair follicles could be the issue. Pulling on them too tightly can lead to challenges because they damage the hair and the follicle. 

For example, women who often wear their hair in a tight ponytail, braids or a bun can have problems. Those who use extensions or apply any other systematic force to their hair can also run into issues. Hair follicles prefer it when there is minimal tug on them. 

You can usually reverse this sort of alopecia if you stop putting your hair in these high-traction configurations early. If you keep exposing it to damage, it may not be able to bounce back in the way that you’d like. 

So there you have it: some of the things that are causing your female hair loss and what you can do about it.