Women find it difficult to handle hair loss problem as society considers hair as a defining part of a woman and a mark of her femininity, youth, health and grace. When hair loss problem in women occurs, it serves as a blow to their confidence. Causes of female hair loss are varied. It affects their day to day life and public image.
As compared to men, women definitely find it difficult to deal with the problem. Though, seemingly harmless, it can ruin life in many ways. It leads to loss of self-confidence and heightened self-consciousness among women. It is also a well-known side-effect of chemotherapy, and around 50% of women lose more hair than usual after giving birth. Female hair loss causes are different as compared to men.
Take a look at the most common cause of female hair loss:
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT is a derivative of testosterone and is the worst enemy of hair follicles. DHT kills your hair follicles and is a major cause of of hair loss.
Some hair loss, or 'alopecia' is just part of the normal hair-growth cycle. Other forms are down to genetic or other factors. Here’s an overview of the possible causes:
Physiologic alopecia – Growth among different hair follicles is not synchronous. So any given day, we will usually shed 50-100 hair which is at the end of their growth cycle. This is quite normal and is not a cause of concern.
Androgenetic alopecia – This is the most common form of female hair loss, accounting for about 75% of cases. Hair usually falls in the front, upper and top area of the scalp, while the back and sides retain a good ratio of productive follicles. Hereditary and genetic factors, both detectable through H+ Genetic Testing, along with ageing, are the three main causes. For androgenetic alopecia, the most effective solution is hair transplantation, ideally a minimally-invasive technique as the H+ Procedure.
Alopecia areata – A rapid form of hair loss, which results in patches on one side of the scalp or on the whole scalp. It is often caused by a disorder in the immune system and call for medical examination.
Anagen effluvium – A significant and rapid loss of hair shafts during their active growing phase. Causes include chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy, poor diet, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other localised dermatoses, vitamin A poisoning, iron deficiency and chronic infection. Typically, hair regrows spontaneously once the problem is resolved.
Telogen effluvium – Hair shafts are shed from follicles which have prematurely entered the resting phase of their growth cycle. Losses can be swift and significant, reducing a full, healthy head of hair to 1-2cm of stubble within weeks. Causes include fever, severe infection (particularly blood poisoning), major surgery, protein deficiencies, certain drugs including beta blockers and anti-depressants, and severe psychological stress. Usually, hair growth will come to back to normal in no time.
Triangular alopecia – Loss of hair in the areas above the temples can begin as early as childhood. It may be a complete loss resulting in scanty hair. Medical or surgical treatment is possible.
Loose-anagen syndrome – Hair sits loosely in scalp follicles and is easily shed through combing or pulling. This condition occurs mainly in people with excessive fair hair, especially in childhood, and may ease as the person ages.
Cicatricial alopecia – Also known as ‘scarring alopecia’, this is a group of rare disorders that destroys the hair follicle, replaces it with scar tissue and causes permanent hair loss. The effects can be very rapid and is accompanied by severe burning and itching, or slow, on-going and otherwise symptom-free. Affected areas of the scalp may show little signs of inflammation, or may display redness, scaling, increased or decreased pigmentation, or other abnormalities. Cicatricial alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy people of all ages, worldwide.
Trichotillomania – This form of self-induced hair loss results from continuously pulling or plucking one’s hair. It is relatively rare among men, and is usually treated with counselling or psychiatric help.
Traction alopecia – This is caused by continuous stress on the hair, due to hairstyles such as ponytails, buns, braiding and cornrows. It can be cured by changing to a more relaxed hairstyle.
Rapid advancement in the field of science and continuous research has brought to fore wide number of choices for women. Our female hair loss treatment has proved to be helpful for many women. Many women have benefited from this treatment. |
