Female Hair Loss Report

Some experts believe that the causes of hair loss in women are not easy to pin down. This is simply because there are a number of different possible causes. These causes are easier to understand by looking into the different types of female hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Under normal circumstances, 10% of a person’s hair is at a resting phase at any given time. The rest are in a growing phase. In the condition known as telogen effluvium, a large percentage of hair suddenly enters a resting phase. Some possible reasons behind the increase in resting phase are stress, nutrient deficiency and hormonal imbalance.

Traction Alopecia

This type of hair loss happens when hair strands are pulled tightly. Hence, women who frequently have braids, pony tails and corn rolls may end up with detached hair strands at the roots. When a significant amount of hair is pulled out, the scalp may become wounded and scars may appear after the wounds are healed. Once scars form, hair cannot grow back. Traction alopecia is often observed among African-American women who prefer tight hair styles.

Baldness Due to Infection

The causes of hair loss can also be infections. The most common infection that can affect the hair and scalp is ringworm infection. Normally, this is very rare among adults. Ringworm scalp infections are more common among kids.

Alopecia Aratea

Some individuals may be suffering from an autoimmune disorder. Alopecia Aratea in particular happens when the immune system makes the mistake of launching an attack at hair follicles when it should be attacking harmful foreign bodies. This can lead to fully bald areas. Unfortunately, this condition is poorly understood.

Triangular Alopecia

Some women have the rare condition of hair loss at the temples. This can lead to full bald areas. Just like alopecia aratea, the exact cause of triangular alopecia has not been determined.

Baldness Due to Disease

In a way, severe illnesses may be viewed as stressors. Hence it is possible for women to lose their hair due to this type of physical and biological stress. Some conditions that may lead to hair loss include thyroid problems and polycystic ovaries. Medication taken for some serious conditions such as drugs for cancer can also lead to hair loss. Hair loss will stop when the severe medical condition is resolved.

Androgenetic Alopecia

This condition is partly the result of a chemical known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This chemical is created by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase on testosterone, a male hormone which is present to some extent in women. People who are genetically predisposed to be sensitive to this chemical may end up having shrinking follicles as a result of DHT, hence, the hair loss. In women, hair loss is also promoted by a decrease in the hormone estrogen which normally regulates DHT levels.

Trichotillomania

This condition is psychological in nature. People who have this resort to hair pulling which leads to significant hair loss. It has been suggested that the condition may be brought on partly by stress, anxiety or emotional distress.

Not all of the causes of hair loss in women are equal. Some are more common than others. What then is the main cause of female hair loss?

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