Physiological Factors that Cause Female Hair Loss

Causes for female hair loss are somewhat different than those typically found in men, and the emotional effects can be quite different as well. Female hair loss affects about one-third of all susceptible women and usually onsets after menopause although it can begin earlier. It appears that hormone imbalances or fluctuations are responsible for most female hair loss, including those who have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), recent pregnancy, menopause, or birth-control side effects.

The most common causes of hair loss in women include inherited genes, temporary metabolic problems associated with pregnancy, unusual stress, chemotherapy, crash diets/anorexia, thyroid hormone deficiency, major surgery, severe infection or high fever. Braiding, cornrows, tight ponytails, and extensions are the most common styling causes. There also may be some sort of trigger that initially causes the onset of hair loss, perhaps a virus or an environment contaminant. Nevertheless, severe or protracted stress from emotional, physical, chemical, or dietary causes can wreak havoc on many of the body’s vital hormones.

It’s estimated that nearly 30 per cent of all people suffering from hair loss or hair loss symptoms and in need of hair loss treatments are indeed women. Treatments for permanent female hair loss include medications and follicular unit transplantation procedures.

Treatments for female hair loss such as lifestyle alterations, balanced diet and exercise, stopping of hormone therapy or birth control medicines may also be sufficient to induce the reversal of hair loss. Your aim should be to seek the best professional advice and female hair loss treatments in order to achieve optimum results.

Most cases of hair loss in women are due to inherited female pattern balding, but medical conditions can also be involved, such as low thyroid levels, hormonal imbalances such as elevated testosterone, binge dieting, and pregnancy. The right vitamins and minerals can also work to promote the proper functioning of your thyroids and keep oestrogen levels in the proper balance.

In women, having an over-active or under-active thyroid gland may cause thinning hair. Treating the thyroid disease will usually help this type of female hair loss.