In general, we lose 50 to 100 pieces of hair each day. The natural process replaces this routine hair loss.
Hair loss among women is very common and often overlooked. Roughly thirty percent of women experience hair loss at some point in their lifetime. While most female hair loss is also due to genetic factors, there can be many other reasons behind hair loss in women including but not limited to the following:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pregnancy
- Post-menopause
- Stress and anxiety
- Anemia
- Skin conditions such as lupus, melanoma, lichen planis and others
- Certain medications and drugs
- Trauma including wearing tight hair styles, braiding, etc.
- Thyroid conditions
- Discontinuation of birth control pills
- Other factors.
Specifically, there are several conditions that cause hair loss among women:
- Telogen Effluvium – This condition generally occurs following surgery, pregnancy, weight loss or a great deal of stress. A great deal of hair is shed generally while showering, shampooing or styling. Hair generally accelerates its way through the growth cycle. This may be a temporary phenomenon but controlling the cause such as medications, stress or other factors helps reduce hair loss due to this condition.
- Hereditary Hair Loss – This type of hair loss is due to genetic factors and is generally known as Androgenic Alopecia. It is the most common form of hair loss. In women, it could be initially treated by minoxidil (Rogaine) but most women would eventually become a candidate for hair transplantation. Minoxidil cannot be used during pregnancy or nursing.
- Hypothyroidism – When the body produces too little of the thyroid hormone, it can cause unexplained weight gain, depression, anxiety and other symptoms including hair loss. This condition requires testing of thyroid levels to determine whether the patient has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and the treatment is prescribed by a physician accordingly.
- Lupus – Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. It generally attacks women during their child bearing years. Apart from swelling, headaches, joint pain and other symptoms, hair loss is a common side effect of lupus. It needs to be treated by a neurologist and dermatologist.
- Anemia – Shortage of red blood cells in the body can lead to iron deficiency, thereby depriving the body of energy that you need to function effectively. Symptoms include fatigue, cold skin, pale skin, and hair loss. Treatment includes an iron-rich diet including beef, fish, cereal, beans, leafy greens, vitamins including C and iron supplements.
- Hormonal Imbalance – This could occur due to age, post-menopause, medications, drugs, ovarian syndromes and a whole host of other factors. A side effect of hormonal imbalance is hair loss. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) or other treatments could help control the symptoms and effects of hormonal imbalance.
- Scalp conditions — Auto-immune conditions such as lichen planis and lichen planopilaris can cause hair loss as do psoriasis, dermatitis and fungal infections. These can be controlled by steroidal injections or topical solutions, oral medications and other treatments.
- Alopecia Ariata – This is an auto-immune disorder wherein the immune system attacks hair follicles. It affects about 5 million men and women in the U.S. and is generally triggered by illness and stress. Symptoms include bald patches on the scalp and can be treated by corticosteroids. In most cases, the hair re-grows.
- Excessive Styling – Excessive shampooing, color treatment and styling can damage hair follicles. Its often a combination of treatments including drying that can cause hair loss.
Hair transplantation is a potential solution for female hair loss as well. Your MAXiM Hair Transplant Physician will determine whether or not you are a candidate for hair transplantation or a combination of treatments.
Contact Us For More Information or submit the Contact Form on this page to request your complimentary consultation by phone, Skype or with a MAXiM hair transplant and hair restoration physician or surgeon near you.
You can also Email your pics to MAXiM to find out if you are a good candidate for an ultra-natural MAXiM hair transplant or to obtain an estimate for your procedure and the approximate number of grafts that would be required to give you a great result.
