Causes Of Women’s Hair Loss

Understanding Your Options

Many women spend time thinking about their hair—how to cut it, how to color it, how to style it. One thing most women don’t think about is losing it. That’s because hair loss has traditionally been associated with men. Baldness is a “guys’ thing,” not something that women need to seriously worry about. The truth, though, is that more than 30 million women struggle with hair loss—and that’s in the United States alone.

The prospect of losing your hair can be deeply painful and emotional. The good news is that it does not have to be permanent. There are many solutions available for dealing with hair loss, and at MHN Hair Restoration we can offer women the solutions that fit their needs. The first step is to join us in our studio for a consultation. You’ll find our newly renovated space to be welcoming and confidential; you’ll discover our stylists to be kind, friendly, and professional. We can walk you through some of the options available to you and help you determine your next step.

Reasons For Hair Loss

Before considering some of the hair restoration solutions that are available, you may want to know why you’re dealing with hair loss. For men, the reasons for hair loss are usually fairly limited, with male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia) the primary factor. Among women, the causes of hair loss can be more varied, and might include hereditary causes as well as medical conditions. Note that understanding the cause of hair loss likely won’t change its outcome, although early detection and treatment can minimize the amount of hair that is lost.

Androgenic Alopecia

Similar to male pattern baldness, ‘androgenic alopecia’ in women, also referred to as female pattern hair loss – a broader term that encompasses a variety of causes, some directly linked to an excess of testosterone, and some of which are not. Indeed, the science of female balding is still largely misunderstood, there is evidence that many other types of enzymes, as well as hormone receptors and blockers, may be at work. One clue that there is a true difference between male and female balding is the pattern in which the hair loss occurs. Female pattern balding radiates around the whole head, thinning throughout, while men commonly lose hair on places like the temple, crown and back of head. Not coincidentally, the hormone and enzyme receptor sites are also different in varying areas of the scalp. Another important difference: While balding in men is often the result of genetic predisposition coupled with age, in women, it can happen at any time.

Hormonal Causes

Often, female hair loss is connected to hormones. Any hormonal condition can lead to a decline in hair growth, and that includes menopause, pregnancy, thyroid problems, or PCOS (which is accompanied by an overabundance of the male hormone, testosterone). Other issues of the endocrine system may also contribute to hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

Women might also experience a condition known as Alopecia Areata, hair loss that’s characterized by bald patches around the head. Often this condition passes and hair regrowth occurs within a year, but in some cases the hair loss can be permanent. Alopecia Areata comes on suddenly, and those who experience it may be perfectly healthy in every other regard.

Disease And Medical Treatment

There are other, nonendocrine conditions that may also factor into a woman’s hair loss. A partial list includes inflammatory bowel diseases of different kinds, yeast infections, kidney failure, Lupus, and of course, cancer. The treatment for cancer, including radiation and chemotherapies, can cause hair loss, as can various other medical conditions that tax the physical body—surgery, weight gain, weight loss, high fever, or any prolonged period of trauma or illness.

Trichotillomania

Still another condition is known as trichotillomania, a nervous condition that causes the individual to pull out or chew her own hair; typically a response to trauma, this condition is more common than you might imagine, and can cause scarring that prohibits further hair growth.

Hair Replacement From MHN

No matter the cause of your hair loss, we want women everywhere to know that there are always ways to treat it and to restore the look and self-assurance you are used to. MHN has been a leader in women’s hair restoration for more than 50 years, and we would love to speak with you about the options available. Come visit our studio today for a free consultation.