Leading Causes of Women’s Hair Loss

1. Medication-A wide range of medications can lead to hair loss! The list includes acne medications that contain vitamin A, antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, antidepressants, birth control pills, anti-clotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, breast cancer medications, anti-convulsants, chemotherapy, high blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs (steroid and non-steroidal), thyroid medications, and weight loss drugs, among others! With a list this comprehensive, it definitely pays to investigate any routine prescriptions as the first step in identifying the source of hair loss!

2. Hair Styling-As much as it may seem superficial, extreme hair treatments can lead to inflammation of the scalp and to hair loss, which may be permanent. Hair extensions, tight braids, bleaching and dyes can be the cause of scarred follicles, thinning hair, receding hair lines, and bald patches. A dermatologist can help with these issues by prescribing anti-inflammatory medications that could reduce any itching or swelling. A stylist can cut away damaged, over-processed hair and give advice on a style that will allow the follicles to heal, while still maintaining an aesthetic style.

3. Disease-Several medical conditions such as Thyroid Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can result in thinning hair. The bad news is that these health issues are chronic and will need close monitoring from a physician. However, the good news is that these conditions are easy to maintain through hormone treatments. Once the condition is controlled, the patient’s hair should return to its normal condition within a few months.

4. Telogen Effluvium-This term refers to a temporary change in the natural cycle of hair growth. This condition occurs after childbirth, extreme dieting, emotional trauma, or after some surgeries. These episodes are usually the result of hormonal changes, and often the hair growth returns to normal once the hormone imbalance stabilizes.

5. Menopause-This metamorphosis brings a great many surprising changes, one of which may be the onset of thinning hair. While hormone replacement therapy might be an option in counteracting the natural hormonal changes which lead to hair loss during this time, hormone replacement therapy should not be entered into lightly. Still, there are a wide variety of options for women during this phase, including hair treatments, hair thickeners, spray-on fibers, wigs and wiglets, hair transplants, or just plain clever styling!