Hair loss in women occurs when more than 125 strands of hair are lost per day. This loss can lead to bald spots and thinning hair. A dermatologist can help determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend treatment options.
Overview
What Is Hair Loss in Women?
Women typically shed 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. This is part of a natural balance—some hair falls out while others grow. When this balance is disrupted, hair loss occurs. The medical term for hair loss is "alopecia." Hair grows on almost all skin surfaces except the palms, soles, lips, or eyelids. Fine, thin, short hairs are called vellus hairs, while terminal hairs are thicker, darker, and longer.
Hair Growth Cycles
Hair goes through three phases:
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Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): Lasts from two to eight years. It typically accounts for 85-90% of the hair on your head.
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Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase): A period when hair follicles shrink, lasting around two to three weeks.
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Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): Lasts about two to four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out. Short hairs, like eyelashes, arm and leg hair, and eyebrows, have a shorter anagen phase.
Types of Hair Loss in Women
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Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss): The most common type, leading to thinning hair on the top and sides of the head.
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Anagen Effluvium: Caused by medications that damage growing hair follicles, such as chemotherapy.
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Telogen Effluvium: Results from an increased number of hair follicles reaching the telogen phase.
How Common Is Hair Loss in Women?
Many people believe hair loss only affects men. However, research shows that more than 50% of women experience visible hair loss. The most common cause is female pattern hair loss (FPHL), affecting about 30 million people in the United States.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms:
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Increased daily hair shedding
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Widening part on the top of the head
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Noticeable thinning or patches of missing hair
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Scalp visible through hair
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Hair breakage
Causes:
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Damaged hair follicles
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Changes in diet
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Stress
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Chemical hair treatments
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Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
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Underlying health conditions (anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies)
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Hormonal changes
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Certain medications and supplements
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Genetic predisposition
Menopause and Hair Loss
Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to hair loss. Hair follicles shrink, resulting in thinner hair growth.
Risk Factors
Hair loss in women can occur at any age. However, it is more common if there is a family history, after age 40, during pregnancy, after chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and during menopause.
Diagnosis and Tests
To diagnose hair loss, your doctor will perform a thorough examination followed by tests, which may include hair pull tests, scalp examination under a microscope, blood tests, and scalp biopsy.
Management and Treatment
Hair loss treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
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Reducing stress
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Avoiding chemical treatments
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Taking vitamins or supplements
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Changing your hairstyling routine
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Medications
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Light therapy
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Microneedling
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PRP injections
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Hair transplant
Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is an approved treatment for FPHL, but it is not safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Prevention
While complete prevention of hair loss is not possible, avoiding chemical treatments and maintaining a healthy diet can help minimize hair loss. The type and severity of hair loss determine the outcome. Anagen and telogen effluvium may stop over time. Early treatment of alopecia can reduce thinning and promote regrowth.
Coping with Hair Loss
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Changing hair color
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Scalp massage
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Trying new hairstyles
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Using different shampoos and hair products
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Consulting a healthcare professional
If you notice hair loss, consult a dermatologist. Starting treatment early can improve its effectiveness.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
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What is causing my hair loss?
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How many strands of hair am I losing each day?
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What type of hair loss do I have?
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Is my hair loss permanent?
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What is the best treatment for me?
This article provides a comprehensive overview of hair loss in women, aiming to help you understand its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatments are essential for dealing with hair loss. Remember, getting expert advice is always the right step when managing hair loss.
This article was prepared using information from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women.