Hair loss in women is more common than people think and can be attributed to many factors. Varying from medical conditions, stress or hormonal changes. It’s not always easy identifying the cause of shedding or loss but here are some that we have identified.

These public figures have been opening the discussion on the various types hair loss, alopecia and the effects that come with the condition. With this came floods of support from viewers who relate to their situation or simply admire their openness.

Signs of hair loss

Hair loss may present in different ways depending on the cause. The effects may be gradual with hair thinning over a period or time or sudden hair loss may occur.

Signs can include:

  • Overall thinning. progressive thinning at the top of the head is the most common kind of hair loss. It affects both men and women. However women’s parting widens rather than the receding like mens.
  • Bald spots. Appearing mainly on the scalp, bald spots can vary from round shapes to patches.
  • Clumps of hair. This type of hair loss is very sudden hair shedding, it usually occurs when washing your brushing or washing your hair.
  • Full hair loss. In some medical situations, particularly with medical treatments like chemotherapy, you may notice hair loss suddenly and all over your body at once.

Types of hair loss and causes

Alopecia

Alopecia simply means “hair loss.” It’s not contagious or attributed to nerves. There are a variety of types caused by anything from genetics to hair care practices or anything that triggers the immune system to attack hair follicles.

  • Androgenetic alopecia– Female-pattern baldness or hair loss appears more as overall thinning. This type of alopecia is caused by genetics, or family history. It’s the leading cause of hair loss in women and generally begins between the ages of 12 to 40 years old.
  • Alopecia areata – This condition is patchy hair loss that happens suddenly on the head or body. The hair loss can remain as patchy hair loss or can continue until all hair on the scalp is lost.
  • Scarring alopecia – A group of conditions that cause irreversible hair loss through scarring. Hair falls out and the follicle is replaced with scar tissue.
  • Traction alopecia – This condition hair to fall out as a result of over-styling. The hair shaft may break after using heated tools or certain chemicals to dye or straighten hair.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions lead directly to hair loss, whether through disruption to hormones, like with thyroid issues; scarring from skin conditions, like ringworm; or autoimmune disorders, like celiac disease, where the body attacks itself.

Conditions that may lead to hair loss include:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hodgkin’s disease
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Ringworm
  • Celiac disease

and other conditions and diseases. Always contact your GP when concerned about hair loss.

Hormone imbalances

Women may experience hair loss during menopause due to reduced production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These changes also lead to symptoms like menstrual cycle irregularity, dry skin, night sweats, and weight gain,. This added stress on the body may also worsen hair loss. Certain contraceptive pills can also lead to a change in hormones which may lead to hair loss.

Stress

If you’ve been under emotional or physical stress, it may lead to hair loss. Trauma can cause the body to shut down certain processes like hair production.

It takes around 3 months between when a stressful event happens and the possibility of hair loss, so you may not pinpoint the trigger right away. Hair loss due to stress is generally temporary. Hair may begin growing again after the event has passed and the follicle starts producing again

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