Understanding Hair Loss in Women: Causes & Treatments

October 24, 2024

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

252

A young women worrying about her hair loss

Most of us lose small amounts of hair throughout the day, often without even noticing. But when you suddenly see an unusual amount of hair on your pillow, or in your brush, or in your drain, it makes you feel concerned. The first question that comes to your mind is, is this hair loss temporary, or is it something more serious? While hair loss is often associated with men, many women also struggle with this issue. Hair loss in women can be caused by various factors, ranging from hormonal imbalances to underlying medical conditions.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can present in various forms. You may experience thinning hair, a widening part, or even noticeable patches of missing hair. Here in this blog, we mainly focus on hair loss in women by understanding its root cause and finding effective treatment solutions and preventive steps to help you regain your luscious locks. Whether you are noticing early signs of thinning or dealing with more advanced stages of hair loss, knowing the treatment options available will help you manage and treat this condition.

The emotional toll of hair loss in women

When you first notice hair thinning or hair patches, it can feel overwhelming. You may need answers for whether it’s temporary or will it continue to fall out at an alarming rate. It’s easy to feel alone in this experience, but hair loss in women is more common than you think. According to studies, nearly 40% of women experience hair loss by the age of 30. The good news? Understanding the root cause and seeking early treatment can make all the difference.

What causes hair loss in women?

Hair loss in women can result from various factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle and medical conditions. Let’s explore some of the most common hair loss causes in women:

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can impact hair growth cycles. Conditions like PCOS may often cause hair thinning and increased hair shedding.
  • Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as female pattern hair loss, this hereditary condition results in a gradual thinning of hair, particularly on the top and crown of the scalp. Hair follicles shrink over time, making hair weaker and more likely to fall out.
  • Stress-Induced Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium): Chronic stress, whether it is physical or emotional, can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing a large number of hairs into the resting phase, leading to noticeable shedding. This condition occurs a few months after a distressing situation.

Must Read: Hair Loss Due to Stress: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin can contribute to hair loss and thinning. Adequate nutrition promotes healthy growing hair.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, can cause hair loss in patches. This can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the scalp.
  • Scalp conditions: Scalp infections, such as dandruff or psoriasis, can damage hair follicles and lead to shedding.
  • Medications and Medical Treatments: Certain medications prescribed to treat hypertension, acne, and depression, and medical treatments like chemotherapy can cause hair loss as a side effect. Hair grows back once the treatment is discontinued, but in some cases, it may be permanent.

Types of hair loss in women

To find the best hair loss treatment for women or men, identifying the type of hair loss is the first step. Here are some of the common types of hair loss in women:

  1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss): This is the most common type of hair loss in women, which is characterised by thinning on the crown and top of the scalp. Women may notice part widening over time.
  2. Telogen Effluvium: This is a type of hair loss caused by trauma or stress, where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely, resulting in excessive shedding. This hair loss can be resolved within months once the underlying cause is addressed.
  3. Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune disorder causes patchy bald spots on the scalp and other body parts. In certain instances, it may result in permanent hair loss.
  4. Traction Alopecia: This is caused by excessive pulling or tension on the hair due to tight hair bands or extensions. Over time, this constant pulling damages hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss if not addressed.

Hair loss treatment for women

At Evenly Clinic, we offer advanced and medically proven hair loss treatments for women. The right approach depends on the cause and the type of hair loss you are experiencing. Here is a list of effective hair loss treatments for women:

Medications

Minoxidil and finasteride are FDA-approved medications often prescribed by our dermatologists for female-pattern hair loss. It can be applied topically to the scalp to slow down hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.

Hormonal Treatment

For hormonal hair loss, hormonal treatment may be recommended. They may prescribe anti-androgen medications.

Topical treatment

In some cases, corticosteroid creams can be prescribed to treat alopecia areata.

Advanced hair loss treatments

PRP and GFC treatments are advanced treatments recommended for hair loss in women. Both treatments leverage the body’s natural healing power to stimulate hair regrowth and improve hair density, providing effective results for those experiencing thinning or hair loss.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP is one of the most popular treatments for hair loss. The process involves taking a small blood sample and concentrating the platelets through processing. These platelets contain growth factors that are injected directly into the scalp to rejuvenate hair follicles and encourage new hair growth. PRP is especially effective for women with early stages of hair loss. It is minimally invasive, requires no downtime, and delivers a visible improvement in hair thickness and volume over several sessions.

Must Read: Cost of PRP Hair Treatment: What to Expect

GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate)

This GFC treatment is a more advanced treatment that involves highly concentrated growth factors from the patient’s blood. This concentrated solution is then injected into the scalp to nourish and repair damaged hair follicles. GFC not only stimulates hair regrowth but also enhances the health of existing hair, making it thicker and stronger. As a more refined version of PRP, GFC offers a higher concentration of growth factors, leading to faster and more significant results with fewer sessions. The procedure is minimally invasive, and you will start noticing the hair growth after 3-4 sessions.

Both PRP and GFC hair loss treatments are safe and minimally invasive. Depending on the severity of your condition and personal preferences, your dermatologists at Evenly Clinic recommend a suitable option to restore your hair.

Preventive strategies for hair loss in women

As we all know “prevention is better than cure,”  preventing hair loss is better than treating. While some types of hair loss are unavoidable, some strategies help to prevent or slow down hair loss in women.

  • Avoid harsh shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, and treat your hair with care by using paraben-free products.
  • Indulge in regular scalp massage as it can increase the blood flow to hair follicles, encouraging hair growth.
  • Keep your scalp clean and healthy to prevent infections.
  • Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair.
  • Stress is one of the contributors to hair loss, so practice relaxation techniques and keep your stress levels at bay.
  • Choose loose hairstyles and avoid excessive use of hair extensions or tight bands.

When to seek a dermatologist

If you’re noticing more than the usual amount of hair shedding or if you see bald patches, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing permanent hair loss. At Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic, we offer specialized care and personalized treatment plans to address hair loss in women. Whether it’s through GFC, PRP, or other medical treatments, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible results.

Hair loss in women can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By understanding the causes and available treatment options, you can take control of your hair health.

Remember, the sooner you seek medical help, the better the results.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore personalised solutions for your hair concerns.

Evenly’s Before and After hair loss Treatment pictures

Check out the below hair loss treatment pictures of our client taken before the treatment and after; witness the difference.

For health-related information, follow us on Instagram!!

Click here for online consultation!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins can contribute to hair loss. A balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins supports hair health.

Wearing tight hairstyles (like ponytails) can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by pulling on the hair. However, wearing hats generally does not cause hair loss.

Yes, female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is largely genetic and runs in families, similar to male pattern baldness.

Natural remedies include scalp massages, essential oils like rosemary oil, and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet. However, these should complement medical treatments for the best results.

Hair growth is slow and varies by individual. After treatments or eliminating the cause of hair loss, it can take 3-6 months to see visible regrowth.

Yes, treating scalp infections (such as fungal infections) can often stop hair loss, and the hair usually regrows once the infection clears.

Vitamins like biotin (B7), vitamin D, vitamin E, and minerals like iron and zinc are crucial for healthy hair growth.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

Book an Appointment

Start your journey to healthy skin and hair today.

    Share this article:

    Relevant Articles

    Leave a Comment

    Call us at 7337899030