When most people think hair loss, they think of a man with a receding hairline. However, hair loss is common in women too. Up to 40 percent of women in America suffer from hair loss of any type. Most of the 40 percent experience hair loss in their 50s and 60s, but women of any age can suffer from hair loss. Many men seem to be are comfortable with hair loss, but this is not the case for women. If you have experienced or are experiencing female hair loss, don’t worry; there are many steps you can take to help fight the devastating effects of androgenetic alopecia.
Hair Loss: The Signs
When faced with the issue of hair loss, the first step in coping is to better understand what’s really happening. Hair loss can range from mild tinning that isn’t really noticeable, to full clumps of hair falling out to create large bald areas on the scalp. The following are signs noticed by women experiencing hair loss:
- More hair on their pillow
- Excess hair coming out while combing
- Increase in visibility of scalp
- Parts in hair appearing much wider
- Different Types of Hair Loss
Once it is understood that hair loss is occurring, the next step is identifying the different types. Any disruption in hair growth can be caused by many things, such as hormonal changes and medications to stress and illness. Alopecia, also known as female pattern baldness, is one of the most common types of hair loss, making up about 50 percent of hair loss in American women. The following are other common types of hair loss in women:
- Anagen Effluvium: representing 90 percent of hair loss caused by chemotherapy
- Androgenic Alopecia: hair thinning caused by birth control pills, hormones from ovarian cysts, menopause and pregnancy
- Alopecia Areata: hair loss that is either spotty or complete, caused by an autoimmune disorder
- Telogen Effluvium: hair loss from shedding, caused by severe stress to the nervous system such as the effects of “long covid 19” as well as trauma associated with infection, stress, childbirth and surgery.
- Traction Alopecia: hair loss caused by physical factors such as pulling of hair or braids and extensions
Managing Hair Loss
The last step in dealing with hair loss is knowing that there are solutions. When the conditions that caused the hair loss are dealt with, some or even all of your hair may grow back. Depending on your specific circumstances, one of the following options might be right for you:
Women dealing with hair loss can experience a day-to-day struggle. As a whole, hair loss is not easy to live with, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your life with hair. Familiarizing yourself with the types and causes of hair loss, coupled with knowing the different treatment options available, can help to minimize stress and emotional trauma.
If you need help with your specific case, we are here to make it easier to understand what could be causing your hair loss and what sort of solutions are available. To Schedule your free, private initial consultation, please contact our office.
Sources
http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/features/women-hair-loss-causes
