Female pattern hair loss is an idiosyncratic form of hair loss, that occurs in women which are also known as androgenetic alopecia, it primarily affects the front and top of the scalp. It is the most common type of alopecia in women. Many women are affected by this type of hair loss. 40% women suffer from Female pattern hair loss. It begins in midlife when women between the age of 40-50, though it can occur in women earlier. Hair loss can come from genes of either parent's side of the family.
There are two types of hair loss, medically Known as Telogen Effluvium and Anagen Effluvium. Telogen Effluvium occurs due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage whereas Anagen Effluvium occurs due to internally administered medications that affect the growing hair follicle.
Causes of female pattern hair loss are
- Emotional & Physical Stress: Emotional & physical stress can cause hair loss because our body increases the chemical cortisol. Cortisol inhibits the production of hair during the stress period. There are some health conditions which contribute to hair loss. These include thyroid abnormalities, low blood count, and anemia. Sudden weight loss can also stress your body which causes hair loss.
- Lack of Protein & Minerals: Exhausting diet can cause female pattern hair loss. Lack of Protein, calcium, iron, zinc and some other elements leads to problems with your hair.
- Vitamin B Deficiency: Low level of vitamin B can cause hair loss.
- Hormonal Causes: This is one of the most frequent causes of hair loss. Women's hormones can be imbalanced during and after pregnancy, while using Birth control pills, during menopause, and while we are aging, each of these periods of hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss.
- Health Problems: An ordinary cold can cause hair loss, especially while suffering from a fever. If you recoup from an infectious disease, it is possible that you will face Hair loss due to the stress. Other health problems such as diseases, tumors, hepatitis, arthritis, psoriasis, seborrhea, diabetes, as well as other diseases can be accompanied by hair fallout or shedding. In addition, certain drugs used to combat the illnesses may have a side effect of hair loss.
- Genetics: Genetics is the most common cause of female pattern hair loss. Genes can play an important role in this because you get hair loss in your genes from your family.
- Thinning Hair: Thin hair is most noticeable on the top of the scalp. The density of the hair decreases and the individual hairs become finer.
- Over styling Hair: Harsh chemicals, Tight braids, and high heat can affect hair at the roots, causing damage to your scalp, resulting in hair loss.
- Overdoing Vitamin A: Containing medication and supplements can trigger hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Myths Related to Hair Loss Which Is Heard by Physicians:
- Dandruff causes hair loss.
- Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
- Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
