It is normal to lose hair. The normal amount of hair that you may lose per day is around 50 to 100 strands. This number of hair loss is perfectly normal. Our body has a normal way of keeping our crown with healthy strands of hair through renewal of cells by a hair cycle. This hair cycle supplies us with a whole new set of healthy hair. However, too much hair loss may be a negative sign. Too much hair loss may indicate another medical condition. It may be a sign of other sickness or stress.
In men, the most common cause of hair loss is hereditary pattern baldness, but in women there may be other causes which need particular intervention. Here are some of the top causes of hair loss in women.
Excessive Styling
Women have the tendency to do so many things to their hair. This may be just too much shampoo, too much hair spray, too much styling like braiding, pinning, or clipping. We also know that harmful chemical may cause damage to the scalp and eventually to the hair.
Telogen Effluvium
If you have read my recent post, there are 3 stages of the hair’s life cycle. The telogen stage is the time when the hair is degenerating and eventually falls off. In this condition, the process of hair growth is shorter and quickly turns into the telogen stage which is the shedding phase. During this condition, there is too much shedding of hair, because a number of it falls at almost the same time. Telogen effluvium occurs after pregnancy, a major surgery, too much weight loss, stress, a major injury, and malnourishment. This may also happen due to prolonged medications with anti-depressants, NSAIDs and beta blockers.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may also cause hair loss. This gland contributes well to body functions and growth. An excess or a little thyroid hormonal secretions may affect hair growth and may cause hair loss. If you are experiencing other symptoms such as weight gain, sleepiness, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and other symptoms associated with thyroid disorders, you should consult a physician immediately.
Polycystic Ovaries
This is condition is also hormone related. Like hereditary pattern baldness, there is a large production of testosterone in this condition. The result is the development of cysts in the ovary. Other symptoms associated with this are hair loss, irregular menses, and many others.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an auto immune disorder. This condition is marked by excess shedding of the skin all over the body. This may be more prominent in the skin folds and on the scalp. If this is more prominent in the scalp, the hair growth is affected and results to hair fall as well. Though there is no cure for this disorder, symptoms may be alleviated by medications.
Anemia
Women are the number one victims of anemia, especially those who give birth and do not have enough nourishment especially iron. This kind of malnourishment may lead to hair loss. Other signs of anemia are fatigue, decreased energy, and generalized weakness. A laboratory work up such as a blood test is needed to confirm anemia.
There are many other causes of hair fall in women that should be considered. It is therefore important to know your body more and identify other signs and symptoms aside from the hair loss. Too much hair loss is just a manifestation of something more serious that is why it is important to have a consultation to know the real problem behind it and find a cure as soon as possible.