We Know: All About Hair Loss in Women Hair normally grows at a length of 1 centimeter per month and continues to grow for two to six years. At any one time, 10% of the hair on your scalp is in a resting phase after which it falls out in two to three months to make room for new hair. When new hair does not replace the old hair, bald spots begin appearing. Sometimes this is temporary, but other times, the hair loss is permanent. Hair loss in women occurs differently than hair loss in men. This article discusses the causes and types of hair loss suffered by women. What causes hair loss in women? Hair loss in women is caused by a number of factors, including: Hormonal changes - changes in the concentrations of androgen in the body, or changes due to an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Menopause increases the ratio of androgen in females. Illness or surgery - usually occurs 3-4 months after the illness or surgery and is temporary. Post-pregnancy - during pregnancy, hormones keep hair in that usually falls out. That hair falls out when hormonal levels return to normal after the pregnancy. Medicines that induce hair loss. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or diabetes. Improper hair care that causes pulling of hair. Ringworm of the scalp, known as Tinea capitis. Radiation therapy, or burning of the scalp. What types of hair loss do women suffer? There are four different types of hair losses that occur in women. These are: Androgenetic alopecia - the most common type. Women's hair thins out at the top of the scalp, starting with the crown. Is usually the result of sensitivity to the hormone androgen. Is referred to as "female pattern baldness." Hair loss is permanent, although in females it is not as severe as in men. Alopecia areata - usually begins with one or two bald spots on the scalp, or with a total loss of hair. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own cells attack the hair cells. Hair loss is usually temporary. Telogen Effluvium Stress-related or medicinally induced hair loss. Hair follicles are inactivated and hair falls out. Hair follicles become active again after a period of time. Temporary. Traumatic alopecia - caused by improper hair care. Are there treatments for hair loss in women? Treatment methods really depend on the types of hair loss. Treatments are available for androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, and Telogen Effluvium. Minoxidil solution (common name is Rogaine) treats androgenic alopecia with mixed results. Treatment can become costly, and Minoxidil only stops approximately 20-25% of hair loss in women. When women stop using this drug, hair loss begins again. Steroids, minoxidil solution, and anthralen creams are used to treat extreme cases of alopecia areata. Mild cases don't require treatment. However, if more than half of a woman's hair is lost to this disease, then doctors normally recommend the expertise of a dermatologist, who may prescribe alternative medications to stop additional hair loss and induce hair growth. Removal of the stress-related event or switching to an alternative medication usually resolves the problems of hair loss due to Telogen Effluvium. Medical science has not found effective methods to treat other cases of alopecia. Usually, a wig, hair transplant, or hair graft may be used to remedy hair loss.
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