Men aren’t the only ones affected by hair loss. Millions of women also suffer from hair loss or thinning hair. The good news is there are treatment options available for women, too.

The sooner you address the problem, the better. There are a variety of reasons hair loss occurs in women, and determining the cause of your hair loss can be critical for both your overall health and your hair.

Here are some of the most common causes of hair loss in women and what you can do about it:

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play an important role in regulating the hair growth cycle, so when changes in hormone levels occur, it can often trigger hair loss and thinning hair.

Estrogen, in particular, helps to make hair grow thicker and longer, and low estrogen levels cause hair density to decrease and strands to become smaller.

When women go through menopause and estrogen levels fall, it’s common for hair to begin to thin. If hair loss seems to be the result of menopause, hormone replacement therapy may potentially be a helpful option.

Some women may also experience hair loss after giving birth because of the hormonal changes that occur. This is typically temporary and should resolve itself in time.

In many cases, medications can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to hair loss. In such situations, the hair loss may likely be reversible. If this could be a factor for you, switching medications may be a potential solution.

Changes in hormone levels may also result from certain underlying disorders or medical conditions, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about thinning hair or hair loss as soon as possible to identify the problem.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of hair loss in women. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this hereditary hair loss affects an estimated 30 million women in the US.

Hereditary hair loss affects females differently than males. Women will often see their part widen, receding hair near the temples and gradually widespread thinning.

FPHL is a progressive condition, but treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. While it’s highly common, it’s also highly treatable. The best results can be achieved when treatment is started at the first signs of hair loss.

Minoxidil (or Rogaine) is the only FDA approved treatment for hair loss in women. It’s considered the most effective topical medication for the condition. There are also a variety of other treatment options that can be helpful, such as PRP injections and LLT therapy.

Stress

Stress can have a major negative impact on your health and cause a host of physical symptoms, including hair loss.

Hair loss may occur as a result of some trauma, stress, or shock to your body. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and is typically temporary.

Too much stress can disrupt the normal growth process of hair, causing more hair follicles to remain in the resting phase. You may notice your hair seems to fall out in clumps, particularly when brushing or washing your hair.

Physical traumas might potentially include events such as a major injury, childbirth, or illness. Emotional stressors can include triggers, such as bereavement, financial worries, divorce, or major life changes.

Reducing your stress levels, practicing self-care and seeking support can help reverse the hair loss induced by stress and return your hair growth cycle back to normal.

Hair loss is often especially devastating to women. But there is hope. If you’re experiencing thinning hair, a doctor who specializes in hair loss can help.

Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation. We can help you identify the problem and recommend personalized treatment options and real solutions for your unique situation.