Hair loss in women is a much more common concern than you might think and can have a significant impact on self-esteem. Seeing more hair than normal on your brush or noticing thinning hair can be distressing. If you’re experiencing this, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that understanding the causes of hair loss in women is the first essential step toward finding a solution.
At D’Atri Medicina Capilar, we are specialists in women’s hair health and want to help you identify the most common factors behind this problem and guide you on the best ways to proceed.
Main Causes of Hair Loss in Women
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones play a crucial role in the female hair cycle. Significant imbalances or changes can trigger hair loss. Key moments include:
- Postpartum: It is very common to experience severe hair loss (telogen effluvium) a few months after giving birth due to the sudden drop in estrogen levels.
- Menopause: The decrease in estrogen can weaken the hair and make androgenetic alopecia more evident.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): It can cause an increase in androgens that affect the follicles.
- Thyroid Problems: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss.
- Female Androgenetic Alopecia (FPHL): It is the most frequent cause of progressive thinning in women. It has a genetic (hereditary) component and is related to the sensitivity of the follicles to androgenic hormones. Unlike the male pattern, in women it usually manifests as a diffuse thinning in the upper part and crown, generally preserving the frontal implantation line. Less density is noticed and the scalp becomes more visible. It is key to detect the presence of hairs of different thicknesses in the same area (miniaturization).
- Telogen Effluvium (Increased Reactive Hair Loss):This is an abrupt and diffuse hair loss, where many hairs enter the resting phase (telogen) and fall out simultaneously. It usually occurs about 2-4 months after a triggering event, such as:
- Intense physical or emotional stress (surgery, illness, bereavement).
- Very restrictive diets or rapid weight loss.
- Acute nutritional deficits.
- Starting or stopping certain medications.
- The good news: It’s usually temporary if the causative factor is identified and corrected.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The lack of essential nutrients directly impacts the health of the follicle. Common deficiencies associated with hair loss are:
- Iron (Iron Deficiency Anemia): Very common in women of childbearing age.
- Zinc, Biotin, Vitamin D, Protein.
- Medical and Autoimmune Conditions: Some diseases can have hair loss as a symptom, for example:
- Alopecia Areata: Hair loss in round patches, of autoimmune origin.
- Diseases such as Lupus.
- Scalp infections.
- Hairstyling Practices and Hair Damage:
- Traction Alopecia: Caused by very tight hairstyles maintained over time (ponytails, tight braids, heavy extensions).
- Cosmetic Damage: Excessive use of heat (flat irons, hair dryers), aggressive chemical treatments (bleaching, straightening) can cause breakage<spanstyle=”font-weight: 400;”> of the hair, which is sometimes confused with root loss.
The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
As you can see, the causes of hair loss in womenare varied and can sometimes coexist. Attempting to self-diagnose can lead to errors and delay appropriate treatment. It is essential to consult a trichology specialist.
At D’Atri Medicina Capilar, we perform a complete evaluation that includes your medical history, a detailed examination of your hair and scalp, and studies such as digital trichoscopy (capillary dermatoscopy). This allows us to accurately identify the type of hair lossand its specific cause.
Effective and Customized Solutions in D'Atri
Once the correct diagnosis is established, we design a completely personalized treatment plan. Options depend on the identified cause and may include:
- Medical Treatments:Lotions, oral medications specific (e.g., for FPHL, thyroid problems, deficiencies).
- Regenerative Therapies: Such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or Hair Mesotherapy with vitamins and nutrients to strengthen the follicles and improve hair quality.
- Nutritional and Care Advice: Guidelines to optimize your diet and hair routine.
- Hair Implant (FUE Technique): In selected cases of permanent and stabilized alopecia, it is an excellent option to restore density naturally and permanently.
You Are Not Alone: Regain Confidence in Your Hair
Hair loss in women can be disconcerting, but remember that there are explanations and solutions. The most important step is to seek professional help to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Don’t resign yourself or rely on magic solutions.
Are you noticing increased hair loss or loss of density? Do you want to know what is causing your hair problem?
We invite you to consult with the team of specialists at D’Atri Medicina Capilar. With our empathetic and professional approach, we will help you understand the cause of your hair loss and find the most effective treatment for you. Make your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, stronger hair!