In general, we shed between 50 – 100 strands of hair per day. Hair shedding is part of natural balance. However, when the balance is interrupted more hair tends to fall out and less hair tends to grow in. Hair loss is different than hair shedding.
The medical term for hair loss is known as ‘Alopecia‘. Hair loss isn’t just a guy thing. Women experience this more in different phases of their lives. There could be thinning all over, or women can also experience a bald spot at the crown of their heads.
How does hair grow?
Your scalp has more than 100,000 hairs. Interestingly, each one has its own life cycle.
A follicle grows at a rate of half an inch per month. It is there for 2-6years then stops for about a month. When the next cycle starts up, that hair falls out.
How much hair loss is normal?
50-100 strands per day. Don`t worry if you see some in your hairbrush or clothes, but if you start experiencing clumps of hair falling out or thinning of hair then you should consult your doctor.
What are the most common causes of hair loss in women?
- Vitamin deficiency
- Diet / rapid weight loss
- Overprocessed scalp hair(breakage)
- Genetic predisposition
- Aging
- Hormone changes-pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, PCOS, birth control pills
- Physical stress
- Medications and supplements
- STI -Syphilis can cause patchy hair loss
What are the signs of hair loss in women?
- Able to see scalp skin through the hair
- Having smaller ponytails
- Hair breakage
- Able to see more noticeable patches of thinner hair or missing hair
How will a healthcare provider diagnose hair loss in women?
- Blood test: Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Zinc, Iron, Hormone levels (Thyroid function and sex hormones)
- Scalp examination under a microscope
- Scalp biopsy to remove and examine a very small piece of scalp skin
How can we prevent hair loss in women?
Preventing hair loss is not possible if it is caused by a disease, aging factor, genetic factor or injury.
You might be able to prevent some hair loss by eating nutritious food and taking supplements however you should seek professional help if your hair fall is progressively worsening over time.
How is hair loss in women treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause of hair loss.
- If the hair loss is caused by pregnancy, no treatment is needed. Hair loss should stop after a period of time.
- Medications like Minoxidil can be used to treat Female pattern hair loss. This should be prescribed by a doctor after careful assessment.
- Hair laser treatment
- Hair transplant
- PRP injections to encourage hair growth
- Micro needling of the scalp
How to deal with hair loss in women?
Firstly, meeting your doctor to find out the actual cause is the most important step to overcome this.
Along with that following some simple hair care tips can help to reduce hair fall:
- Massaging your scalp lightly while washing your hair to stimulate blood circulation
- Using the right kind of shampoo which lesser chemicals
- Dry your hair naturally
- Use a wide toothed comb to brush your hair
- Limit usage of heat styling tools
- To consume food which is rich in vitamins and minerals
- To adapt to a healthy lifestyle
Generally, hair loss causes loss of confidence and sometimes even depression in women. Don’t allow this to affect you. There are many ways to reverse hair loss in women and this can be done if you seek help as early as possible from your doctor.
Beautiful hair isn’t hard to achieve with the right treatment.
