Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Hair plays a significant role in how many women see themselves, so losing it can be upsetting and impact self-esteem. While often thought of as a men's issue, hair loss in women is more common than many realise. It can happen for a variety of reasons—including age, genetics, health conditions, or hair care practices and can begin gradually or suddenly.
This guide covers the leading causes when to see a doctor, how doctors diagnose hair loss, and treatment and prevention options to help you manage hair loss with confidence and care.
Why Hair Loss Happens in Women
Ageing and Genetics
As women get older, they may notice thinning hair, especially at the top or crown of the head. This is often due to female pattern hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia), a genetic condition that affects millions of women. Unlike male baldness, women usually don't lose all their hair but may see gradual thinning over time.
- Hair loss typically starts in the 50s or 60s, but it can begin earlier.
- By age 70, about 40% of women will experience noticeable thinning.
- If your mother or grandmother had thinning hair, you may also be more likely to experience it.
Hairstyling Practices
Certain hairstyles and hair treatments can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss over time. This includes:
- Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, buns, or weaves, which can cause traction alopecia—hair loss caused by pulling.
- Heat styling tools (blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons) can weaken the hair shaft and cause breakage.
- Chemical treatments, such as perms, relaxers, and frequent dyeing, can damage hair and scalp health.
Letting your hair "rest" by avoiding tight or damaging styles and using gentle, protective products can help prevent long-term damage.
Medical Conditions
Several health problems can lead to hair loss in women. These include:
- Autoimmune diseases, like lupus or alopecia areata, cause the immune system to attack hair follicles.
- Thyroid disorders (underactive or overactive thyroid) can cause hair to become thin, dry, or fall out.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that can lead to hair thinning on the scalp and excess hair growth elsewhere.
- Iron deficiency, often caused by heavy periods or low dietary iron, can limit hair growth, even without full-blown anaemia.
If you're experiencing other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, irregular periods, or sudden hair loss, it's essential to talk to a doctor.
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When to See a Doctor
While some hair loss is normal, some signs suggest a medical evaluation is needed:
- You're losing a lot of hair suddenly
- You see bald patches or clumps of hair falling out
- Your scalp itches, burns, or is painful
- You have new symptoms like tiredness, skin changes, or changes in your period
- You feel very anxious or distressed about your hair loss
Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop further loss and, in some cases, reverse it. Don't wait too long to get professional advice - hair loss treatments are more effective when started early.
How Hair Loss Is Diagnosed
To find out what's causing your hair loss, a doctor or dermatologist may:
Take a Medical History
They will ask about:
- Your family history of hair loss
- Your overall health, diet, and menstrual cycle
- Any recent stress, illnesses, or medications
Examine Your Scalp and Hair
They'll check:
- Where the thinning is happening
- Whether there's breakage, redness, or inflammation
- How much hair comes out when gently pulled (the "pull test")
Order Blood Tests
Blood tests can check for:
- Iron levels
- Thyroid function
- Hormone levels (e.g., androgens)
Perform a Scalp Biopsy (if needed)
In some cases, a small sample of the scalp is taken to look at hair follicles under a microscope. This helps rule out rare conditions like scarring alopecia or infections.
Pharmacy Treatments
Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Women
Treatment depends on the cause of the hair loss. In many cases, a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes works best.
Topical Treatments
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the most common over-the-counter treatment.
- Comes in 2% or 5% solutions and is applied directly to the scalp.
- Helps increase blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulates regrowth.
- It may take 3 to 6 months to see improvement, and it must be used consistently.
Prescription Medications
- Finasteride (used more in men, but sometimes in women) may help with hormone-related hair loss.
- Spironolactone is also sometimes prescribed for women with PCOS or hormonal imbalances.
- These medications require medical supervision.
Lifestyle Changes
- Balanced diet: Eat foods rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and omega-3s (e.g., leafy greens, nuts, eggs, fish).
- Stress management: Use techniques like meditation, exercise, and good sleep hygiene.
- Hair care: Use mild shampoos, avoid frequent heat styling, and avoid over-brushing or tugging on your hair.
Advanced Options
- Hair transplants: Surgical option for women with significant thinning. Hair is moved from one part of the scalp to another.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: Involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into the scalp to promote hair growth. This approach is effective for some women but requires multiple sessions and is more costly.
Tips for Preventing Hair Loss
While not all hair loss can be avoided, especially if it's genetic, you can take steps to protect and strengthen your hair:
- Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your hairline.
- Limit heat styling and chemical treatments.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet and consider supplements if advised by a doctor.
- Reduce stress through healthy routines and mental wellness practices.
- Use gentle hair products and avoid harsh shampoos with sulfates or alcohol.
- See a doctor early if you notice unusual shedding or thinning.
Summary
Hair loss in women is common and often treatable, but knowing the cause is key. Whether it's related to ageing, medical conditions, or hair styling habits, the proper treatment and lifestyle changes can make a real difference. Don't ignore sudden or severe hair changes. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to stop the hair loss and support healthy regrowth.
If you're unsure where to start, talk to your GP or a dermatologist. You don't have to face hair loss alone, and help is available.
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