Hair Loss: Solutions for Hair Loss Problem in Women

Although the number of women suffering from hair loss has increased in the last few years, this is normally due to long period of stress or a reaction to an internal change, but it can also be caused to a normal decline driven by chemical and in some cases mechanical causes - the best examples are menopause and childbirth (these regularly come with thinning or hair loss.) While hair loss occur on women at any time, it usually appears in their late 20s or early 30s, by the age of 35, almost 40% of women will show signs of ‘thinning hair’ and by the time they turn 50, probably 50% of the female population will suffer from this condition.

There could be many possible reasons why you are suffering from hair loss, this could be temporary or in the case of androgenetic alopecia, a progressive problem. Other causes apart from childbirth and menopause could be:

• Underlying health problems
• Long period of stress
• Food poisoning
• Drug treatment
• Crash diets
• Lack of vitamins
• Iron deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Side effects of some medication
• Medical operations

The first signs of hair loss normally happen between two to three months after the event and in the case of temporary thinning hair, the recovery time could be between 3 to 6 months; as you can see, there are many possible causes and hence different treatments.

1. Androgenetic alopecia or Thinning Hair
Androgenetic alopecia is a type of genetic progressive hair loss; it is normally inherited from one side of the family and it affects all genders and races. While men start balding in the frontline, women tend to develop bald patches all over the scalp, but leaving the front hairline almost intact. Hormonal factors play an important role in androgenetic alopecia as the hair follicles diminish over time, making the hair shorter, thin and colorless.

Treatment: women’s alopecia can be treated with minoxidil and although men could also benefit from it, Propecia tends to work better.

2. Alopecia Areata

No one really knows what causes this type of alopecia – it is believed to be an autoimmune disease where the immune system shuts down production of hair follicles. Alopecia areata tends to be very aggressive and could have deep physiological effects on those affected; however, the hair normally grows back after a few months.

Treatment: If you suspect you are suffering from this type of alopecia, you should consult a dermatologist; but keep in mind that the hair tends to grow back sooner or later.