What Can Cause Hair Loss in Women?
For many women, hair is a reflection of their identity. Throughout history, hair has represented femininity, beauty, freedom and liberation. So it only stands to reason that when women begin to experience hair loss, they want to understand why it’s happening and how to fix it.
Common causes of hair loss in women
Losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered normal. However, if you’re noticing that your hair is falling out more than usual, looks thinner or seems to be growing more slowly, here are some of the most likely reasons that could be causing it:
- Childbirth
Pregnancy is a glorious time for your hair. Increased hormones make it grow faster and thicker than normal, and limits hair loss. Unfortunately, once estrogen levels go back to normal (after delivery), your hair returns to its normal growth cycle and you begin to shed or lose all of that voluminous hair that you’ve grown over the last ten months. - Birth control
Beginning, switching or stopping birth control medications can cause hormone-induced shedding. If you are concerned about the amount of hair loss you’re experiencing, speak to your gynecologist. - Protein deficiency
If you aren’t giving your body adequate protein, your body won’t be able make enough new hairs to replace the ones you’re losing. Protein is essential for helping your body make new hair cells, so be sure to get your recommended 46 grams per day (The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends 8 gramsof protein per kilogram of body weight per day). - Medications
Medications used to manage the symptoms of blood pressure, depression and HIV may cause chronic shedding. Be sure to talk to your physician if you notice significant hair loss while taking these or any new medication. - Dandruff
Dry, flaky, itchy skin often leads to vigorous scratching, which can damage hair follicles and cause more shedding than normal. Treat the problem with either an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo or see a dermatologist for healing treatments. - Stress
Intense emotional or physical stress can lead to increased hair loss. Life-changing events like divorce, a death in the family, a job change or a major operation can cause your body to stop all hair growth and while you heal from your trauma. When your body does return to normal, you may experience increased hair loss until your hair growth cycle gets back on track. - Disease
Autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, certain types of anemia and alopecia areata can make the body recognize your own hair follicles as foreign. When this happens, your white blood cells attack the hair cells, and make the hair follicles fall out. - Tight hairstyles
Consistently wearing your hair in tight braids or ponytails can cause a progressive thinning of the hairline, stress the hair follicles and cause them to fall out. If this becomes chronic, it can cause permanent hair loss. - Heat-styling and over-processing
Styling your hair with heated tools like curlers and straighteners, or getting perms or other treatments that use harsh chemicals can cause thermal damage, which prompt hair follicles to weaken and break off more easily.
If you’re suffering from increased hair loss or thinning hair, contact the skilled specialists at Amarillo Hair Restoration Center at 806-355-HAIR (4247). We offer safe and effective hair loss treatment for women in Amarillo. We understand the unique emotional toll hair loss can cause women and are dedicated to compassionate hair restoration in a safe, confidential environment.