Women and hair loss describes the symptoms and treatment option: A simple but complete guide

Women and Hair Loss a Description

Women and hair loss is a problem in our times. We can’t look at all causes of female hair loss but at the most important. Hereditary hair loss also congenital hair loss alone affects twenty to thirty percent of ladies worldwide. Stress is additionally an essential cause of hair loss in ladies. That becomes noticeable through diffuse hair loss. Also concerns the causes of hair loss in a young female. Since a suitable looking, full splendor of hair consider other people a perfect of beauty. Particularly for ladies, hair loss usually represents an enormous psychological burden. That’s why we wrote Women and hair loss, the causes of female hair loss.

Women and hair loss during Menopause

Women and hair loss: At least one-third of biological time ladies (menopause) suffer from hair loss. The so-called telogen effluvium. Hormonal factors cause this hair loss in most cases. This hair loss suggests that the hair roots of the affected girl’s square measure genetically sensitive to male sex hormones (Dihydrotestosterone or DHT). Hair loss throughout the biological time will occur as a result of the estrogen level. It decreases during the natural time. Too many male hormones are present in the body about female hormones.

Symptoms: 

The result is that the root withers away, the hair becomes thinner and thinner and falls out at the end. The crown of the head becomes lighter and more fragile. Other areas such as the forehead or side area, may also be affected. A chronic course is also typical. At the end of which the hair root can no longer produce new hair. In this case, bald spots develop and the hair loss is irreversible.

Treatment: 

Therefore, women who notice hair loss during the menopause should consult their dermatologist. The dermatologist can use various tests. For example, a family background check and visual assessment. Further medical examinations are trichoscan, biopsies, and blood tests.  With these methods, a doctor can examine precisely your hair more closely and determine whether you suffer from hair loss and what form it takes.

Excursus in women and hair loss

You can’t treat hereditary hair loss or androgenetic alopecia with cosmetic products. Such as herbal preparations, shampoos, or dietary supplements. Nor is the actual cause, the hypersensitivity of the hair follicles. You can reduce the effect of the hormone DHT on the hair roots. The active ingredient alfatradiol stops the formation of the hormone directly at the hair root and can thus prevent hair loss.

women and hair loss a dht-hormon picture

If you have severe menopausal symptoms in general, taking hormone tablets can also help. The added estrogens or progesterone also improve hair loss. Because of the possible side effects (hormone replacement therapy = an increased risk of thrombosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer), weigh the benefits and risks together with your gynecologist.

Causes through the pill for women and hair loss

Why hair loss can occur after ingestion and discontinuation

Women and hair loss through the “birth control pill” (oral contraceptive). The hormones (estrogen and progestin) prevent the ovulation. This intervention in the hormonal balance triggers hair loss in some women who are genetically susceptible to hair loss – while taking or stopping the pill.

Taking the pill can be a cause of female hair loss

Women and hair loss and the tablet is not uncomplicated. The medicine usually has a positive effect on the hair at the beginning of use. The increased level of female hormones often makes the hair stronger, shinier and fuller and stimulates hair growth. This impression is comparable to the full splendor of pregnant women, whose hormone levels rise naturally.

Since most pills also contain progestins, these are artificial hormones that do not occur in the body. They can have precisely the opposite effect. Some progestins act like male hormones and can lead to hair loss in women. Their hair roots are genetically sensitive to male sex hormones (DHT). This heredity is why we speak of androgenetic alopecia or hormonal, hereditary hair loss. The hair can then become thinner and fall out more often. However, the formation of bald spots is sporadic.

Discontinuation of the pill

Even if you stop taking medicine, the absence of artificial sex hormones can lead to hair loss. When hormone levels fall, the female body has to learn to produce estrogen in the ovaries and control the natural cycle (ovulation) itself. Due to the temporarily low estrogen level, hair loss can also occur here due to a genetic predisposition.

Women and hair loss, and what can you do?

If you notice increased hair loss while taking the pill, you should talk to your gynecologist. Your gynecologist may advise you to switch to a low progestin pill.

When you stop taking the pill, the problem usually regulates itself. However, it can take several cycles for the body to adapt and produce sufficient hormones.

Women and hair loss if Hair Loss Black Book, consult a dermatologist. He can use various diagnostic methods to get to the bottom of the cause and suggest appropriate treatment.

Women and hair loss during Pregnancy and Lactation

Why hair loss can occur before and after birth.

Expectant mothers can be happy, as the increased production of estrogens ensures that more hair is in the growth phase than usual. The usually results are fuller, shinier hair. However, some women notice a deterioration: the hair becomes thinner or even begins to fall out. After pregnancy, the number of women suffering from hair loss is even more significant.

Woman and hair loss during pregnancy

Pregnancy can reverse the positive effects of increased estrogen levels. Hair loss can occur, albeit rarely. One possible cause is iron deficiency. The unborn child needs iron for its growth. That is why pregnant women need about 60 percent more iron than usual. We find it mainly in animal products, especially in meat.

You can see Iron deficiency usually by pale skin, restlessness, and persistent fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, consult your gynecologist immediately. He can measure the iron concentration in the blood and prescribe iron supplements if necessary.

A further cause of hair loss during pregnancy can be the discontinuation of the contraceptive pill during pregnancy. The changed hormonal balance can cause hair loss for a more extended period after stopping the medicine.

Tip: In the case of particularly severe or persistent hair loss, you should consult not only your gynecologist but also a dermatologist, as there may be other causes than pregnancy.

Women and hair loss after pregnancy

Women and hair loss is much more common after birth and during breastfeeding. The reason for this is that the young mother’s body no longer receives enough additional estrogen. After two or three months, the hair falls out. Plus the hair that falls out in the normal cycle. Increased hair loss becomes noticeable.

Almost all women are affected by this so-called postpartum effluvium (postpartum = after birth, effluvium = increased hair loss), varying degrees. In some mothers the hair falls out in tufts, others notice at most a few more hairs in the brush.

Women and hair loss after birth hair loss increased

A postpartum effluvium is a form of diffuse hair loss that generally returns to normal after six months at the latest. I.e., about nine months after birth. If the severe hair loss persists, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. A radical diet, for example, to get rid of the excess baby pounds, can be a possible cause.

Treatment

You can support the weakened hair roots with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. This assistance increases hair density, hair volume, and improves hair quality.

women and hair loss a skin picture

Women and hair loss during breastfeeding

Many women believe that breastfeeding is to blame for their hair loss. This meaning is a misconception. Hormone changes in breastfeeding mothers are sometimes slower, and hair loss occurs later than in non-breastfeeding women, even after weaning in some women. This change misleads many women into thinking that breastfeeding is the cause of hair loss. So you can be completely calm and take care of your baby the way you want.

Women and hair loss brought about by hormonal hereditary

If you notice hair loss after pregnancy or after stopping the pill, you may also have hormonal hair loss. In this case, your body reacts sensitively to the hormone fluctuation due to hereditary reasons. Specifically, the hair follicles are sensitive to the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is a modification of testosterone, which the women body produces. However, the estrogen produced at the same time creates a balance. So the predisposition does not take effect. With the hormonal fluctuations mentioned above the estrogen level can drop to such an extent that hereditary hair loss becomes noticeable.

Causes

The actual cause of hair loss in androgenic alopecia is a hereditary hypersensitivity of the hair follicles to the male sex hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The estrogen produced at the same time creates a balance, and the predisposition does not take effect.

women and hair loss picture of androgenic alopecia

The old balance can happen with hormonal changes such as taking and stopping the pill, after pregnancy, or occasionally during puberty.

The estrogen level can drop, and hereditary hair loss can become noticeable, especially in the menopause, when the female body no longer produces female sex hormones.

Consequence 

The missing of female hormones can lead to bald spots on the back of the head in addition to the deep ridges. The receding hairline has thin hair on the temples. Later these hairs then fall out completely. The complete formation of a bald head is, by the way, sporadic in both men and women.

Of course, other causes of hair loss can always be ruled out. Maybe as a result of iron deficiency, deficiency symptoms (radical diets), thyroid dysfunction (over-, or under-function), or stress. In this case, however, the hair usually falls out evenly over the entire head.

Diagnosis:

If you notice increased hair loss, consult your dermatologist. The hair roots are analyzed and evaluated under a microscope. Based on the examination results, your dermatologist will conclude the possible cause of the hair loss. 

In addition to this widely used method, some dermatologists also carry out a so-called TrichoScan. Here hair growth and hair loss are determined scientifically on the computer. Also, the doctor will clarify in an anamnesis interview whether hair loss is prevalent in your family.

Treatment:

If the problem is androgenetic alopecia, the treatment should be started as soon as possible, because in case of hormonal, hereditary hair loss the clock cannot be turned back, i.e., you cannot revive already dead hair roots! Only those who start targeted drug treatment at the first sign of hormonal, hereditary hair loss have a good chance of stopping it and preserving their hair roots. External treatment is sufficient in many cases.

Women and Hair Loss: Thyroid Gland

Hair loss can occur in hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism. Almost every second thyroid patient, especially women, can get it.

If the thyroid is overactive, the thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than usual. Although these hormones accelerate hair growth, they also cause hair to fall out more quickly. Also, the hair is becoming thinner, and there can be secret hairline corners and full-surface hair loss. Hypothyroidism also frequently causes hair loss. Skin and hair are then often dry, rough and dull and go out more often.

Diagnosis:

If, in addition to severe hair loss, you also notice symptoms such as constant freezing, fatigue, listlessness, or weight gain, consult your family doctor. He will refer you to an endocrinologist if necessary. A large blood count and a hormone test, as well as a thyroid check, can diagnose the problem.

Treatment:

Follow your doctor’s therapy instructions regarding your thyroid disorder. The more consistently the therapy is applied, the more likely it is to stop hair loss. Also, you can take a remedy that balances the hair cycle and stimulates hair growth: Anti diffuse hair loss remedy. Some medicines for hyperthyroidism can also cause hair loss as a side effect. If necessary, ask your doctor for alternatives.

Women and hair loss due to iron deficiency

Undersupply of the hair follicles due to iron deficiency can be a cause of increased hair loss. Hair follicles are among the most active cells in the body. For this process, they need a high proportion of nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements.

As with other deficiency symptoms, the nutrients are also missing, and the cells of the hair follicles no longer have sufficient supply and gradually die off.

Diagnosis:

Doctors diagnose iron deficiency based on symptoms and blood tests. Very important that the doctor can rule out other diseases before treatment.

Treatment:

In many cases, a change in diet can help. Eat a balanced diet and include plenty of green leafy vegetables like spinach, chard, salads or meat, dried fruits, nuts, and almonds in your diet. Iron supplements can also help to stop deficiency symptoms. Experts also recommend a remedy for diffuse hair loss.

Medication

You can see the hair loss caused by medication only after ingestion. Depending on the extent to which the active ingredients of the drug influence hair growth. In most cases, it is a diffuse hair loss on the whole head or in the crown area. Among the medications that can potentially cause hair loss as a side effect are

– Acid blockers

– Antibiotics

– Antiepileptic drugs

– Chemotherapeutics/cytostatics

-and more

Diagnosis:

Only the attending physician can decide in individual cases whether a drug taken is a possible cause of hair loss.

Treatment:

After stopping the medication, the hair loss usually regresses at the same time as it came. You can also take a remedy that will restore the balance of the hair cycle and stimulate hair growth: Anti diffuse hair loss remedy.

Women and hair loss due to stress

Both physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss. Especially if it lasts longer. Women are particularly affected. 40% of women suffering from hair loss have stress-related hair loss.

Stress releases messenger substances. These, in turn, damage the hair follicles at the hair root, which disturb the hair cycle and thus hair growth. This substance causes the hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely. The hair does not renew itself as usual and falls out. Gradually a diffuse hair loss develops, in which the hair falls out evenly.

A vicious circle develops: Stress causes the hair to fall out, and hair loss causes psychological stress again in those affected.

Diagnosis:

If your dermatologist has ruled out other common causes. If you frequently experience stress and psychological strain in everyday life, talk to your doctor about this possible cause.

Treatment:

Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness training, autogenic training, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation are suitable for coping with stress. Besides, experts recommend a remedy for diffuse hair loss. Relaxation should restore the balance of the hair growth cycle, promote hair growth, and strengthen the hair roots.

Smoking another reason for women and hair loss

At 15%, smoking is a relatively common cause of hair loss. The reasons are different: On the one hand, the nicotine from the cigarettes narrows the blood vessels and inhibits the blood circulation. Thus impedes the nutrient supply of the hair roots.

Also, the smoke settles on the hair so that the hair becomes drier and loses strength. In women, smoking also affects the mechanisms of production of the female sex hormone estrogen. If the woman’s estrogen level drops, hair loss may occur.

Diagnosis:

If you are a smoker and suffer from hair loss, you should discuss this with your dermatologist. He or she can then include this factor in the diagnosis.

Treatment:

It’s not that simple. If you suffer from hair loss due to smoking, it is worth thinking about quitting. You can also strengthen your hair roots with a diffuse hair loss remedy. Individual nutrients and vitamins for the hair are essential for a better supply of nutrients to the hair follicles. They give dry hair more shine and body.

Women and hair loss a picture of vegetables

Women and Hair Loss due to unbalanced or inadequate nutrition

One reason for hair loss in women can be a lack of nutrients. The hair follicles at the hair roots need certain nutrients for cell division and the natural hair cycle. If the optimal supply of these nutrients is lacking, the growth phases become shorter and more hair falls out than grows back. The result: so-called diffuse hair loss occurs. Hair loss in this form is evenly active on the entire head.

Example

Causes of Female Hair Loss Example: People who eat a very one-sided diet can, therefore, suffer dietary hair loss. If, for example, you do not eat meat, fish, or eggs as part of a vegan diet, you may develop a protein deficiency. Strict diets or even anorexia or bulimia can lead to a lack of folic acid, biotin (vitamin H), zinc, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12. Certain diseases also favor nutrient-related hair loss, such as chronic intestinal diseases, liver and kidney diseases.

Diagnosis:

If your dermatologist has ruled out other common causes and you feel that you could have a one-sided diet, talk to your doctor about this possible cause.

Treatment:

The best solution for us, from women and hair loss, change your diet:

Lots of fish, vegetables, fruit, lean meat, legumes, whole grain products, dairy products, and eggs should be on the menu.

Individual nutrients and vitamins for the hair are also suitable for better nutrient supply to the hair follicles. They support the formation of collagen and the hair building block keratin as well as the anchoring of hair in the scalp. You can also strengthen your hair roots with a diffuse hair loss remedy.

Closing remarks of women and hair loss

Women and hair loss are on the increase recently due to various causes. In any case, have these symptoms cleared up medically. The article women and hair loss shows how diverse the reasons can be.

Fritz Klausner: