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Why Does Hair Fall Out in Women?

Hair loss in women is always a result of something that is happening within the body. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women account for 40 percent of the people in America with hair loss.

  1. Female-Pattern Hair Loss

    • Women with this condition have hair thinning across the scalp, although usually not along the front hairline. The presence and disruption of androgens, or male hormones, cause this condition.

    Child Birth

    • During pregnancy, much hair goes into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. After birth, this hair falls out and thins. Hair should grow back normally eventually.

    Chemotherapy and Radiation Effects

    • Chemotherapy or radiation treatments may cause a sudden disturbance to hair follicles while hair is in its growth phase. Hair breaking off from the hair shafts at the scalp usually results.

    Hair Styling

    • Sustained tension on the hair follicles, such as wearing certain styles for prolonged periods of time, can cause hair loss. Such hairstyles include braids, cornrows and ponytails.

    Contraceptives

    • Contraceptive use commonly causes hair loss in women. The American Hair Loss Association recommends the use of low-androgen index birth control pills for women seeking oral contraceptives. Women with a family history for hair loss should use a different form of nonhormonal birth control.

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