Premature Hair Loss in Young Women

While everyone loses some hair as they get older, there are young women who are experiencing hair loss. Some of the causes of hair loss in young women are medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, medications, pregnancy, poor diet and stress. There are treatments available to help with the problem.

Medical Conditions

• The most common conditions to cause premature hair loss in young women are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances (both underactive and overactive thyroids can cause hair loss) and androgenic alopecia. While PCOS and thyroid problems can be treated with little hair loss, alopecia can cause large patches of hair to fall out.

Hormonal Imbalances

• Imbalances in estrogen and testosterone can cause hair loss in young women. However, once the hormone levels are steadied the hair usually grows back to its original thickness.

Medications

• Medications used in chemotherapy have been known to cause hair loss. Other less known contributors are blood thinners, antidepressants, birth control pills and high blood pressure medications.

Diet

• Diet can pay a huge part in hair growth. Lack of iron and/or protein in the diet can cause hair loss. Strenuous dieting has been reported to have an impact on hair loss.

Stress

• Traumatic stress, such as a death in the family or loss of a job, can cause thinning hair months later, as can major illness, surgery or a stress to the body.