Excessive Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is not the exclusive to older women. It can happen to any female, regardless of age. Everyone loses hair on a regular basis, which is nothing to worry about; however, if you are losing substantial amounts, there may be an underlying factor causing the problem.

Stress

• If you have been through an awful ordeal or undergone major surgery, this can cause your hair to fall out. Traumatic events can definitely result in hair loss and the loss can be substantial. Get your stress under control, eat right and get your sleep. In time, the hair loss should cease and new hair should come back in.

Alopecia

• The sudden loss of most, if not all, of your hair could be due to a condition called alopecia, which can be triggered by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease and, some believe, stress and trauma. Some people have abnormalities in their immune systems that can lead to auto-immunity. In the case of alopecia, the immune system turns on the hair follicles and attacks them, causing hair to fall out. In some cases, the hair grows back and in other cases, it doesn't.

Telogen Effluvium

• Telogen effluvium is a type of alopecia that is caused when the hormones are disrupted, either through pregnancy and childbirth or from taking oral contraceptives. The hair loss isn't necessarily permanent, although it can be. The problem generally resolves itself within a few months after the woman's estrogen levels get sorted out. Hair growth should return to normal and hair loss should diminish. Telogen effluvium can also be caused by metabolic (thyroid) disorders or stress.

Vitamin Deficiencies

• It you are iron deficient (anemic), this can contribute to hair loss. You need adequate amounts of B vitamins in your system to nourish your hair, nails and skin. Biotin is a B vitamin, which helps prevent hair loss and thinning. Doctors recommend taking 3 mg a day, particularly if you aren't getting enough B vitamins via your diet. Foods that contain B vitamins are mushrooms, Brewer's yeast, salmon, carrots, egg yolks, legumes, sardines and cauliflower. Biotin is required in your system to form glucose and fatty acids, which produce energy.
  If you don't have enough vitamin A in your system, this can cause hair loss, as well as dry skin and hair, according Ezinearticles.com. However, too much vitamin A can result in additional hair loss and other medical problems. Carrots are rich in vitamin A. Consult with your doctor before taking supplements.

Hair Procedures

• If you are losing your hair, it may be due to over-processing. Bleaching, dyeing, perming, blow-drying, wearing extensions and/or relaxing your hair will all eventually take a toll on your mane. Sometimes, the damage is limited to broken and splits hairs, but in a worse case scenario, the hair can fall out in substantial amounts. If you routinely wear your hair tightly pulled back in a bun, this can be hard on the hair shaft. Do not sleep with your hair pulled back tightly.

It's All In The Genes

• Even if you are a female, it could be that you are destined to lose your hair due to testosterone sensitivity. It may be in your genetic code. There are products on the market that are specific to women, such as Rogaine, that combat hair loss and baldness.