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The Causes of Alopecia in a Female

Women, like men, are susceptible to hair loss. Hair loss is an incessant problem for females around the world. Hair loss (alopecia) in women is due to several factors. Depending on the cause of alopecia, the rate of hair loss also may differ. Since hair is a crowning jewel for women, it's important to thoroughly understand how hair loss works. Sufficient knowledge should help mitigate the risks.

  1. Androgens/Testosterones

    • Androgenic alopecia (AGA) affects nearly 40 percent of menopausal women and 20 percent who are approaching the change of life. This type of hair loss is due to the effects of androgens in the body. Androgen is a family of hormones; the hormone testosterone activates the body's hair follicles. However, it does the opposite on hair follicles on the scalp. When hair follicles get deactivated, the individual loses hair. Testosterone levels also dictate hair loss. Women with higher testosterone levels tend to have more hair loss. Further, if androgen levels remain high for a period of time, the buildup can cause hair follicles to shrink, increasing the risk for hair loss.

    Estrogen

    • Another hormonal factor affecting hair loss in women is estrogen. Estrogen levels determine how abundant a female's hair will be. Estrogen encourages hair growth and lifespan. Consequently, estrogen deficiency is a major factor in hair loss. Usually, when females reach the menopausal stage, estrogen levels drop, which limits the body's support for hair growth and strength. The effect of estrogen on women differs. There are some cases in which hair loss persists for a few months while others experience it for a couple years.

    Weak Immune System

    • Another cause of hair loss in women is abnormalities in the immune system. Often diagnosed as alopecia areata, this type of loss occurs when the immune system attacks the body's hair follicles, disrupting hair growth. Although it's not clear why the immune system attacks the hair follicles, the condition is linked to health conditions such as allergic disorders. Other health conditions linked to hair loss: ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

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