What Are the Causes of Sudden Hair Loss in Women?

Sudden hair loss in women is a serious condition that is not always easily diagnosed. The medical term for this type of thinning is "diffuse un-patterned alopecia," states Hair Loss Information.com. Testosterone is thought to be the main problem for sudden hair thinning in women. If sudden hair loss is experienced, have your hair examined by a physician who is experienced with hair loss symptoms in women.

Medications

• Medications and drugs are often the most probable cause of sudden hair loss. Discuss your medications with your doctor to determine if any medications that you are taking could possibly cause hair loss. The most common prescription medications that can cause hair loss are thyroid medications, blood pressure medications, oral birth contraceptives, Heparin or Coumadin, medications for lowering cholesterol, cortisone, Zyloprim, Prozac, many antidepressants and nutritional deficiency drugs.

Recreational Drugs

• Illegal, recreational drug--such as LSD and cocaine--can also cause sudden hair loss. The stress caused from taking these drugs can double the effect, causing the hair loss to be severe.

Severe Stress

• Stress can cause sudden hair loss. Telogen Effluvium is the term used for hair loss caused by severe stress, either emotional or physical, such as giving childbirth. Stress can push hair follicles prematurely from the scalp. Hair loss each day is normal, but stress can cause the hair loss to accelerate and to remain in the accelerated state until the stressful situation has subsided. This condition can continue for months or years without the woman understanding the cause of the stress.

Gynecological Conditions

• Some gynecological conditions--such as ovarian tumors, pregnancy, testosterone, heavy bleeding and menopause--can cause sudden hair loss. The hormone DHT plays a large factor in the hair loss. Thinning with these conditions usually occurs within all areas of the scalp.

Chemotherapy

• Anagen Effluvium is the term used for hair loss due to chemotherapy. Soon after the chemotherapy process, 90 percent of the hair follicles can fall out while in the growing process.

Traction Alopecia

• Traction Alopecia is a condition that is caused by the hair being pulled tightly in ponytails or braids over time. Extentions, corn rows and braiding are the most common forms of this condition. Hair can regrow after the hair changes its cycle of tight styles.