Medical Reasons and Treatments for Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss in women can be caused by a number of factors, including hormones, lifestyle, and physical and mental stress. The first step in treating female hair loss is to determine the cause of the condition, as treatment will vary accordingly.

The Basics

• Each hair follicle produces a strand of hair that grows for an average of four years, stops growing, then eventually falls out, allowing the process to begin again. Baldness occurs when follicles stop forming new hair.

Female Pattern Baldness

• Female pattern baldness is characterized by a mild-to-moderate thinning of the hair over the entire scalp. It is believed to be caused by hormones and genetic predisposition.

Alopecia Areata

• According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, this autoimmune disease affects 2 percent of the world's population. Hair loss ranges from partial to total and can affect both the scalp and body.

Telogen Effluvium

• Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when an abnormal number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time. It can be caused by emotional or physical distress, illness or surgery.

Treatment

• Minoxidil, or Rogaine, is the only FDA-approved treatment for hair loss in women. All-natural remedies for female hair loss include scalp massage, herbs and dietary supplements.

Considerations

• Female pattern baldness, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium only account for three types of hair loss in women. Other causes may be determined by a doctor.