What Are the Causes of Extreme Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss is a condition characterized by unusual changes in the normal cycles of growth and rest in scalp hair. The medical name for this occurrence is alopecia. While hair loss is typically perceived as a male problem, the nonprofit American Hair Loss Association notes that women make up roughly 40 percent of alopecia cases in the United States. There are several recognized temporary and permanent causes of abnormal or extreme female hair loss.

Normal Hair Growth

• Hair goes through natural cycles of growth and rest. In the growth phase, called anagen, strands of hair lengthen roughly 1/2 cm per month for a period of two to three years. In the resting phase, called telogen, strands of hair maintain their length for several months, then fall out. Usually, roughly 90 percent of scalp hair is growing at any given time, while the remaining 10 percent is resting.

Hormones

• Disruptions in natural hormone balances are the most common cause of extreme female hair loss. The condition, called androgenetic alopecia, occurs when an unusually high amount of male hormones (androgens) is present in the body. Underlying causes of this imbalance include genetic predisposition, malfunctions in the thyroid gland, pregnancy, use of high-androgen birth control products, menopause and the presence of ovarian cysts. Typically, androgenetic alopecia in women manifests as an abnormal thinning of hair across the entire scalp.

Emotional and Physical Shock

• Emotional or physical disturbances can also cause extreme female hair loss. Potential stressing factors include childbirth, death of a loved one, major surgery, severe infection, excessive or sudden weight loss and malnutrition. Hair loss of this type is known as telogen effluvium, and it typically begins six weeks to three months after the original shock occurs. Usually, any lost hair will re-grow over a period of months if additional stresses are avoided. However, in some individuals telogen effluvium can occur repeatedly without any clear cause.

Hairstyles, Treatments and Chemicals

• Certain hair styles can directly encourage extreme hair loss by traumatizing groups of hair follicles. Potentially problematic styles include corn rows, braids, extensions and tight ponytails. If hair styles are changed when the condition first appears, the affected hair may re-grow. However, if the scalp is scarred or the hair roots are seriously damaged, hair loss may be permanent. Hair loss can also be triggered by misuse or overuse of products that dye, tint, bleach or straighten hair. Additionally, excessive brushing or styling can damage hair shafts and lead to hair loss.

Medications and Medical Treatments

• Medications for a number of conditions can cause extreme hair loss in women, as well as men. Conditions treated by potentially harmful medications include depression, heart disease, arthritis, gout and high blood pressure. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy also commonly cause temporary extreme hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease with unknown origins. It is characterized by the appearance of quarter-sized bald spots on the scalp that may re-grow spontaneously. The condition may happen once, or recur over time.