What Are the Causes of Women Going Bald?

Although hair loss is a more prominent problem in males, women can also have thinning hair or hair loss. Most women don't notice this until they are in their 50s or 60s, but it can occur at any age. A variety of reasons and disorders can cause balding or hair loss in women.

Heredity

• Heredity is one of the most common reasons for hair loss and affects approximately 30 million women in America, according to the America Academy of Dermatology. It is a condition known as androgenetic alopecia,and usually occurs in the late 50s or 60s. Normally, when a hair follicle is lost, it is replaced by hair that is equal in size. In women with this condition, the new hair is finer and thinner. The hair follicles shrink and eventually they stop growing.

Thyroid Disorders

• The thyroid gland is located in the neck and has many functions, including producing hormones and controlling how the body reacts to those hormones. Women who suffer from hyperthyroidism often complain of hair loss as one of the main symptoms. Fortunately, there is a simple blood test that can diagnose this disorder, and the hair loss can be treated.

Skin Conditions

• Common skin conditions, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis can cause scalp inflammation, which can lead to hair loss. In cases of dandruff, the scalp cell production is rapid and, as the cells form together on the scalp, they form flakes, which causes itching. When the scalp is scratched, it can become irritated and painful, and these areas can lead to hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis, in addition to itching, also causes lesions or rashes covered by a yellowish or whitish scale. Scalp Psoriasis does not cause flakes, but areas of red, scaly plaques which can be hard to treat and can lead to extensive hair loss.

Stress

• High levels of stress and certain medications can cause a condition known as telogen effluvium. The condition leads to hair loss, although it is usually patchy and not as extreme as the hair loss experienced by women with androgenetic alopecia. The condition usually corrects itself spontaneously after about six months, according to MedScape, and normal hair growth resumes.