What Causes Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss is a common problem that affects many people, especially women. Hair loss can have different causes, patterns, and treatments depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Key Takeaway

The most common cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia. This is a genetic condition that causes hair to thin gradually over the top and sides of the head. Other possible causes of hair loss in women include hormonal changes, stress, medications, health conditions, and treatments.

Example

Mary is a 45-year-old woman who has noticed that her hair is getting thinner and her part is getting wider. She is worried that she might be going bald. She visits her dermatologist, who diagnoses her with FPHL. The dermatologist explains that FPHL is a hereditary condition that affects many women after menopause. The dermatologist prescribes Mary a topical medication called minoxidil, which can help slow down or reverse hair loss by stimulating hair growth.

Actionable Step

If you are experiencing hair loss, the first step is to consult a dermatologist who can examine your scalp, diagnose the cause, and recommend the best treatment option for you. Some of the common treatments for hair loss in women are:

• Minoxidil: A topical solution or foam that you apply to your scalp twice a day. It can help regrow hair and prevent further hair loss. It may take several months to see results and you need to keep using it to maintain the effect.
• Finasteride: A prescription pill that you take once a day. It can help block the production of a hormone that causes hair loss. It is only approved for men, but some women may use it off-label under a doctor’s supervision. It may have side effects such as decreased libido and birth defects.
• Hair transplantation: A surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of your scalp to another. It can create a natural-looking hairline and fill in bald spots. It is a permanent solution, but it can be expensive and require multiple sessions.
• Laser therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to stimulate blood flow and cellular activity in the scalp. It can help improve hair density and quality. It is painless and safe, but it may take several months to see results and you need to continue the treatment to maintain the effect.

Quiz

1. What is the medical term for the most common type of hair loss in women?
   • A) Anagen effluvium
   • B) Telogen effluvium
   • C) Androgenetic alopecia
   • D) Alopecia areata
   • Answer: C) Androgenetic alopecia
2. What is the main difference between male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss?
   • A) Male-pattern hair loss affects only men, while female-pattern hair loss affects only women.
   • B) Male-pattern hair loss causes a receding hairline and bald spots, while female-pattern hair loss causes overall thinning and a widening part.
   • C) Male-pattern hair loss is caused by genetics, while female-pattern hair loss is caused by hormones.
   • D) Male-pattern hair loss is permanent, while female-pattern hair loss is reversible.
   • Answer: B) Male-pattern hair loss causes a receding hairline and bald spots, while female-pattern hair loss causes overall thinning and a widening part.
3. What is the first step you should take if you notice hair loss?
   • A) Cut your hair short to make it look fuller.
   • B) Consult a dermatologist who can diagnose the cause and recommend the best treatment.
   • C) Buy a wig or a hat to cover your scalp.
   • D) Try a home remedy such as onion juice or coconut oil.
   • Answer: B) Consult a dermatologist who can diagnose the cause and recommend the best treatment.