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Hair Loss in Women: Causes and Treatment

Hair loss in women happens when a woman loses more than 125 hairs per day, leading to thinner-appearing hair and visible parts of the scalp. To treat hair loss in women, it is important to understand the hair growth cycle and the causes of hair loss in women.

Hair growth cycle

Hair follicles are present all over the human skin except for the hand palms and feet soles. The naked eye can’t see some hairs because they are very fine and thin. 

Hair is made from a protein named Keratin, which is made in the hair follicles. When the follicles produce new hair cells, they push older cells outside the follicle through the skin at a 15 cm. average per year. So the hair you see is in fact no longer living keratine cells.

The average human scalp has around 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses approximately 50 to 100 each day. However, this hair loss is not noticeable as new hairs grow simultaneously.

 

The hair growth cycle is divided into four overlapping stages:

1. Active growth phase (Anagen): It is the longest stage, lasting between 3 to 5 years whereas this stage is much shorter for eyebrows and public hair.
2. Transition phase (Catagen): This stage lasts for 10 days during which follicles regress and hair growth slows.
3. Resting phase (Telogen): It lasts for approximately 3 months. Hair doesn’t fall but it also doesn’t grow.
4. Shedding phase (Exogen): This phase is part of the resting phase. Hair falls when combed or washed.

Symptoms of hair loss in women

The symptoms of hair loss in women include seeing lost hair on clothes and pillows or during showers. The scalp is visible whether hair is tied or not and a widened hairline is seen. Women also notice hair breakage along with hair loss.

Causes of hair loss in women

There are many causes for hair loss in women, as mentioned below:

• Family history (Genetics)

This is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Genetically-caused hair loss is usually slow, with predictable patterns such as hairline regression or visible bald patches.

• Hormonal changes

Hormonal imbalance can cause temporary hair loss. This is usually associated with pregnancy childbirth or menopause.

• Medical conditions

Some diseases such as fungal dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss. Other diseases that can cause hair loss are: alopecia areata, psychological stress, hair-pulling disorder, and even diabetes.

• Medications side effects

Some medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. These medications include chemotherapy and those used to treat arthritis, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Hormonal contraceptives and excessive intake of vitamin A can also cause hair loss.

• Vitamins deficiencies

According to research, deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, iron, zinc, and magnesium can lead to hair loss.

• Other causes

Radiotherapy can also cause hair loss as hair may not grow in the same way. People who lose or gain weight suddenly are also at risk of suffering from hair loss.

Styling the hair excessively, especially if it involves tightly pulling the hair can cause noticeable hair loss.

Treating hair loss in women

The cause of hair loss must be identified to choose the appropriate treatment. This is usually determined by conducting laboratory tests. 

After consulting with doctors and laboratory medicine specialists, Medlab Laboratories designed and launched a test package (Sehtak Bil Denia – Hair Loss) to measure mineral and vitamin levels in addition to thyroid hormone levels to help determine the causes of hair loss. This package includes the following:

• Complete blood count (CBC Indices).
• Iron storage test.
• Zinc test.
• Vitamin B12.
• Magnesium test.
• Vitamin D.
• Thyroid gland test (TSH).

 

After determining the cause of hair loss, any deficiency is compensated or treatment is prescribed for the disease that is causing the hair loss. The doctor may also prescribe a hair growth-stimulating spray such as Minoxidil.

Hair begins to recover from hair loss after several weeks, which is why it is important to adhere to medications and vitamins.

Preventing hair loss

Follow these tips to avoid hair loss:

1. Avoid pulling your hair tightly, playing with it constantly, dyeing hair with dyes containing peroxide or ammonia, and using hair straightening products frequently.
2. Eat foods that help prevent hair loss, including:

• Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential amino acids.
• Carrots and sweet potatoes: Excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Eggs and dairy products: Rich in protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-6.
• Oat: Rich in zinc, iron, omega-6, and unsaturated fatty acids that stimulate hair growth and make it thick and healthy.
• Walnuts: Rich in vitamin B7, vitamin E, protein, and magnesium.
• Lentils: Loaded with protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and folic acid,
• Poultry (such as chicken): Rich in high-quality protein.