Women's Hair Loss - Identifying the Problem and Taking Action

It has become more and more common for older women to realize that they are quickly losing their hair! This terrible problem is happening to more young women as well. This is a terrifying prospect, since male pattern baldness is much more well known and accepted that that of females. Womens hair loss is no laughing matter, however, in many cases, the cycle can be reversed.

Hair normally grows at a rate of a half inch per month, and each hair has a growth phase for about four to six years. Following this, the hair usually falls out. In most people, this is no big deal as another hair follicle simply grows back in its place. Sometimes however, the hair does not grow back and the follicle closes itself up. This is a condition medically known as androgenic alopecia.

Alopecia sometimes occurs in women, however it is usually caused by excessive testosterone and thus is a male disorder. The difference is in the appearance. Male pattern baldness will appear in a spot or around the crown on the head, where as women tend to lose their hair from the entire head. Having this disease in a woman means that the hair loss could occur at any age.

Disease is anther factor of hair loss for women. Autoimmune disorder can cause hair loss in large clumps or patches. Anemia, chronic illness or thyroid disease can cause loss as well.

Another large problem that women face is stress. Often after a traumatic event, there can be severe hair loss. Such events include things that are traumatic on the body, such as childbirth. An eating disorder can also cause hair loss. Traumatic emotional events, such as death or a divorce can cause the emotional trauma that would cause the fall out to occur.

Since severe hormone changes can cause the falling out, this loss is usually only temporary. Once a woman recovers from the stress and her hormones balance, her hair usually regains its previous pattern of growth.

If a woman notices that she is losing hair, the first thing she should do is go to the doctor. In cases like this, it is best to identify the problem as soon as possible in order to begin to work on the solution. The loss can be stopped and fixed if it is caught in time. Womens hair loss does not have to happen. Be aware and get it taken care of.