6 Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women

It can be difficult to figure out why you're losing more hair than usual because there are so many potential causes of hair loss in women. Some conditions, such as hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), are out of your control; you're dealt the cards you're dealt. Others, such as traction alopecia or transient hair loss (also known as telogen effluvium), can be controlled or even reversed if detected early. To make matters more confusing, certain reasons for female hair loss result in abrupt shedding, while others may become more obvious over time.

If you've noticed your hair is falling out more than normal, looking thinner, or growing more slowly than usual, here are some of the most prevalent causes of female hair loss.

1. Genetics

We normally think of male pattern baldness when we think of inherited hair loss. Hereditary hair loss, on the other hand, affects persons of all genders. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), hair loss in women is frequently concentrated at the top of the head (particularly visible at the hair part), whereas it is more likely to afflict men along the hairline.

Although you can't completely prevent hair loss, there are therapies that can help you slow it down and keep your hair thicker for longer, such as over-the-counter minoxidil or finasteride. As a result, the earlier you begin treatment, the better. Keep in mind that, as new studies and medicines become available, your treatment options for any ailment or health issue on this list may vary over time. Make sure you and your doctor are talking about which treatment alternatives are best for you on a regular basis.

2. Childbirth

Hair goes through three important stages throughout its life. There is a growth phase, followed by a transitional phase in which the hair stops growing but does not fall out, and finally a resting phase. After the resting period, your hair finally falls out.

However, most women find their hair growing quickly during pregnancy. "Everything is in a grow, grow, grow period," Fusco explains, "because there are surges of hormones [estrogen] that drive hair to grow." Not only is the development stage accelerated, but it also lasts longer than usual, obviating the need for normal shedding.

Hair resumes its normal growth cycles once estrogen levels return to normal after delivery, and it begins to shed all of the thick, luxurious hair that has gathered over the last 10 months. Some women have a very little shedding, while others have a lot of shedding for a few months.

Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss (technically, hair shedding) that can happen months after a stressful or major life event like childbirth, according to Bethanee Schlosser, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology and head of Northwestern Medicine's Women's Skin Health Program. She notes that "shedding peaks roughly four months following the incident" that caused it.

Fortunately, postpartum hair loss is just temporary. As a result, according to the AAD, there isn't much you can do to treat it. While you wait, there are certain things you can do to make your hair look and feel fuller. Look for volumizing shampoos and conditioners that are developed for fine hair, and stay away from products that weigh the hair down.

3. Changes in birth control

Hormone-induced shedding can also occur when you stop using hormonal birth control or switch to a different kind of hormonal contraception. "Whether you're just starting it, stopping it, or switching brands," Dr. Fusco explains, "your body can react by causing the hair to go into an enhanced shedding cycle."

This is a different type of telogen effluvium, and it's usually just transient. While you wait for your hair to regrow its fullness, you can use volumizing products and style techniques.

4. Nutritional deficiencies

Getting good nutrition is essential for growing and keeping healthy hair. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), and protein, in particular, have all been related to different types of hair loss.

A conversation with your doctor and a blood test to precisely diagnose your issue are usually the first steps in treating a nutritional deficiency. Your doctor may then prescribe supplements to cure your deficiency or send you to a registered dietician for further assistance.

5. Medications

According to Dr. Schlosser, "certain drugs can promote chronic shedding." According to the Mayo Clinic, medications used to treat high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, and depression have been linked to hair loss.

Consult your doctor if you suspect your medicine is causing hair loss. This sort of hair loss is usually just transient. If your hair loss becomes chronic, though, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine that does not have this adverse effect.

6. Dandruff or scalp psoriasis

It's understandable that when the skin on your scalp is irritated and itching, you'll want to scratch it. However, your hair may shed more than usual as a result of this.

Dr. Fusco says dandruff is the most easily handled cause of hair loss because it can be treated with over-the-counter medications like a shampoo with zinc pyrithione or exfoliating components like Head & Shoulders Classic ($9, Amazon) or Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($46, Dermstore). "The key is consistency," Dr. Fusco explains, so choose a shampoo and conditioner you enjoy enough to use on a regular basis.

Other disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis (a more severe variant of dandruff caused by a buildup of yeast and oil) and psoriasis, can also cause irritation and scalp flaking (an autoimmune condition that causes thick patches of skin). These disorders may require more time and effort to treat than dandruff, so it's crucial to see a dermatologist if you suspect you're suffering from one of them.

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