Hair loss in women: causes, prevention and treatments

Still too often taboo, hair loss in women is a much more widespread phenomenon than one might think. Ladies, be reassured right away, because there are a host of solutions. Focus on the causes of female alopecia, what can be done to prevent hair loss and treatments to tackle this phenomenon.

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First of all, ladies know that hair loss affects us all. If we tend to believe that this is a typically male problem, this phenomenon is also widely seen in women.

In figures, it is approximately 70% of women over 70 who suffer from female pattern baldness and 40% of women who notice a decrease in hair density after menopause.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for a pathology that causes significant hair loss which, over time, ends up stripping the entire skull.

This disease, often of genetic origin, is manifested by sudden and rapid hair loss. It affects one in a hundred people.

There are also several types of alopecia. Among the most common are:

Androgenetic alopecia: it is better known as “baldness” or female alopecia. It is manifested by hair loss above the skull. It is one of the most widespread.
Alopecia areata: it is an autoimmune disease where white blood cells attack hair follicles. This causes the sudden loss of round or oval patches, most often on the scalp.
Cicatricial alopecia: this is characterized by the permanent destruction of the hair follicles. Hair does not grow back.
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia: hair loss due to medical treatment used in the treatment of specific cancers or tumours.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: in this type of alopecia, it is the frontal part of the scalp that is affected.
Traction alopecia: it is a progressive hair loss caused by hairstyles that are too tight.

When to worry about hair loss

Did you know that in a completely normal way, the woman loses between 50 and 100 hairs, and this, per day? As a general rule, these grow back without any problem and therefore do not cause any concern.

However, we speak of alopecia when this balance is disturbed and the portion of hair loss exceeds 15%. In women, stress, childbirth, new eating habits and illness are all factors that can disrupt hair growth.

If you observe very visible signs that appear quite suddenly, ask yourself questions. Specifically, you might notice a large amount of hair falling out in the shower, on the pillow, on the or directly in the hands while combing your hair in the morning.

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The causes of hair loss in adult women

You should know that the causes of hair loss in women are multiple and it can be difficult to navigate when the problem occurs.

Stress, lifestyle, diet, genetic factors, environment, hormonal changes, and medical issues can all contribute to alopecia in ladies.

Age/aging: It is a fact. As we age, we observe a loss of capillary volume. In both men and women of mature age, the blood flow is less good in the scalp and around the hair follicles. The older you get, the less estrogen, a hormone linked to hair health, you produce.
Hormonal disorders/changes : During her life, a woman will experience several hormonal changes and these can lead to hair loss. We note, in pregnant women, a decrease in the level of estrogen which can put the hair follicles in the resting phase. These hormonal changes then cause temporary hair loss during pregnancy and in the months following childbirth.
Extreme stress/fatigue : Another factor to consider in the event of massive hair loss in a woman, stress activates the production of certain hormones (adrenaline, cortisol and adrenal androgens). This can also cause hair follicles to pause and prevent your hair from growing. Be aware, however, that stress-related hair loss is rarely permanent.
Deficiencies : A deficiency in iron, zinc or silicon is directly linked to hair loss. Without access to the nutrients they need, the hair gradually weakens and begins to fall out. These deficiencies can be linked to a poor diet (unsuitable diets, malnutrition, etc.) or to problems of absorption by the body, in particular.
Skin diseases: Certain diseases such as psoriasis, lupus, skin lesions and scars can also cause your hair to fall out or hinder its regrowth.
Scalp problems/oily dandruff : An unhealthy scalp can weaken hair and lead to hair loss. If you are experiencing abnormal hair loss, pay attention to the appearance of your scalp to spot areas of increased dryness, redness, pimples, or anything else abnormal. Itchy, greasy dandruff smothering your hair follicles are also good indicators.
Abuse/Hair Styles : If you have a habit of wearing hairstyles that are too tight (braids or ponytails, for example), of using unsuitable products and of having recourse to excessive poses of extensions, note that these mistreatments weaken your hair and its roots, gradually causing it to fall. To remedy this, simply stop these aggressions and take care of your hair.
Genetic : This is hereditary hair loss which considerably reduces the life of the hair. In this case, the hair follicles shrink and the hair gradually thins. The hair density then weakens, with more bald areas on the top of the head and around the parting.
The side effects : Obviously, this cause occurs as a result of medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or taking certain medications. The good news is that this is completely temporary.

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How to Prevent/Stop Hair Loss in Women

If you want to act in prevention to avoid at all costs losing hair from your pretty mop of hair, avoid too hot showers, hats, wearing caps or very tight elastics.

The simple fact of reducing, or even spacing out, the use of heating and electrical devices could prevent hair loss.

To put the odds on your side, it is recommended to use hair loss treatments and take dietary supplements.

In addition, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, maintain a balanced diet and increase your consumption of foods rich in iron and vitamin B to curb hair loss.

For better scalp health, try massaging for this area. Finally, reduce the stressful elements of your life and treat yourself to hours of restorative sleep for the greatest happiness of your hair.

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Treatments and treatments for hair loss

The very first step will be to fully understand the cause in order to find the appropriate treatment to address your hair loss. Speak to your family doctor or dermatologist as soon as you notice changes in your hair.

The sooner the problem is identified, the sooner you will be accompanied to treat this unwanted hair loss. Keep in mind that no hair loss treatment is 100% effective.

Le Minoxidil : This anti-hair loss product may help stimulate hair follicles, but may not produce significant results. A solution of minoxidil (2 or 5%) can be applied twice a day to promote regrowth. This solution is of no use in people who have lost all their hair.
Corticosteroids: When applied or injected into bare spots, corticosteroids may help regrowth in some people, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs similar to cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the body.
And laser : In some types of alopecia, this technique can help stimulate the hair follicles.
Hair transplant: This approach allows you to surgically relocate some of your own hair to thinning areas or implant artificial hair there.
Hair prosthesis/wig: The universe of ready-to-wear hair allows you to choose the ideal according to your needs and to customize it to match your look, your hair style, etc.
Acceptance: Easier said than done, but accepting your situation is the best treatment you can afford. Talk about it around you, join a group of women who are going through the same thing as you and don’t hesitate to consult psychotherapy if you feel that the situation is affecting your mental health.