Thanks to the unrealistic and sometimes over-the-top beauty standards, hair loss in women is a much bigger concern than hair loss in men is. In case of women, hair loss manifests itself in three different forms: androgenetic alopecia (hair loss due to genetic/hormonal composition), telogen effluvium (hair loss due to stress, change in diet, use of certain medicines etc.), and non-pattern hair loss (rare and unclassifiable forms of hair loss).
Irrespective of the form, hair loss in general causes more anxiety, stress, and self-confidence issues among women. Understanding and analyzing the causes helps in taking necessary action to curtail hair loss.
Iron is a vital nutrient for hair growth because it contains a stored iron called ferritin, which contains a protein that nourishes your hair.
Lack of Iron (Anemia)
Iron is a vital nutrient for hair growth because it contains a stored iron called ferritin, which contains a protein that nourishes your hair. Therefore, if your hair starts thinning, make it a point to first visit a general physician and check for anemia. If you do suffer from anemia, take the required medication or treatment and check if the hair loss is also contained. Else, go for treatment that focuses on hair loss.
Childbirth
The female body secretes high levels of estrogen during pregnancy. Because estrogen is a hormone that promotes hair growth, women tend to have dense and lengthy hair during those nine months. However, the estrogen level goes down once the child is born, causing excessive hair fall. This cycle of excessive hair growth and sudden hair fall is normal and not a major cause of concern. Over time, the lost hair begins to regrow.
This hormonal disorder, which affects around 18% of women in India, also causes hair loss.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This hormonal disorder, which affects around 18% of women in India, also causes hair loss. Women suffering from PCOS secrete high levels of androgen, which is a male hormone that leads to androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). Early diagnosis and treatment for PCOS helps in avoiding more serious concerns later.
Menopause
Like in the case of childbirth, secretion of estrogen decreases after menopause too. As a result, the hair might thin, fall, or stop growing completely.
Besides these four, there are other factors that cause hair loss in women. However, these secondary factors are rare and unclassifiable. In the case of women, regular health checkups, dietary regulation, and a healthy lifestyle can help contain hair loss to a great extent.
