Why do women experience hair loss and what should be done about it?
It is commonly believed that hair loss is primarily a problem for men, but women can suffer from it as well. Let’s explore why women experience hair loss and how to address it.
First, it’s important to determine whether hair loss is pathological. On average, we lose up to 100 hairs per day, which is considered normal. Specialists suggest a simple test: check if the fallen hair has a white bulb at the end. If there is no bulb, there is no cause for concern. If there is a bulb, avoid washing your hair for 2–3 days, and then gently pull the hair at the crown and temples. If more than five hairs remain in your hands, it’s time to consult a trichologist. Only a specialist can determine whether the hair loss is a natural process or requires attention.
Hair loss can often be an early sign of underlying health issues. Therefore, before addressing the consequences (hair loss), it is important to identify the cause. Most likely, eliminating the cause will resolve the hair issue as well.
There are two main categories of hair loss in women: telogen effluvium (gradual hair shedding) and anagen effluvium (sudden hair loss).
Anagen Effluvium This is a sudden loss of hair typically caused by strong chemical or medical treatments, as well as radiation, and is most commonly observed during chemotherapy. With mild exposure, hair follicle activity usually recovers later. There is no specific treatment for this type of hair loss. Hair regrowth resumes after the harmful exposure is ceased.
Telogen Effluvium This can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Acute hair loss lasts up to six months and then resolves, while chronic telogen effluvium can last longer than six months and sometimes persists for several years. Complete baldness does not occur with telogen effluvium.
Causes of Telogen Effluvium:
Hormonal changes Many women notice hair thinning after childbirth. Increased hair loss can begin 1–4 weeks postpartum and last for several months. This is usually related to hormonal changes, which can be exacerbated by stress, low protein levels, or blood loss. Complete recovery typically occurs 5–12 months post-childbirth.
Health issues Hair loss can also start after:
- Significant blood loss
- Acute infections
- High fever
- Surgery or trauma
- Poor diet or nutrition
This type of hair loss is often referred to as episodic baldness. Full hair regrowth typically takes about a year. However, there is a chronic form of hair loss that begins 2–2.5 months after an illness.
Causes of hair loss:
- Long-term medication use (e.g., chemotherapy drugs, retinoids, anticoagulants)
- Zinc and iron deficiency
- Chronic illnesses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, psoriasis)
- Severe stress (hair regrowth usually resumes spontaneously after stress is resolved)
Sometimes hair loss is linked to improper hair care practices (frequent use of blow dryers, curling irons, etc.), but experts agree that external factors typically worsen an existing issue rather than being the primary cause of hair loss.
Treatment for Hair Loss in Women: Before starting treatment, it is important to undergo a diagnosis to identify the cause, as solutions will vary.
Tests may include:
- Trichogram
- Biochemical blood tests
- Vitamin, amino acid, and mineral analysis
- Hair analysis
Accurate diagnosis is critical for recovery. In some cases, hair regrowth can occur naturally after eliminating negative factors or changing diet and rest patterns. However, there are instances where special treatment is required.
Treatment options include:
- Oral medications (e.g., “Proscar”)
- Topical creams and lotions (e.g., minoxidil-based)
- Laser therapy (available both in clinics and at home with laser combs)
- Scalp massage
- Medical shampoos and masks (e.g., “Nizoral”)
- Homeopathy
- Folk remedies (e.g., burdock or castor oil, pepper masks)
Folk remedies for hair loss in women:
- Burdock or castor oil: Massage into the scalp for 1-2 months.
- Orange peel: Steep peels from 2-3 oranges in water for three hours and use it to wash your hair.
- Pepper mask: Grind 1 chili pepper and steep it in 100 ml vodka for 2-3 weeks. This can be added to conditioners or oils.
These methods aim to stop hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Typically, a combination of medications and special care products is prescribed for the best results.
Hair Transplant: In some cases, neither medication nor folk remedies can stop hair loss. If significant bald patches develop, hair transplants may be necessary. One of the most advanced methods is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), where hair follicles are extracted from a donor area and transplanted to balding areas without incisions or scars.
Rubenhair Baltics is a leading clinic for hair treatment and transplants in the Baltic states, offering high-quality FUE hair transplants. The clinic also offers eyebrow, eyelash, beard, and mustache transplants.
To schedule a consultation with our specialists, fill out the form or call +371 26 7777 76. Visit www.rubenhair.eu
