Being able to boast of a healthy mane is an important issue for both men and women. In fact, hair loss is usually one of thegreater worries for anyone, although the truth is that they suffer it in a different way. Not only does it affect self- esteem –which sometimes even leads to depression– but it can greatly condition social life, since it is not accepted in the same way.
Now that autumn has begun, many people notice increased hair loss or a decrease in density , which is normal since a natural renewal, also called telogen effluvium, occurs at this time. But if this situation is perceived continuously throughout the year, it is time to consult a specialist to find out the problem and be able to start the appropriate treatment. The causes that can cause the onset of alopecia among women are, for the most part, the same as in the case of men. However, there are some differences.
Hair loss in women: what causes hair loss?
Genetic predisposition to losing hair
Although it is more common in cases of male alopecia, it also occurs in women. When the loss is of hereditary origin, it is called androgenic alopecia. It is a genetic alteration of the follicles, which makes them more sensitive to androgens, the male hormones. It usually manifests itself in a decrease in density and the appearance of clear spots on the scalp. It is important to treat it in time, since episodes of depression often occur, due to the null social acceptance of baldness in women.
Hormonal changes
This is one of the most common causes in cases of female alopecia. Some hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen, play a fundamental role in terms of hair issues. In stages such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause is when more alterations in the hair growth cycle occur. During pregnancy, pregnant women usually notice stronger and healthier hair, due to the increase in estrogen, which delays spontaneous daily hair loss. However, after giving birth, these hormones decrease and testosterone levels increase, causing the hair to become weaker and eventually fall out. A situation similar to that which occurs during menopause.
Thyroid problems
Hair loss is sometimes caused by diseases such as those related to the thyroid gland, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. These induce an increase or decrease in the production thyroxine, a hormone that regulates metabolic processes, which causes hair to grow thinner and more fragile. It is important to go to a specialist to treat this pathology in a general way.
Stress: the female alopecia factor
It is, in all probability, the main enemy of hair health. Family or work problems, having suffered an accident, an illness or a traumatic episode, the fall of a loved one or the change of job can generate stressful and anxiety episodes, causing hair loss in an imprecise and homogeneous way. All over the head As a general rule, this type of alopecia usually resolves over time, with drugs such as minoxidil or finasteride , although these will be used, in any case, as a complement to psychological therapy.
Hair loss due to improper eating habits
Food has a significant influence on hair health. If you follow very strict diets with which you lose a lot of weight in a short time, or if you consume too much fat and are overweight, it is likely that you will notice temporary hair loss. Neither does the lack of vitamins A, B and C, protein, zinc or iron deficiency help, which can lead to anemia. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that guarantees the necessary supply of nutrients to encourage hair growth. What foods prevent hair loss?
Traction alopecia, when styling causes hair loss
Abuse of the use of extensions or too tight updos is not good and, sometimes, they originate in this type of baldness. As a general rule, it is reversible, as long as it is treated in time.
Why does hair fall out more in autumn? Hair life cycle
With the arrival of autumn, women perceive a certain decrease in hair density due to the increase in hair loss at this time of year. In autumn, the life cycle of the hair (hair cycle) undergoes the natural renewal of the follicles (telogen effluvium) which results in hair loss or progress from the anagen phase to the telogen phase.
Is there a treatment for hair loss in women?
There is no doubt that, for a woman, losing hair has a much greater psychological impact than for men. Many of these situations are temporary alopecia and, after several months, hair health returns to its normal state. However, if excessive hair loss is observed, it is recommended to see a specialist. The medical team of Doctor Antonio Burgos studies each case to offer the best solution for each patient, such as medical hair treatments with drugs based on minoxidil –a vasodilator that strengthens hair– or finasteride (which slows hair loss, although the latter is not indicated for women of childbearing age) or hair grafting with the FUE Patchy technique.
FUE Patchy: Women’s Preferred Hair Transplant Solution
The FUE Patchy technique is a hair transplant surgery that avoids shaving the follicular unit donation area and which, due to its procedure, is the preferred solution for women or men with long hair in the donor area.
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