Why Do Women Lose Their Hair?

Why Do Women Lose Their Hair?

Table of Contents

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I. How Common is Hair Loss in Women?

II. Signs of Hair Loss in Women

III. Causes of Hair Loss in Women

IV. Hair Loss Treatment for Women

V. Conclusion

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Few things are as distressing as noticing your hair is starting to thin. You look in the mirror and see more scalp peeking through, extra strands in your brush, or that your hair lacks its usual volume. What's going on?

Hair loss in women has many potential causes, from hereditary factors to medical conditions. Understanding the various reasons your hair might be thinning is the first step toward reversing the problem.

In this article, we'll walk through how common hair loss is for women, signs that your hair may be thinning, potential causes, and most importantly - what you can do about it. 

How Common is Hair Loss in Women?

Many women deal with hair loss at some point in their lives. In fact, about a third of women experience hair loss at some point, and up to two-thirds of postmenopausal women suffer from hair thinning. ¹

The leading culprit is female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. This genetic condition causes hair follicles to shrink over time, producing finer and thinner strands. While men often see a receding hairline or bald spot up top, women tend to notice gradual thinning around the part line first. From there, the hair loss spreads across the scalp over time. Complete baldness is rare in women, but the thinning can be significant. ¹

Virtually all women will develop some degree of female pattern baldness over time. It can begin any time after puberty, but women tend to first notice it around menopause when hair loss typically accelerates. The risk increases with age and is higher for women with a family history of hair loss on either side. ¹

Signs of Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss in women looks quite different from the typical male pattern baldness. In women:

• The hair thins in a Christmas tree pattern. Hair loss starts at the center part on the top of the scalp and radiates outward.

• The hairline remains intact.

• If hair loss is due to increased androgens (male sex hormones), the hair on the head becomes fine and thin, whereas the hair on the face becomes darker and coarser.

• Hair loss rarely progresses to complete baldness. ²

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

If you're noticing more hair than usual in your hairbrush or shower drain, it's understandable to be concerned. But before panicking, it's important to determine whether the issue is temporary shedding or permanent hair loss. The good news is that shedding is totally normal during the hair growth cycle. Hair loss, on the other hand, is permanent but often treatable. ³

The most common type of permanent hair loss in women is female pattern baldness (FPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia. It affects up to 30 million women, usually starting in the 40s, 50s or 60s. ⁴ The exact cause of FPB is unknown but may involve:

• Aging and the natural decline of estrogen levels, especially after menopause: Estrogen helps support hair growth, so dropping levels can contribute to hair loss.

• Genetics: If your parents experienced hair loss, you have a higher risk of inheriting the genes for FPB.

• Changes in androgen levels: Androgens are male sex hormones, though women also produce them in small amounts. Elevated androgen levels may stimulate hair loss in some women.

• Birth control pills: Some birth control pills may influence hair loss. ⁴

FPB tends to worsen over time as more hair follicles shrink and stop producing new hair strands. However, women usually do not go completely bald. Instead, the part often widens, and hair recedes at the temples. Without treatment, thinning can become quite widespread. ⁴

The good news is that treatment options are available to stop the progression of FPB and stimulate new hair growth. Treatment works best when started at the first signs of hair loss. ⁴

Hair Loss Treatment for Women

When it comes to combating hair loss in women, medications are often the go-to solution. ¹ Common treatments include:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Originally used to treat high blood pressure, researchers discovered it could also stimulate hair growth. Studies led to the FDA approving over-the-counter 2% minoxidil to treat women's hair loss. Today, a 5% solution is also available for more severe hair loss cases. Minoxidil doesn't work overnight. You need to use it consistently for at least two months to see results. Growth peaks around four months, but a six-to-twelve-month trial is recommended. If it works for you, you must keep using minoxidil to maintain the benefits.

• Anti-androgens: Androgens, including testosterone, are known to accelerate hair loss in women. For those who do not respond well to minoxidil, incorporating anti-androgens like spironolactone (Aldactone) into the treatment regimen can be beneficial. Anti-androgens are particularly effective in women with PCOS since they combat excessive androgen production. Anti-androgens are usually prescribed alongside an oral contraceptive.

• Iron supplements: Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss in women. If you are vegetarian, have a history of anemia, or experience heavy menstrual bleeding, your doctor may assess your blood iron levels. In cases of iron deficiency, supplementing with iron can often stop hair loss. ¹

Conclusion

Experiencing hair loss can be extremely distressing. Unfortunately, it's something most women will go through at some point in their lives, whether it's after pregnancy, menopause, or for other reasons.

The good news is that there are effective treatments that can help stop further hair loss and even regrow hair. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to first determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. By pinpointing the reason, your dermatologist can then recommend the best hair loss treatment option.