Hair Loss in Women-a Sensitive Issue

Beautiful hair in women has been a subject of discussion as well as a source of attraction from times immemorial. Though hair loss is more prevalent in men, making their lives miserable, for a woman hair loss is nothing less than a catastrophe. According to survey reports, many women have suffered in their marriages and many have attempted suicide as a result of hair loss. The beauty of a woman lies in her hair which not just protects her skull from injury but at the same time adds cosmetic value to her persona. Howsoever beautiful a woman is, excessive hair loss mars her beauty. She loses her confidence and self esteem thereby developing a feeling of insecurity, frustration & stress.

Hair loss patterns differ in male and female. Females experience hair loss in diffused pattern. Baldness in women, also referred to as female pattern alopecia, is hereditary & is caused by the actions of mainly two enzymes i.e. aromatase (found mainly in women) and 5-a reductase (found both in men & women). Aromatase helps in the formation of female hormones like estrone and estradiol. It also helps in lowering the level of DHT which in turn is responsible for thinning, shrinking and finally disappearance of hair follicles. Yet another condition alopecia areata is responsible for hair loss in women when hair follicles are attacked by white blood cells, making it smaller and smaller.

Few months after the onset of this condition, the hair growth stops completely. Apart from age, diet, illness and hormones, the most common reason among women for hair loss is stress. They tend to take a lot of stress due to their busy schedule which leaves them with no time for themselves. As a result they suffer from poor nutrition, thus resulting in hair loss. Consumption of certain drugs like birth control pills, antidepressant etc might also cause hair loss in women. Women often resort to improper treatment and styling like chemical treatment, coloring, perming etc which also result in hair loss.

Hair loss in women could be prevented by consumption of certain drugs like minoxidil & finasteride. These drugs prevent hair fall & promotes hair growth but at the same time give way to many side effects. Women could also resort to certain home remedies & natural medicines instead of synthetic drugs. Proper nutrition gelled with healthy lifestyle could be beneficial for preventing hair loss.