What Are Common Hair Loss Causes in Women?

It seems you are losing an excessive amount of hair and you are beginning to feel a little panicky. Do not jump to conclusions until you understand why there seems to be a higher rate of fall-out at times. It may not be as much of a problem as you think. Discover several common hair loss causes in women.

Genetic Tendencies

One of the reasons we seem to lose more hair at times is a genetic tendency. There are androgens, which are formed from three hormones, that interrupt the natural growing process. Although the hormones are normally seen as male hormones, they are produced in small amounts by women as well.

Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androsteinedione are produced in large amounts in the male body. All three of these are present in androgen hormones. When you have a genetic tendency for hair loss, testosterone will upon contact with the enzymes that are present in cells change to DHT. The DHT then attaches itself to the receptors found in the hair follicles.

The build-up of this androgen will cause the follicle to shrink. When this happens, the natural process of growing hair is interrupted. Some of the follicles may die and others will lose their ability to reproduce. So, what happens? Your tresses begins to fall out in large amounts. This condition is known as alopecia.

Other Medical Factors

Another reason for hair loss may be polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a hormonal disturbance and often this type of loss is the one and only sign that signals that there is a medical problem.

There is also a cause that is an autoimmune condition. It is called alopecia areata. This problem can cause your hair to fall out in big tufts. Sometimes certain things that happen in your life can cause changes in your hair. If you have been ill, had a traumatic event or chain of events happen recently, have been on a diet that is extremely limiting in vitamins or nutrients or have had a child recently this can be some of the causes of loss.

This type of hair loss, called telogen effluvium, is normally temporary and once the event is over, the problem will correct itself. Sometimes a thyroid disorder or the type of medicine taken can cause loss. Often, these are usually not diagnosed because some women feel this is a natural occurrence when they reach a certain age.

One of the main differences between hair loss in women and in men is that 90% of the time the loss for men is caused by a genetic susceptibility. Women can begin to lose hair at any time while for men it is usually as they age.

The easiest way to determine if there are underlying health reasons for hair loss causes in women is a trip to the physician. Tests can be conducted . By eliminating medical conditions, you can go about the business of trying to restore the beautiful hair you have lost.