Hair Loss in Women - Causes

Unlike men whose cause for hair loss is genetic in 99% of the cases, there may be many causes for hair loss in women, and they may be difficult not only to detect, but also to treat.

The most common causes are:

Androgenetic – that is, of genetic origin. It corresponds to about 70% of the cases for hair loss in women. Generally, in these cases, other female relatives (mother, aunts, grandmothers, etc.) have or had some thinning of the hair. In this case the only treatment is hair transplant surgery.

To see the results of hair transplants and clinical treatment in women, click here.

Learn more about female androgenetic alopecia at the end of this topic, or click here.

Other causes:

Telogen Effluvium: One common type of hair loss in women happens when a high percentage of the hairs are in the telogen phase at the same time, that is the stage prior to falling out, when the follicle has become finer and weaker. This occurs due to hormonal disorders, diet, stress, etc. It generally occurs in young adulthood or adolescence and usually is only resolved with clinical treatment.

Trichotillomania : The compulsive act of pulling out one’s own hair. Generally there are sections where chunks of hair are missing. This is not clinically or surgically treated until the emotional and psychological causes have been resolved.

Alopecia areata: Autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. An specific medical exam is necessary to be able to accurately diagnose Alopecia areata.

Cicatricial Alopecia: refers to a diverse group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. It may be widespread or localized and is sometimes difficult to identify.

One example, found in some black women, is the high forehead that develops as a result of tightly pulling their hair back. It may also be a result of burns, facial plastic surgery, radiation therapy, etc.

In the cases of Alopecia areata and Cicatricial Alopecia the only solution is hair transplantation.

Systemic Causes:

High hormonal levels – In this case the reason for the higher level should be investigated, as it could be resulting from situations as “banal” as an ovarian cyst or, more seriously, a tumor or adrenal disorder. Treatment depends on the cause.

Normal hormonal levels – In this case medication that regulates the male hormones produced by women are indicated. These are the so called antiandrogens and may be hormonal medication or otherwise. But in general they should be carefully monitored by a doctor and are intended for prolonged use. The effect is usually first seen after 3-6 months of treatment.