STRUGGLING WITH HAIR LOSS? HERE’S WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

OVERVIEW    

When we think of hair loss, we naturally associate it with men.  However, hair loss affects up to one-third of women as well.   More so than men, women are more likely to experience thinning rather than hair loss.  There are many underlying causes of hair loss and thinning, so let’s discuss them.

TYPES OF HAIR LOSS

First, let us address the different kinds of hair loss.  Some types of hair loss or thinning are permanent, and some are temporary.

• Androgenic alopecia is hereditary, and it can affect males or females.

• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that results in hair loss from the head and body.

• Telogen effluvium is the rapid shedding of hair in a short amount of time. It typically occurs a few months after your body experiences something physically or emotionally stressful. It can also result from sudden hormonal changes.

• Anagen effluvium is a very rapid hair loss that occurs due to specific medical treatments, such as chemotherapy.

• Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by tight hairstyles (AAD, 2024).

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

Some of the most common causes of female hair thinning are:

• Thyroid disease

• Hormonal shifts

• Autoimmune conditions 

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Other causes can be traction alopecia (e.g. Tight ponytails or hairstyles)

• Hair care (certain shampoos)

• Scalp infection

• Some medications 

• Sudden weight loss

• Low-calorie diet

• Unbalanced diet

• Obesity

• Excessive intake of vitamins and minerals

• Stress

• Hair care (applying heat, chemicals, etc.) (AAD, 2024).

TREATMENT

There are several ways to combat hair thinning and/or loss.  It has been found that plant-rich diets such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), whose main nutrients are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic components, include chemicals that stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. These diets contain phytochemicals that promote hair development, causing growth hormones to be secreted (Gokce et al., 2022).  

• Medications such as minoxidil and spironolactone can be used for hair loss in women.  Minoxidil is available over the counter and spironolactone is available by prescription.

• Biotin is a popular supplement for hair loss. This supplement can cause false lab readings, so let your provider know if you take it. Despite the popularity of biotin, there is still insufficient evidence in randomized controlled trials to support that it  prevents or treats hair loss (Gokce et al, 2022).

• Rosemary oil. Limited research has been conducted, but some studies have found rosemary oil to be almost as effective as minoxidil in helping with hair growth. (Glynis, 2012).

PREVENTION

A balanced, healthy diet is vital for hair growth.  Research shows specifically the Mediterranean diet, whose primary nutrients are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic components – including chemicals that stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. These diets contain phytochemicals that promote hair development by lowering the generation of reactive oxygen species in the dermal papilla cells, causing growth hormones to be secreted (Gokce et al., 2022).

• Avoid tight hairstyles

• Be gentle with your hair (use appropriate tools, shampoos, and conditioners)

• Take a multivitamin

CONCLUSION

There are many underlying causes for hair thinning and loss.  It is not just a problem for men; it affects women as well.  Prevention, if possible, is recommended, and treatment of underlying problems is vital.  If you are experiencing hair loss, see your primary healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

References

American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Causes of Hair Loss.  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes

Glynis A. (2012). A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 5(11), 28–34.

Gokce, N., Basgoz, N., Kenanoglu, S., Akalin, H., Ozkul, Y., Ergoren, M. C., Beccari, T., Bertelli, M., & Dundar, M. (2022). An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition. Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene, 63(2 Suppl 3), E228–E238. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2765

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