What Causes Hair Loss in Women?

• 17 May 2023
• Dr. Ossman Ashraf

Last updated on June 6, 2023

Hair loss can be a difficult issue for many women to deal with. Although it is more common in men, women can suffer from hair loss as well. From aging to hormonal changes to certain medical conditions, there are many potential causes of hair loss in women. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common causes of hair loss in women and what can be done to prevent it.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can have a significant effect on hair loss in women. The hormones associated with hair loss in women are androgen. When the body has too many of these hormones, it can cause the hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

This type of hair loss is referred to as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern baldness. Women with hormonal imbalances may find that their hair becomes thinner over time or that they experience more hair loss than usual. If this is the case, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional in order to determine the cause of the imbalance and to find a suitable treatment plan.

Stress-Related Hair Loss

Stress-related hair loss in women is a condition caused by extreme physical stress or emotional stress. It is a form of alopecia called Telogen Effluvium. Symptoms may include thinning of the hair, a receding hairline, or complete baldness.

In women, it is usually seen on the top of the head and the sides of the forehead. Stress-related hair loss is often reversible, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and exercise can help reduce stress, and in turn, reduce hair loss

Extreme stress can cause onsite hair loss in women.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to hair loss in women. Vitamins A, B, C, D and E are all essential vitamins for healthy hair growth. A lack of these vitamins can cause hair to become brittle, thin, and fall out.

Additionally, mineral deficiencies such as iron, zinc and selenium can lead to hair loss in women. Iron is essential for hair growth and can become depleted due to poor nutrition, anemia, and heavy menstruation.

Zinc and selenium deficiencies can also lead to hair loss, as these minerals are essential for healthy hair growth. Identifying a vitamin or mineral deficiency and addressing it can help to reduce hair loss in women.

Medications and Treatments

Common medications and treatments used to treat depression include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and light therapy. Antidepressants help to change the balance of chemicals in the brain, which can help to elevate mood.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to depression. ECT and TMS are two forms of electrical stimulation used to treat depression that can produce positive results.

Finally, light therapy is a type of therapy that involves exposure to bright light to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Certain types of medications can cause hair thinning or loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium is a type of hair loss in women that is often caused by physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, or dietary changes. It is characterized by the acceleration of the hair’s growth cycle, causing a large number of follicles to enter the resting phase, or telogen, all at once.

This causes the hair to shed more than usual. In some cases, this shedding can be quite severe and can continue for months. Treatments for Telogen Effluvium are typically focused on stimulation therapy like growth factor injections and minoxidil also helps. Hair Doctors are able to assist with these treatments.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles resulting in patchy hair loss. It is most common in young adults and affects both men and women.

It can cause severe hair loss in some cases leading to partial or complete baldness. In women, it is more common than in men and can cause distress due to the visible effects.

Treatment can include topical lotions and creams, steroid injections, and phototherapy. The outlook is generally good with most people noticing hair regrowth within six months to a year.

At Hair Doctors we offer steroid injections,, please contact us to book your appointment.

Hereditary Female Hair Loss

Hereditary hair loss in women, also known as female pattern baldness, is a very common form of hair loss. It usually begins with a widening of the central part of the scalp, leading to thinner or missing hair on the crown and temples.

Over time, the hair may become finer and shorter, and eventually, the scalp may become visible. Hereditary hair loss in women is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the hair loss but include medicines, topical treatments, and hair transplantation.

Age-related hair loss in women is a common issue that many women face as they get older. This type of hair loss is also known as female pattern baldness and is caused by a combination of age, genetics, hormones, and lifestyle.

It can result in thinning hair on the top and sides of the head, as well as the appearance of a receding hairline. While there is no cure for female pattern baldness, there are several treatments available that can help to slow down or stop the progression of the condition.

These treatments include medications, laser therapy, and hair transplantation.

There are many reasons that could be causing hair loss in women. It is best to seek out a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and to recommend the correct course of treatment.

Hair loss may happen for any reason and it’s recommended a professional diagnosis be made to ensure the best treatment.

How we can help with causes of hair loss in women

Hair Doctors can provide advice on the causes of hair loss in women. We may suggest lifestyle changes, healthy diet changes, and medications to help promote healthy hair growth. We can also treat hair loss with treatments such as laser therapy, scalp massages, and topical medications to encourage hair regrowth and hair restoration surgery.

Meet our doctors

Dr Ateka Khan

Hair transplant doctor

Dr Ateka qualified from the University of Dundee, UK in 2006, and has over a decade of experience in Aesthetic Medicine and Minor Surgery.

Having undergone specific training within the fields of Anaesthesia and Acute Care, she received her qualification from the well-renowned London Hair Restoration Academy and has specialised in performing transplant surgery using the latest micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques.

Dr Ossman Ashraf

Hair transplant doctor

Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK in 2009 and has since acquired significant expertise in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. Furthermore, he has obtained additional qualifications in medical education and presently serves as the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s premier online Men’s Health platform.

How to schedule a consultation

To schedule a consultation with one of our hair loss experts, please contact us as follows:

• Call us on 02 7252 3351
• Email us at info@hairdoctors.com.au
• Book online

Our Location

We are located at Level 1/5A Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022.

FAQs

If you require more information on hair restoration  please read our most frequently asked questions:

How do I know if I have female pattern hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in women and is caused by genetic predisposition. The most common symptom is thinning of the hair over the crown of the head and along the frontal hairline.

Other signs may include thinning of the hair over the temples and at the back of the head, widening of the part in the hair, and a decrease in the density of the hair. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and to discuss potential treatments.

Why am I suddenly experiencing thinning hair?

There are many possible causes of the sudden thinning of hair, including hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and certain medications. See your doctor for a full evaluation to determine the cause of your thinning hair.

What lack of vitamins causes damage to hair follicles?

A lack of certain vitamins, such as vitamin D, can cause damage to the hair follicle, resulting in thinning hair and hair loss. Vitamin A, and B vitamins, biotin, iron, zinc, and protein are all important for healthy hair growth and can help prevent damage to hair follicles.

Can medication stimulate hair growth?

Yes, certain medications, such as minoxidil, can stimulate new hair growth. These medications are most effective for people who have genetic or hormonal-related hair loss.

What hormone causes hair loss in females?

The hormone responsible for hair loss in females is androgen.

Is male pattern baldness different to female pattern baldness?

Yes, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness are different. Male pattern baldness is caused by an inherited sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and usually results in a receding hairline and baldness on the top of the head.

Female pattern baldness is usually caused by an imbalance of hormones and typically results in thinning of the hair rather than a receding hairline or bald spots.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.