Hair loss in women

Does this situation sound familiar? You're in the bathroom and the sink is full of hair. The water in the shower is no longer draining properly because more and more hair is blocking the drain. Finally, you notice that your hair volume has noticeably decreased.

After a quick search on the Internet, the sudden shock comes: hair loss!

The last thing you want to experience as a woman. You can't stop thinking about it. Your focus is only on the top of your head, and imagining how bad it could end robs you of sleep.

You ask yourself: "Isn't hair loss a man's problem?", "Will I have to shave my head bald soon?" - and the questions go on and on.

In such cases, many of us seek clarity from Dr. Google. But instead of finding relief, we often end up in a chaos of possible causes.

Hereditary factors, stress, hormonal fluctuations, infections, illnesses, autoimmune reactions against the hair follicles... The list seems endless.

Medications such as biotin tablets or finasteride solutions are suggested. Other amateur authors recommend applying rosemary oil, apple cider vinegar or coconut oil to the scalp. Home remedies that are said to work wonders.

And despite all this effort, often nothing happens. We have made it our mission to help you in such cases and bring clarity.

In this blog, we would like to focus primarily on women and clarify the most frequently asked questions.

What are the symptoms and signs of hair loss in women?

First of all, we would like to reassure you that hair loss in women is completely normal and has nothing to do with your femininity. Before we go into the solutions, it is important to understand how hair loss manifests itself in women.

The symptoms are manifold. Starting with thinning hair. Your bangs no longer seem as thick as they used to be or the parting seems wider. You notice that more hair falls out when you brush, wash or even pull your hair slightly.

What are the causes of hair loss in women?

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic factors.

‍

Genetic predisposition

‍Oneof the most common causes is androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary hair loss.

Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss in women. The hair roots react sensitively to male hormones, also known as androgens. Women going through the menopause are often affected and notice increased hair loss on the crown or forehead, or hairline.

In younger women, a hormonal imbalance, such as in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also be the cause.

Genetic factors influence our general hair density, particularly with regard to the sensitivity of the hair roots to androgens. In the case of hereditary hair loss, the hair follicles shrink due to the hormone testosterone, causing the hair to become thinner and shorter and to fall out more quickly. Hair loss occurs in phases and progresses slowly. Around 30 to 40 percent of women are affected in the course of their lives, usually after the menopause, but sometimes between the ages of 20 and 30.

‍

Hormonal fluctuations

‍Hormonescontrol hair growth. Oestrogens promote it, while an increase in male hormones can cause hair loss. Every woman has male hormones in her body, but in minimal quantities.

In this case, hair loss is a symptom and not a disease. Hormonal hair loss has increased over the last 20 years, triggered by the contraceptive pill and hormone residues in food, among other things. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and the menopause can trigger hair loss. Stopping the contraceptive pill can also cause hair loss.

Hormonal hair loss, also known as diffuse hair loss, can occur at any age. Not only menopausal women are affected, but also young women or girls between the ages of 16 and 20. During pregnancy, hair grows better or remains in the growth phase for longer, but often falls out after the birth. However, this usually normalizes after six months or at least after breastfeeding.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often leads to hair loss, acne and increased body hair. It is treated with medication that suppresses male hormones. Hormonal fluctuations caused by certain medications and hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss and must be treated.

‍

Hair loss after a stressful time

‍Prolongedstress can lead to hair loss in women (but also in men). Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol have a negative impact on the hair follicles, which can lead to diffuse hair loss. However, a poor diet during periods of stress can also weaken hair growth. Stress usually increases the concentration of messenger substances around the hair follicles, which can trigger inflammation and stop hair growth. This hair loss can occur suddenly and severely, usually 2-3 months after the stressful period.

After a stressful phase of life, the hair enters the resting phase prematurely and then falls out more quickly. Normally, hair loss is only noticed when 10-20% of the hair is already missing. Hair loss due to stress is usually temporary and the hair grows back when the body has recovered from all the circumstances.

Common causes of stress-related hair loss are break-ups, job loss, financial worries or health problems such as the flu or major surgery. External factors such as disasters or pandemics can also play a role. Compared to other causes of hair loss, stress-related hair loss can be treated well by eliminating the causes of stress and recovering.

Conclusion

So much for hair loss. We hope that we have been able to answer some of your questions and take some of the pressure off your chest. Are you still unsure? Sign up for a free hair analysis and let's take a look at your hair situation together.

‍