The reason why we rarely hear of hair loss in women is because of social stereotypes among women regarding the condition. Of course, short hairstyles are now socially acceptable for females. Baldness however is not. It is quite common for us to think that women should have thick, luxurious hair regardless of age and hairstyle. This is probably why those with female hair loss simply prefer to keep mum about their conditions. The truth is however, 1 in 4 women suffer from baldness. Female hair loss may therefore be as common as male hair loss.
Hair Loss Myths
One common belief about hair loss in women is that the condition is caused by frequent hair styling, hair coloring and treatments. Frequent handling of hair in these ways may really result in hair breakage near the scalp. Female hair loss of this kind however is not permanent. Hair will eventually grow back and the worst that may result in over treating hair would be hair dryness and probably split ends.
Other Causes
There may be several reasons why women experience loss of hair. The most commonly believed causes of female hair loss however may actually be responsible for only 5% of hair loss cases. These causes include alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia and trichotillomania.
One autoimmune disorder is the Alopecia areata which results to bald patches and/or diffused thinning. Telogen effluvium is another condition in which numerous hair strands shift from the growing phase into the falling phase. Traction alopecia is the result of tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns and braids in which large amounts of hair are pulled off. This may eventually lead to scarring alopecia in which areas of the scalp become scarred. Trichotillomania is a serious psychological condition which is characterized by chronic hair pulling which can lead to bald areas.
Most Common Cause
It is believed that 95% of female hair loss cases can be linked to hormonal causes. Estrogen level imbalances, an over or under active thyroid gland, child birth, menopause and hormonal therapies may be the culprits in female hair loss.
Difference with Male Hair Loss
Although female hair loss caused by hormonal factors may be a common condition in women, it should be understood that the time and age of hair loss for women is different than in men. Women may suffer from hair loss as soon as they hit their early twenties. Most women who suffer from hair loss also do not frequently develop bald patches.
In women, balding is usually diffused and with obvious thinning only on certain areas of the head such as the back or the top of the scalp or on the front hairline. Having severe and wide bald spots may be a sign that you need to see your doctor.
