Female Hair Loss

For most women with hair loss, the most come type is androgenetic alopecia which is often referred to as female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss refers to hair thinning predominately over the top and sides of the head. Over one third of all susceptible women are affected by it. While it is most often seen after menopause, it can begin even in the early stages of puberty. On a daily basis women lost 100-125 strands of hair per day. This is a normal amount of hair loss and these hairs are replaced. Hair loss occurs when the hairs are not regrown or when the normal amount of hair shedding exceeds the 125 hair strands. Genetically hair loss can come from either side of the family, and not just the mother’s side like some people have been told. There are two types of hair loss that are medically known as Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium. Anagen effluvium can occur because of medication such as chemotherapy that poisons the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter into the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Some of the more common causes of telogen effluvium are: Physical stress: illness, surgery, anemia, or rapid weight change. Emotional stress: death of a family member, mental illness. Thyroid abnormalities. Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications. Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause. When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered normal hair growth should return.