7 Crucial Health Conditions Leading to Hair Loss in Women
Experts cite that hair loss is more frequent for women than men. 35 percent women experience hair loss by the age of 50. And this condition can occur anytime after girls attain puberty. Therefore it becomes important for women to understand the conditions which lead to excess of hair loss. Often these conditions are related to hormonal fluctuations.
Here are 7 health conditions that lead to hair loss in women:
- Menopause: Thinning of hair is a usual complaint from women undergoing menopause. The decreased production of the female sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone - during this time shows side effects like hair loss.
- Post Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a period in which, women’s hair grow fast and look luxurious. This is because of the increase in hormones that keep higher than normal number of hair follicles in a growth phase. But after giving birth, the quick drop in hormones causes decrease in the growth rate of follicles and thus leads to thinning of hair. Once the growth rate of follicles becomes normal, the hair fall will decrease.
- Stress: Extreme emotional stress takes a toll on the body which in turn can lead to excessive hair fall. This effect can remain for a long time.
- Crash Dieting: Unhealthy means of reducing weight like crash dieting lead hair follicles to go in a state of sudden ‘stop’, resulting in increased shedding of hair. This may last for months even after entering a healthy diet routine.
- Hair beautifying methods: Certain methods like tight braiding and hair extension techniques traumatize follicles and lead to a permanent bald spot on the scalp. This condition is also known as "Traction Alopecia".
- Compulsive hair pulling: This is one of the conditions of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Compulsive hair pulling may also lead to bald spots on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Plastic Surgery: Surgeries like Browlifts and Facelifts can alter the appearance of the hair line in the front, leading to both decreased hair density and scarring in particular areas.
In case of the first three conditions, health management techniques like exercise and meditation can control hair loss. For rest of the conditions, consult your physician.
