Hair loss in men is a common experience on account of their greater genetic tendency to suffer from pattern baldness. But in women too, a number of reasons for hair loss continue to pose a main problem for women who care about the health and look of their hair. Following are some of the main reasons for hair loss in women.

Female Pattern Baldness

Like male pattern baldness, women may suffer from female pattern baldness. In such a case, a thinning of hair all over the scalp occurs in a woman due to the failure of new hair to appear in place of those that are lost. Though the severity of female baldness is often much less than male pattern baldness, timely measures need to be taken in order to remedy this problem. Depending on the individual preference and the severity of hair loss, women may opt for surgery or the use of hair loss products (shampoos, conditioners etc).

Menopause

The change in the levels of certain female hormones is one of the main reasons for hair loss in women. This is why many women face an increase in hair loss during menopause. The effect of menopausal hair loss is more pronounced in women who are genetically more likely to lose hair in response to hormonal imbalance. Using special menopause supplements can treat the problem of hair loss during menopause. These may be used in combination with natural hair care products. In any case, the advice of a health professional is necessary.

Hair Loss after Pregnancy

A few months after the delivery of a child, about 50% of new moms often experience an almost sudden increase in hair loss. This is the result of a drop in estrogen levels after comparatively higher levels during pregnancy. This is one of the reasons for hair loss in women that leads to depressive feelings and a lower self-esteem in many cases. Happily, this postpartum hair loss is temporary and, once the hormone balance settles down to a steady level, hair loss stops without any treatment.

Other Reasons for Hair Loss in Women

Health professionals have studied a number of other reasons for hair loss in women. These include (but are not limited to) fungal infection of the scalp, deficiency of iron, copper, zinc, or other minerals in the body, digestive problems, use of harsh shampoos, dyes, and/or other hair care products, thyroid dysfunction, poor or unhealthy nutrition, and mental stress. In addition, handling hair roughly (pulling, twirling, breaking) may also cause hair loss in women. 

Tags: reasons for hair loss, female pattern baldness, hair loss