Hair loss is not restricted to men only. Women, and to some degree children, are susceptible as well. These days more and more women are experiencing hair loss, and the reasons are not the same as for men. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, female hair loss is a growing problem, affecting roughly 30 million women in the United States — with some forms of loss occurring at earlier ages. It is suggested that up to forty percent of American hair loss sufferers are women, and fifty percent of women experience hair loss of some sort by middle age.

For many decades, doctors believed there was a single cause of balding in both men and women. Today it is known that this is not true — at least where women are concerned. Hair loss in women is mostly caused by hormones, aging, and hereditary genes – although there are other causes as well. While it may be temporary or long-term, psychologically the damage can be severe.

There are several causes of hair loss in women

Androgenic alopecia, where the androgen hormones (such as testosterone, and estrogens) interfere with natural hair growth (this condition is more common in men). Androgens are also the original anabolic steroids.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a somewhat common hormonal problem in women. It is an endocrine (glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood) disorder affecting approximately 5%-10% of women of reproductive age (12-45 years old) and is thought to be one of the leading causes of female infertility.

Certain types of autoimmune disorders result in alopecia aerata, which causes hair to come out in clumps or patches. This condition can spread to include the whole scalp, or to all the skin of the body.

Telogen effluvium, a usually temporary condition that follows childbirth, crash dieting, surgery, or a traumatic emotional event.
Tight hair styles can cause traction alopecia, which damages hair follicles. This form of gradual hair loss is caused by a continued pulling force applied to the hair. Other causes of female baldness could be thyroid disorders, anemia, even chronic illness, or the use of certain medications.

Consult your medical professional for the hair loss treatment right for you.

The causes range from mild to severe, and from temporary to long term. Discovering the underlying problems and causes can help to remedy hair loss. Hair restoration, as well as hair growth/re-growth solutions, also help to keep the stigma of hair loss in women at a minimum.