Hair loss in women

Generally hair loss (alopecia) is not expected in women as compared to men. Baldness is very common problem in men.  

Causes for Hair Loss in Women

Causes of hair loss may be different in every individual.

Poor nutrition.   
Certain types of medication.  
Scalp infection. can be the cause of (temporary) hair loss.
Excessive use of appliances like, hot rollers damage the hair follicles

Sometimes it is possible to stop hair loss by, for example, not using a specific hair treatment product or method anymore.

Diseases such as diabetes and lupus

High fever

Burns or radiation therapy Chemotherapy

Acute trauma (surgery, physical injury or psychological trauma)

Hormonal changes.

A sudden hormone change (usually a drop in hormone levels)

delivery of the placenta causes the levels of pregnancy hormones to plummet

Discontinuing birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

Underactive or overactive thyroid

Medications: These include retinoids, blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, certain birth control pills and even NSAID’s (including Ibuprofen)

There are mainly three types of hair loss (alopecia) in women. These are:

Androgenetic alopecia

It is an inherited hair loss pattern and it is the most common cause of permanent hair loss in both women and men.

Alopecia Areata

when immune system attacks the hair follicles, Alopecia Areata may occur.

 

Traumatic Alopecia

Traumatic Alopecia may be caused by braiding or chemically treating the hair. Many times appliances like, hot rollers damage the hair follicles, causing baldness. This treatment is commonly used to stop hair loss.

Treatment for hair loss

There are a number of therapies that are currently being used like,

• Corticoid steroids: These are cortisone types of anti-inflammatory drugs that help to suppress the immune system; they can be given as a pill, topical ointment or as a local injection, directly into the hairless patches on the scalp.

• Minoxidil 5%: (known under the brand name of Rogaine) This promotes hair growth in several conditions in which the hair follicles are small and not growing to their full potential. It needs to be used on a daily basis. New hair growth can appear in about 12 weeks, however if use of the drug stops, the new hair may fall out.

• Anthralin (Psoriatic): This is a tar like substance that is used to treat psoriasis; it changes the immune function in the affected skin. If it does work, new hair growth is seen in eight to twelve weeks. It is often used in combination with other medications.

• Sulfasalazin: This sulfa drug is used to treat autoimmune disorders.

• Topical sensitizers: These, when applied to the scalp, cause an allergic reaction that leads to itching and scaling, but also stimulate the hair follicles and can cause hair growth. Again, results are only seen after long-term use, usually three to twelve months.

• Photo chemotherapy: This too is used for psoriasis. It has helped about half those treated, but requires special equipment and treatment two to three times a week. There are concerns that it could increase risk of skin cancer.