What To Do About Hair Loss In Women

Scott Mogul

Hair loss is in women is not as uncommon as you might think. It does not only happen to men. As a result, more and more hair loss treatments are being developed for women.

While we are used to seeing balding men, we are not accustomed to seeing balding women. Women tend to hide their hair loss under hats or wigs. Women are more self-conscious about their hair loss than most men are. Therefore it is all the more important to have effective treatment for women with hair loss.

Causes of hair loss in women

It is normal to shed some hair each day. In fact, experts say healthy people shed as many as 100 hairs each day. When a hair falls out, a new hair begins to grow from the same follicle. As some women grow older, though, new hairs may not grow. Hair usually thins gradually all over the head. Thinning hair can occur in younger women, but often begins to occur during menopause.

Hair loss in women can be caused by a number of other things. For instance, women often lose some hair during pregnancy. Hair will regrow after childbirth. Surgery may also cause hair loss due to anesthesia. Hair will regrow on its own and hair loss treatment is usually not needed.

A poor diet can lead to hair loss. Hair is made up of protein, so it is important to eat a healthy diet that includes foods with protein. Hair also needs minerals, particularly iron, in order to grow. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss in women. Taking an iron supplement can help immensely.

Over treating hair with chemicals, such as those found in some hair dyes and permanents or straighteners can cause hair loss in women. Hair will usually regrow if you stop using these chemicals. Certain hairstyles can also lead to thinning hair. Tight buns, braids, or cornrows put extra strain on the scalp. This can actually cause scarring on the scalp, and then hair cannot grow there anymore.

Thyroid disease can cause hair loss. Medical treatment to correct the hormonal imbalance caused by the thyroid disease will allow the hair to regrow.

Certain medications will also cause hair loss in women, such as the chemotherapy sometimes used to treat cancer. If you think your medication is causing you to lose your hair, talk to your doctor. Never stop taking medication without checking with your doctor first.

Hair loss treatment

Hair loss treatment is not necessary in many cases. If hair loss is due to pregnancy, it will usually regrow following childbirth. If it is due to anesthesia used during surgery, it will usually regrow on its own. If hair loss is due to a poor diet, improving the diet is often all the treatment that is needed. If you wish to speed the natural hair regrowth process, you can try a hair loss treatment.

If hair loss is due to a medical problem, such as thyroid problems, you will need to see a doctor to get medical treatment. Your hair may then regrow on its own. If not, you may want to try some hair loss treatments.

If your hair loss is due to the normal aging process there are several hair loss treatments you can try. There are topical treatments, such as Rogaine, which you apply to your scalp. There are also oral medications, such as Propecia. Both of these have been proven to help treat hair loss in women. If you are on any medications, talk to your doctor to make sure these treatments are safe for you.

About The Author
This article was written by Scott Mogul, editor for
http://www.healthy-skin-guide.com and http://www.quickcare.org
For more information about female hair loss, and the latest hair loss discoveries, please visit these websites.