Increased Hair Loss in Women

Menopause is a natural part of a woman´s life but it can be a disruptive time due to the fact that the body undergoes many changes. One common physical change during menopause is increased hair loss in women. This menopausal symptom is one of the more upsetting symptoms given the fact that it alters a woman´s appearance and can affect her self-confidence. Increased hair loss in women is a complex problem and in order to deal with it successfully, women need to understand its causes. The information below explains all about increased hair loss in women and its triggers.

What is increased hair loss in women?

Increased hair loss in women is also known as alopecia and it basically means that a woman is losing more hair than usual. A typical hair grows approximately 1/4 of inch per month, and continues growing for a maximum of 6 years until the hair falls and another grows in its place. Hair loss occurs when there isn´t enough new hair being produced.

It may seem surprising but all women experience some degree of hair loss or thinning at some point during their lifetime, and two-thirds of them will be severely affected. However, increased hair loss in women does not result in complete baldness. In fact, most women suffer hair thinning, which is a loss of hair density (that causes clear areas in the scalp) but do not find themselves completely bald.

Increased hair loss in women can make a woman vulnerable and lacking in confidence. Due to society´s ideas about hair and femininity, increased hair loss in women can be a particularly distressing menopausal symptom to deal with. Thus, it´s a good idea to inform yourself about why increased hair loss in women occurs so that you feel more in control. The following article explains the different causes of increased hair loss in women.

What causes increased hair loss in women?

Menopause is one of the most common causes of increased hair loss in women in later life and it can be especially traumatic if accompanied by several other uncomfortable menopausal symptoms. Increased hair loss in women during menopause is caused by wavering levels of estrogen in the body due to lower levels of eggs in the uterus. Such estrogen imbalance also impacts on hormones such as progesterone and testosterone and this can result in increased hair loss in women.

Testosterone regulates hair growth. With the imbalance of estrogen levels the DHT hormone (derived from testosterone) is in charge of under-producing hair in certain areas, particularly the head. Yet, even though DHT is produced by testosterone, it is controlled by estrogen.

Aside from menopause, increased hair loss in women happens for several reasons, usually relating to other medical conditions. Below is a list of some of the most common causes:

Medical Causes • Pregnancy • Thyroid Disorders • Pituitary Problems • Anemia • Chemotherapy • Chronic Illness • Scarlet Fever

Psychological Causes • Anxiety • Emotional stress • Traumatic events • Depression • Eating Disorders

Lifestyle Triggers • Excess vitamin A • Lack of B, C vitamins • Iron deficiency • Lack of protein • Lack of exercise • Pulling or twisting hair

There are several available remedies that can treat increased hair loss in women. It´s always a good idea to consult a medical professional for guidance on dealing with increased hair loss in women both safely and effectively.

Which are the best ways to cope with Hair Loss in Women?
Three levels of approaches can be considered for treating Hair loss in women:
(1)lifestyle changes, (2)alternative approaches and (3)drugs and surgery. The safest way is to start with the least risky approach for hair loss in women and go on to the next level only if it is necessary. Click on treatments for Hair loss in women to learn all about these three excellent approaches.