Causes of Hair Loss in Women

The Root Cause of Hair Loss in Women

Every person’s root cause is different. One of the main root causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is genetic predisposition. Known as androgenetic alopecia, it is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Women are more likely to have FPHL if a first degree relative experienced hair loss.

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically predetermined disorder due to an excessive response to androgens. This condition affects up to 50 percent of males and females and is characterized by progressive loss of terminal hair of the scalp any time after puberty. Female hair loss can be tracked using the Sinclair Shedding Scale, which delineates how visual shedding can be evidence of advancing hair loss.

Approximately one third of women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Among post menopausal women, as many as two thirds suffer from hair thinning or hair loss. The chances of being affected by female pattern hair loss increases with age. FPHL affects 40% of women by age 50. That means most women, at some point in their lives, will experience hair loss.

5 Stages of FPHL according to the Sinclair Shedding Scale

• Stage 1: Little or no hair loss
• Stage 2: A slight gap appears in your center
  hair part
• Stage 3: A wider gap is present in your center
  hair part, and there’s hair loss on
  either side of your part line
• Stage 4: Bald spots appear toward the front of
  your hairline
• Stage 5: Advanced hair loss

Other Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Beyond genetic predisposition, other causes of hair loss include:

Underlying health conditions

Various medical conditions can lead to hair loss, including autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata (where the immune system attacks hair follicles), scalp infections like ringworm, and other chronic illnesses like lupus.

Nutritional deficiencies

Poor nutrition or deficiencies in vital nutrients such as iron, protein, and vitamins (especially B vitamins) can cause hair to fall out or become brittle and weak.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can cause temporary or permanent hair loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects hormone levels, can also lead to hair thinning.

Changes to diet or rapid weight loss

As the body adjusts to different inputs and outputs, hair composition and thickness may change. 

Stress and trauma

Physical or emotional stress, including surgeries, severe illnesses, or emotional traumas, can lead to a temporary condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair falls out more rapidly than normal.

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Both treatments are used for fighting cancer but can have distressing side effects like hair loss.

Medications and supplements

Certain medications used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Hair care practices

Over-styling, using harsh hair products, or regularly subjecting hair to heat and chemicals can lead to hair damage and loss.

Current Trend

Vitamin Deficiencies and Hair Loss

Vitamins, like supplements, can impact your hair loss. Which specific vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss? Riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 have been linked to hair loss. Hair is a part of the integumentary system, or the outer layer of the body, which also includes skin, nails, and glands. The integumentary system relies on the resources within the body to maintain health.

Current Trend

Supplementation and Hair Loss

Many people ask if there are links between creatine and hair loss. It is important to remember that anything you are putting into your body can impact your whole system, including your hair. If creatine, or any supplement, is a part of your supplementation regimen, you will want to consider how that impacts your hair and any potential for hair loss. If you notice a change, be sure to speak with your primary care physician.