Genetics, hormone changes, and lifestyle are all factors in hair loss in women. Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause. It is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by complete penetrance. Thyroid hormone imbalances may also play a role in female hair loss.
Traction alopecia
The most common treatment for traction alopecia is avoiding pulling on the hair. However, some women who are experiencing this condition may benefit from other treatments as well. For instance, they may be prescribed topical corticosteroids. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may also need hair transplantation.
Hair loss due to traction alopecia is a condition that occurs when localized trauma to the hair follicles causes hair to break. This condition is most common around the hairline and affects around one third of African-American women. Certain hair styling practices like using chemical relaxers, wearing weave, and brushing hair too much may cause this condition. Likewise, wearing tight ponytails or headbands repeatedly can cause hair loss.
While traction alopecia can be permanent, it can also be reversible if it is caught in its early stages. A woman suffering from this condition should not wear tight hairstyles for at least three months. A woman who has suffered from this condition may also be prone to scarring.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. A clinical examination can help identify if a woman has traction alopecia. Dermatoscopy is another way to distinguish TA from other forms of alopecia. TA is a serious condition and requires care.
Treatment for traction alopecia varies. Sometimes, steroid creams may be applied to reduce the swelling on the scalp. In more severe cases, hair transplants may be necessary. Patients should also take care to avoid wearing tight wigs or using tension-free hairstyles.
In addition to traction alopecia, women may also experience a condition called lichen planopilaris. It occurs when the skin disorder lichen planus affects the scalp. It causes hair loss in patches and may be accompanied by redness and small bumps. It affects more women than men and is not very common.
In some cases, the condition is asymptomatic, but a physician must be consulted immediately. A dermatopathologist should rule out other conditions before recommending treatments. Friction alopecia is caused by a variety of factors, including alopecia, scalp disease, and hair loss caused by trichotillomania.
Genetics
Women’s hair loss may be caused by genetic variations in a gene called the androgen receptor. The AR gene is involved in a process that causes women to experience higher levels of the hormone androgen as they age. High levels of androgen impair the follicles’ ability to produce new hair, leading to thinning of the hair.
There are also other conditions that can cause female hair loss. These include extreme physical and emotional stress. Some of these include illness, surgery, and the death of a loved one. The body’s hormones may also change due to these stresses. A loss of estrogen will make the problem worse. The symptoms of hair loss may begin suddenly, and there may be no warning.
Thyroid hormone imbalances
Hair loss in women can be caused by a number of factors, including a thyroid hormone imbalance. Proper thyroid hormone replacement therapy can reverse concentration errors and improve thyroid function. Hair loss in women can be a serious problem, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are also natural remedies for this condition that can improve your hair loss.
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for controlling the body’s metabolism. Fortunately, thyroid disease can be cured with the proper treatment. Several anti-inflammatory foods and herbs are available to help balance thyroid hormone levels. A doctor can also prescribe topical medications for hair growth.
Thyroid problems can be caused by extreme stress, rapid weight loss, and serious illness. If you have an overactive thyroid, your body may be unable to produce enough thyroid hormones to keep up with your body’s demands. This imbalance will result in hair loss. Thyroid problems are common in females, but men rarely have them.
Thyroid problems can affect your energy level and mood. You might feel tired all the time or irritable. Thyroid hormones affect the hair follicles, making it weak, dry, and brittle. A doctor can prescribe levothyroxine or beta blockers to help with these symptoms.
Thyroid hormones regulate the heart rate, metabolism, and energy use in your body. Their actions on hair growth can result in a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair falls out prematurely during the anagen stage. If the thyroid is overactive, this can lead to hair loss and requires continuous treatment and monitoring.
Generally, women lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair per day. The loss may also be accompanied by irregular menstrual patterns. Women with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid, which produces less thyroid hormone than their male counterparts. Women with hypothyroidism are more likely to experience hair loss than men, but men can also suffer from this condition.
The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. T3 is the more active form of the thyroid hormone. When T3 levels are low, the hypothalamic gland releases TSH, which stimulates the cells in the thyroid gland to produce more T3.