When it comes to hair loss in men, while the problem can be distressing and embarrassing, it is not always surprising. Hair loss in women however, tends to balk the norm of what we expect. Because of this, the problem in women can be even more upsetting, especially when you consider how closely a woman ties her looks and style to her full head of hair. The causes of female hair loss can be as simple as the hormonal imbalance that is often seen as the cause of male hair loss. It can also be a complex issue that causes female hair loss, and can include hormonal imbalances as well as underlying illnesses. This is why it is so important for a woman with thinning hair to get into her doctor as soon as possible so that she can get a diagnosis that will explain her hair loss.
The Hormone Link
In men, hair loss is often caused when testosterone in the body is converted to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. This hormone can actually shrink hair follicles, making new hair growth difficult at best, and sometimes actually causing the follicles to die off and become completely ineffective. This process can happen in women as well, but there are other possible causes of female hair loss that must be considered also. One of the clues that has led medical researchers to look at other causes of female hair loss is the fact that the pattern of loss in women is often much different than that in men. Because of this, researchers have discovered other potential causes that your doctor should look at when trying to diagnose the cause of your female hair loss.
The Medical Connection
Today, medical professionals acknowledge that many of the causes of female hair loss are medical in nature. For example, it has been found that many women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome also suffer from hair loss issues. In fact, sometimes hair loss is the primary symptom that presents prior to a diagnosis of this condition. Another medical concern that can cause female hair loss is an autoimmune disorder like lupus or multiple sclerosis. There is also a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes female hair loss on a temporary basis. This can occur after events like childbirth, crash dieting or some surgeries. This condition will generally reverse itself on its own.
There are many potential causes for female hair loss that should be considered in a woman that is suffering from this condition. If you are noticing that more than a few hairs are going down your shower drain every morning, it is important to call your doctor to find out what the cause of your female hair loss is.