Hair loss in women is much more common than most people think, with almost two thirds of western women facing it at some point in their life. Hair loss in women can result from constant worry; can result from trauma causing changes in the levels of testosterone or estrogen; as a result of skin diseases such as ringworm; or as an allergic reaction to food, medication or something that may have changed in their living conditions or immediate environment. There is even one condition called Trichotillomania. This unusual cause of hair loss in women is unique to man, and is the active pulling out of ones’ own hair. Obviously painful, this is a related condition to an obsessive compulsive disorder that requires careful treatment, and most often prolonged support of the underlying mental conditions.

Hair loss in women, just as in men, can be hereditary and can take certain forms. Many women experience partial hair loss or thinning of the hair as they age. This is caused by the number of active growing hair elements being reduced and often exhibits itself at the top of the scalp.

The Impact of Hormones on Hair Loss in Women

It is commonly believed, that non-hereditary hair loss in women, could be primarily attributed to the declining levels of estrogen. Typically, this occurs as women age, or as a result of menopause or even childbirth. Baldness in males is often attributed to a chemical called DHT (dihyrotestosterone), which is known to actively damage hair follicles. Estrogen controls the formation of DHT. Therefore, as a woman’s level of estrogen changes so does the health of her hair, and often hair loss results. Treatment for hair loss in women caused by hormone imbalance can be treated with natural or artificial hormone supplements. It should be noted that balance is the key, if too much testosterone is present, women may grow hair in places that they would rather not have hair. Too little testosterone or too much estrogen may result in lack of sex drive, as well as, hair loss.

More on Stress and Treatment

Some women can attribute their hair loss to stress. Although this may not result in baldness in women, it is of considerable concern as many women regard their hair as a fundamental component of their identity. Once a stress related thinning of hair occurs, it is almost a self-fulfilling prophecy that additional hair loss will occur. The final word with hair loss in women, is an important health issue in our society, as it is an unexpected event for most and can result in considerable emotional trauma.