Hair loss and thinning of hair in women are common problems that can cause concern, especially when more hair than usual is noticed on the pillow, brush, or in the shower. Although losing hair between 50 and 100 hairs A daily hair loss is part of the natural hair cycle; however, intense, prolonged hair loss, or hair loss accompanied by a visible loss of density, may indicate a hair problem that requires medical evaluation.
The causes can be very diverse, ranging from stress and hormonal changes to nutritional deficiencies or different types of alopecia. Knowing the origin of the hair loss is essential to determining the most appropriate treatment in each case.
In this article we explain the main causes of hair loss in women, what signs indicate that it is advisable to see a specialist, and what treatments can help stop hair loss and improve hair health.
Hair loss in the female population is multifactorial, that is, various agents can intervene that cause hair loss. This is why it is advisable to go to a doctor who is an expert in hair health to determine the origin and thus be able to apply a treatment accordingly if necessary.
Here we tell you what are the main causes of hair loss in women.
It has been shown that there is a close relationship between stress and hair loss.
When we experience periods of high levels of stress or anxiety, cortisol levels increase. It is a hormone that slows down blood circulation, which has a direct impact on the scalp, causing a large amount of hair to pass directly to the scalp. telogen phase. It is mainly for this reason that stress causes us to lose a lot of hair in a short time.
However, our Medical indicate that generally hair loss due to stress is reversible so the hair will come out again.
Another cause that makes hair fall out more often among women is what is known as seasonal fall. It is a phenomenon that happens with the change of season itself where the hair enters a renewal process and, therefore, falls out.
Autumn is usually the time when women notice this hair loss the most. And, again, it is usually reversible so the hair will grow back completely normally.
Many women also experience increased hair loss after pregnancy. It is usually very common and has its origin in the hormonal processes derived from pregnancy.
This type of hair loss in women has a duration of approximately three months and, after this time, the fall will be reduced. Therefore, we should not worry unless the hair loss continues over time and we begin to notice areas without hair on the head. In that case, it is highly recommended to go to a hair clinic since it could be the beginning of some type of alopecia in women.
Menopause is a stage in life when hair loss can increase due to hormonal changes, especially between the ages of 45 and 55. The decrease in estrogen levels leads to a predominance of androgens in the hair follicles, which can shorten the anagen phase (growth phase), promote hair miniaturization, and cause a progressive loss of density, particularly on the top of the head.
Although these changes may be part of the natural aging process, intense, prolonged hair loss or hair thinning accompanied by progressive hair loss should be evaluated through a hair diagnosis to rule out female pattern baldness and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
An unbalanced diet or a lack of certain nutrients can influence hair health and promote hair loss in women, since the hair follicle needs an adequate supply of nutrients to maintain a normal growth cycle.
Although not always the main cause, deficiencies in iron (especially when ferritin is low), zinc, biotin or vitamin D can weaken hair, promote thinning and contribute to a progressive loss of density.
In cases of persistent hair loss, the specialist may request a trichological analysis to detect possible nutritional deficiencies and establish the most appropriate treatment based on the results.
When hair loss in women is accompanied by a progressive loss of density, thinning hair, or the appearance of localized bald patches, it may be related to some type of alopecia. In these cases, a hair diagnosis is essential to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
The most common types of alopecia in women include:
Each of these conditions has specific characteristics and requires a different approach. Therefore, early medical diagnosis is essential to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate hair treatment, with the aim of slowing the progression of hair loss and preserving hair density.
Hormonal changes are a common cause of hair loss in women, as they can disrupt the hair growth cycle and affect the function of hair follicles. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or starting and stopping certain contraceptives can lead to more intense hair loss than usual.
In these cases, hair loss often occurs alongside other symptoms related to hormonal imbalance. A medical evaluation helps identify the cause of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual case.
Not all hair loss indicates a hair problem. Often, hair loss is a temporary process related to situations such as stress, seasonal changes, postpartum, or certain hormonal imbalances, and it usually resolves once the triggering factor disappears.
However, it's advisable to consult a specialist and have a hair loss diagnosis when hair loss persists, increases significantly, or there's a visible loss of density. Some signs that indicate a medical evaluation is warranted include:
Identifying the cause of hair loss as soon as possible allows for the most appropriate treatment, slows the progression of some types of alopecia, and helps preserve hair density and quality.
The treatment for hair loss in women will depend on the underlying cause. After a hair loss diagnosis, a specialist may recommend medication, medical hair treatments, or a combination of both to slow hair loss, stimulate hair follicles, and preserve hair density.
Depending on the diagnosis, the specialist may prescribe pharmacological treatments to slow the progression of certain types of alopecia, stop hair loss, and promote hair growth.
El Minoxidil: A Targeted Approach for Early Hair Loss It is one of the most commonly used medications to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the hair growth phase (anagen phase). In certain cases, especially when there is female pattern baldness, it may also be prescribed. antiandrogens, such as finasteride and dutasteride, always under medical supervision.
As a complement or alternative to pharmacological treatments, there are different non-systemic options that can help improve follicle health and preserve hair quality and density.
Before starting any treatment for female hair loss, in Hospital Capilar We perform a personalized study using Tricometabolic, our own hair diagnosis protocol.
This analysis allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the hair and scalp condition, as well as the identification of potential hormonal, nutritional, or metabolic factors related to hair loss. Thanks to this information, the specialist can design a personalized treatment tailored to each patient's needs.
With our Tricometabolic diagnostic protocol, we analyze the factors that may be influencing your hair loss and design a 100% personalized treatment plan with real results.