Female Hair Loss | Causes

Female Hair Loss | Causes

Female hair loss is usually attributed to the following factors:

  • Hormonal disorders (alterations in hormonal levels).
  • Pregnancy, with signs appearing during the postpartum period.
  • Menopause.
  • Scalp diseases or disorders.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
  • Heredity.
  • Contraceptive pills (usually in women with heredity) or hormonal treatments.
  • High fever.
  • Strenuous emotional shock or stress- psychological, physical, post operative.
  • Severe diets, malnutrition (Lack of protein, vitamins, trace elements, mineral –mainly iron).
  • Anemia.
  • Excessive amounts of vitamin Α.
  • Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism).
  • Several illnesses, e.g. diabetes, eczema, dermatitis or other dermatological diseases.
  • Chronic illnesses.
  • Chemotherapy, radiations.
  • Medicines–antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, anti cholesterol pills, blood pressure medicines, diuretics, contraceptives, anti thrombosis medicines etc.
  • Traumas.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Fungal & bacterial infections (e.g. tineacapitis).

Hair health can be aggravated by outer factors as well

  • Exposure to polluted or dusty environment.
  • Excessive attrition during brushing or combing.
  • Chemical hair treatments.
  • Inappropriate or insufficient hair care.
  • Excessive exposure to UV rays.
  • Repeated contact with sea or chlorinated water, even with rain.
  • Smoking.

For more information on hair loss, you can read about Alopecia.