Four Female Hair Loss Conditions

Belgravia Treatment Adviser Trinity was left with Telogen Effluvium after pregnancy

There are many conditions which can cause hair loss in women, and not all of them are as common as you might think. Here, we examine four conditions that can cause female hair loss. We’ll also take a look at what treatment options are available to women experiencing hair loss as a result of these conditions.

1) Telogen Effluvium

is where hair moves quickly from the growth phase into the resting (telogen) phase after it stops growing prematurely. After a 3 month period in the resting phase, the hair is shed, and women experiencing Telogen Effluvium may notice they are shedding large amounts of hair when brushing or shampooing. The condition can also be a side-effect of certain medications including beta blockers and anti-depressants, or can be caused by stressful events, weight loss or pregnancy.

If you think you are experiencing hair loss due to Telogen Effluvium, don’t worry as it is a temporary condition which can usually be easily treated. Your first step should be to consult a hair loss expert who will rule out any other causes for your hair loss and then prescribe a treatment programme, if appropriate.

2) Hypothyroidism

affects millions of women and occurs when your thyroid (responsible for producing a hormone which regulates heart rate, mood and metabolism) either produces too much or too little of this hormone. If you don’t produce enough (Hypothyroidism), you may experience weight gain, depression and fatigue and your hair and nails may be more fragile and prone to breakage, which could lead to hair loss. If you produce too much (Hyperthyroidism), your metabolism will speed up, leading to unexplained weight loss and also hair loss.

See your GP for blood tests as there are medications you can take to restore your hormone levels to normal. This should help to bring your hair loss under control, but if you do have any remaining concerns, contact a hair loss expert to discuss options for hair restoration.

3) Androgenic Alopecia

Also known as pattern balding, Androgenic Alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, and can be inherited from either side of the family. Women with the condition may notice thinning hair as early as their 20s, which usually starts at the hairline. Seek a diagnosis and customised hair loss treatment plan from a trusted hair loss specialist.

4) Lupus

is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells, and it affects around 1.5 million people, although it’s most common in women of childbearing age. The condition can cause anaemia, severe fatigue, headaches and fever as well as mild or severe hair loss.

Severe hair loss can cause hair to come out in patches, accompanied by a scalp rash. Lupus can often be hard to diagnose but your GP will carry out a blood test and usually prescribe a treatment such as prednisone, an oral medication. This should help minimise symptoms including hair loss, but if your hairline does not return to normal, it is worth contacting a hair loss expert to discuss options for hair restoration.