Both male and female experience hair loss due to a factor or the other, while hair loss in male is mostly caused by dihydrotestosterone(DHT) and the condition is so common that it is considered normal for men. Severe hair loss can be a devastating experience for female, the hair loss can be due to a number of reasons, but in any case, hair loss is a condition all female try as hard as possible to avoid.
The medical name for excessive or abnormal hair loss in female is called alopecia. The reason for abnormal hair loss in female can be due to lots of reasons, from environment to genetic, to disease. No matter the cause, excessive hair loss is always a sign that something is not working right your body.
Some of the most common types of hair loss in female include:
Androgenetic Alopecia
This is the most common type of hair loss in women, this condition is also known as androgenic or female pattern balding (FPB). This type of hair loss is caused by the action of androgens or male hormones that are present in a small amount in female such as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The reason for this condition can be tied to a variety of factors including taking high androgen index birth control pills, menopause, and pregnancy.
Telogen Effluvium
This hair loss condition is trigged by traumatic situation major surgery or child birth, but can also occur when the body goes through health condition like severe infection or malnutrition. Telogen Effluvium is generally a diffuse loss if hair that affects most part all over the scalp. Extreme stress is one of the causes of this condition.
Alopecia Areata
This is a condition caused by an inappropriate inflammatory reaction which is believed to be a symptom of an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorder occurs when a person’s immune system start attacking the roots of hair follicles. This hair loss condition may result in patchy shedding of hair and may leave smooth bald spots on the scalp. Alopecia Areata is, however, a temporary condition, patients do recover their hair within two years.
Traction Alopecia
This is another cause of hair loss in women; this hair loss condition is caused by localized trauma to the hair follicles which always occur from tight hairstyles that pull at the hair over time. The will regrow in time if the condition is detected early enough and the hairstyle is discontinued. Some of the common hairstyles that can cause Traction Alopecia include tight ponytails, Braiding, cornrows and hair extensions.
Anagen Effluvium
This is also a diffuse loss of hair which occur after any insult to the hair follicle which affects its metabolic activity or cellular-level mitotic. This hair loss condition is commonly associated with chemotherapy and can result in loss of almost all the hair. Hair growth most always returns to normal after time.
Conclusion
Hair loss in women is a serious condition, the first step to treatment is to know and understand the cause of the hair loss. There are many factors that may trigger hair loss in female. Some of this hair loss may be a short-term event such as pregnancy, stress, disease or medication. In some of the condition, hair may grow back to normal with or without proper treatment. If you notice any form of hair loss, it is recommended to see your doctor for proper evaluation, especially when the hair loss comes with other discomforts.
