For women, hair is a significant part of identity and self-esteem. So, losing it may lead to emotional distress and lowered confidence.
It cannot only impact your social interactions but also relationships. But, hair loss might also indicate underlying health issues.
Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent further loss and address potential health concerns. So, if you’re dealing with this condition, you may want to visit a clinic that specializes in the management of female hair loss in Singapore. In the hands of a specialist, you can manage the hair loss and get your life very much back on track.
What is the Main Reason for Hair Fall in Female?
Hair loss is usually linked to men. So when you suddenly begin experiencing hair loss, you may wonder; why am I losing hair as a female?
To understand the reasons for losing hair as a female, it does help to first understand that, in females, there are different types of hair loss. The three key ones are; anagen effluvium, telogen effluvium, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Anagen effluvium occurs due to medications, like chemotherapy, which harm hair follicles in the growth phase. This may result in sudden hair loss.
Telogen effluvium arises when more hair follicles enter the telogen phase, causing increased hair shedding. Stress, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions trigger this type.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is also known as androgenetic alopecia or baldness. It affects about 50% of women.
Interestingly, it’s often misconceived as a male issue. FPHL thins hair on the top and sides of the head.
About one-third of susceptible women experience this condition, with genetics and hormonal changes playing a role. When you know the reasons for hair loss, it is easier to pinpoint the potential reason for your hair loss as a woman. Here’s a summary you may find helpful;
I. FPHL (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
FPHL (Female Pattern Hair Loss) is when women experience gradual thinning of hair, primarily on the top of the head. It’s a common condition which may be due to;
- Genes: Inherited genes play a significant role. If your family has a history of hair thinning, you might be predisposed. Genes influence how hair follicles react to hormones, leading to gradual miniaturization of hair and eventual thinning.
- Aging: As time goes on, hormonal changes occur. Fluctuations in hormones like androgens (male hormones) can impact hair growth cycles. Hair follicles become more sensitive to these hormones, which leads to shorter growth phases and longer resting phases. This results in thinner and finer hair over time.
- Menopause: Estrogen, a hormone, helps maintain hair growth. When you hit menopause, estrogen levels do drop. This hormonal shift can accelerate FPHL. With less estrogen, androgens have a stronger effect on hair follicles, causing them to shrink and produce finer hair. Hair becomes less dense, leading to visible thinning.
II. Anagen Effluvium Hair Loss
Anagen effluvium hair loss is a swift shedding of hair during its growth phase due to certain triggers. This phenomenon commonly occurs in response to exposure to harmful substances like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications.
These factors can prompt abrupt and widespread hair loss, affecting hair at its developmental stage. Notably, this type of hair loss can be more pervasive. It may not only affect just the scalp, but also the hair on the entire body.
The causes of anagen effluvium hair loss primarily revolve around the impact of toxic substances on the hair follicles. The top three likely causes are:
- Chemotherapy: Often used to treat cancer, chemotherapy involves powerful drugs that target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. This leads to the interruption of hair growth and the subsequent shedding of hair.
- Radiation Therapy: While used to target cancer cells, radiation can inadvertently affect nearby healthy cells, including those responsible for hair growth. As a result, hair loss can occur within the treated area.
- Medications: Certain medications, like those used for autoimmune diseases, may trigger anagen effluvium. These drugs can disrupt the hair’s natural growth cycle, causing hair to fall out prematurely.
III. Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium hair loss is a common condition among women, characterized by significant hair shedding due to disrupted hair growth cycles. This condition can be distressing but is usually temporary.
Various factors trigger telogen effluvium, encompassing physical, emotional, and hormonal causes. Here are some of the most notable contributors;
- Abnormal Thyroid Function: An imbalance in thyroid hormones can affect hair growth cycles, leading to increased shedding. Monitoring and managing thyroid health is vital.
- Physical Stress or Shock: Intense physical stressors, such as rapid weight loss, surgery, severe illness, anemia, and childbirth, shock the body and shift hair follicles into a resting phase. This may lead to widespread hair loss a few months after the event.
- Hormone Changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, and when using birth control pills can disrupt hair growth cycles. Fluctuating hormone levels push more hair into the resting phase, resulting in noticeable shedding.
- Emotional Stress: Extreme emotional stressors like mental health issues or the loss of a loved one can trigger telogen effluvium. Stress hormones impact hair follicles, causing them to prematurely enter the resting phase.
- Medications and Supplements: Certain medications, such as blood pressure and gout medicines, as well as high doses of Vitamin A, can induce telogen effluvium. It’s crucial to discuss potential side effects with healthcare providers.
Other Reasons for Hair Loss in Women
Other than the factors explained above, there are also other reasons why you may experience hair loss as a woman. Key among those reasons includes;
- Dieting (Rapid Weight Loss): Sudden weight loss from extreme diets can shock the body, disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. Nutrient imbalances can lead to shedding.
- Vitamin Deficiency: Inadequate intake of essential vitamins, particularly B-vitamins and biotin, can weaken your hair strands and slow growth. Proper nutrition supports healthy hair.
- Over Processed Scalp Hair (Breakage): Frequent use of harsh chemicals, heat styling, and improper hair care routines can weaken hair, causing breakage and thinning.
- Traction Alopecia (Hair Styles): Hairstyles that tightly pull on hair, like tight ponytails, braids, or cornrows, strain hair follicles. Prolonged tension can lead to permanent hair loss.
- Restrictive Diets: Severely limited diets devoid of essential nutrients compromise overall health, including hair growth. Protein and iron deficiencies are common culprits.
It’s a Wrap!
Coping with female hair loss is tough, especially without knowing its cause. If you’re facing hair loss symptoms, seek help.
Visiting a specialist in female hair loss in Singapore is your best bet if you’re in Singapore. They’ll assess you thoroughly and create a personalized treatment plan.
We’d love to play a role in helping you reclaim your confidence and hair’s radiance. To schedule a consultation with our team and take the first step towards the journey to vibrant and healthy hair, call or visit us at;
The Artisan FUE Hair Clinic
435 Orchard Road
#20-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower
Singapore 238877
+658909 7887
https://www.artisanfueclinic.sg/
