What types of hair loss can women experience?
Hair loss affects everyone in different ways, ranging from mild to extreme cases, with a variety of different causes. Here are the most prevalent types of hair loss for females.
Severe stress (telogen effluvium)
Hair loss can result from extreme physical stress and/or emotional shock, this is known as telogen effluvium. Stress-related hair loss usually starts about three months after a traumatic experience. Signs to look for include: increased hair shedding, thinning hair, and patches of missing hair. It can be caused by a variety of things including: dramatic weight loss, surgery, illness, childbirth, as well as mental illness, and intense psychological traumas (e.g., death of a loved one).
Diffuse hair loss (chronic telogen effluvium)
Chronic telogen effluvium is a more persistent and prolonged type of hair loss which tends to fluctuate over several years (it generally affects the entire scalp). Severe stress, anemia, thyroid problems, and medication side effects are all examples of health-related conditions which may trigger, as well as perpetuate, this type of hair loss. Its causes are often hard to pinpoint, but it is a treatable condition.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is immune system related and causes patchy hair loss. This condition causes cells in your immune system to surround and attack your hair follicles. It is not considered a serious medical condition, but it most likely will result in anxiety and sadness. Hair growth treatments are available to help with this type of hair loss.
Traction Alopecia
This type of hair loss is often caused by repeated trauma to hair follicles and/or from pulling hair back into tight hairstyles that put undue tension on the hair roots. When hair is pulled from the roots to make a hairstyle it may cause long-term damage (e.g., extensions, tight ponytails, braids, cornrows…). Hair loss can occur around the hairline and temples. However, this type of hair loss is treatable.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormone disorder that can cause hair thinning and hair loss (also known as female pattern hair loss). Some females experiencing PCOS produce higher levels of androgens (e.g., dihydrotestosterone); this hormone imbalance affects hair follicles by shrinking and shortening the hair, which makes it easier to fall out as well as hard to regrow. The good news with female pattern baldness is that the hair follicle stays alive, so there's an opportunity to stimulate hair growth with certain hair loss treatments.
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