Hair loss can happen to just about anyone. However, this is said to be more prevalent in women than in men. Reports from the American Hair Loss Association reveal that 40% of Americans that suffer hair loss are women.

We hear it all the time – losing hair is normal. You can shed up to 100 hair strands every day and still feel perfectly fine with it. However, if you tend to see a lot more of that nest of your hair in the shower or if you suddenly see a wider scalp when you fix your hair in the mirror – then that is a cause of alarm.

Causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Can you tell whether it’s just your hormones that are causing the shedding of hair or something serious? There are basically different types of hair loss in women. 

Some are caused by certain stressful events which may be just temporary or fleeting, but there are underlying conditions that could create a permanent hair loss scenario for you.

Childbirth

When you’re pregnant, you’d feel that everything is growing rapidly – even your hair. This is mainly caused by hormonal surge.

However, once your hormones stabilize after delivery, your hair growth cycle also starts to shed all of that hair which grew a lot during your months of pregnancy.  The hair shedding could go from mild to intense for several months.

Switch in Birth Control Pills

If you decide to get off the pill or change your BCP, your body reacts and could trigger intense shedding of hair. This is basically hormone-induced.

Use of Certain Medications

Some medications can cause hair shedding. This would be mostly HIV meds, antidepressants, or hypertensive medications. 

Always check with your physician if the hair loss is normal with taking these meds or perhaps you could ask for options.

Dandruff

If your scalp is itchy and in constantly enflamed, then you would notice your hair starts shedding. The root of the problem is your dandruff or scalp psoriasis. Treating this provides immediate relief of hair shedding.

Stress

If you have been going through a rollercoaster ride of emotions and traumatic experiences, then this might have been causing hair shedding. 

A lot of women experience a great deal of stress with getting pregnant, nearing your menopause, childbirth, divorce, changing jobs, or the death of a loved one. 

All of these can push the panic button that triggers hair shedding.

Tight Hairstyle

If you are fond of wearing really tight buns or braids, then this also causes hair thinning or shedding.

While it may seem harmless, this actually causes scarring in your scalp which could be permanent. Avoid wearing too tight hairstyles and let your hair down once in a while.

Heat-styling

Frequent heat-styling of your hair causes hair damage. It can eventually lead to hair shedding. The thermal damage can be too much that it can wreak havoc on your hair shaft and lead to hair loss.

Hair loss can be treatable. This should be a mindset for everyone experiencing hair loss. More women are prone to hair loss, specifically because of the hormonal changes that kick in during several phases of a woman’s life.

There are now many treatments or surgical options available. Consult your physician to determine which option is right for your condition.