Hair loss problem is one of the important clinical problems caused by various reasons in both men and women. Especially in women, the problem of hair loss may increase from time to time due to the physiological changes in hormone levels over time. In this sense, having accurate and sufficient information about hair loss is very valuable in terms of solving the problem.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair; It is a special skin supplement produced by the skin cells in the hair follicles of the scalp through the use of various proteins such as keratin and elastin. The development, growth and shedding of hair takes place in 3 phases.

In the growth phase called anagen, which is 2-8 years in length, new hair is formed and developed. In a healthy body, 85-90% of the hair is in this phase. This phase of arm and leg hair, eyelash and eyebrow hair are shorter and lasts about 1 month.

In the ketogenic phase, the hair is fully mature. At this stage, mature hair slowly begins to thin and weaken. This phase lasts about 2-3 weeks.

At the end of the telogen phase, which can last for 2-4 months, the hair whose roots die is shed. The increase in the number of hairs that passes into this stage causes mass hair loss called “telogen effluvium”.

What Causes Hair Loss in Women?

Causes of hair loss can be handled in a broad framework that can vary from daily lifestyle habits to underlying health problems. In this regard, women may experience hair loss due to the following reasons:

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium can be caused by excessive stress, thyroid problems, blood pressure medications, gout medications, taking more than ideal vitamin A, hormone changes, menopause and birth control pills. This type of hair loss can be observed up to 3 months after a situation that the person has experienced in his life and has a great effect on his mood. Telogen effluvium is usually benign and transient.

Alopecia Areata (ringworm)

Intense hair loss limited to a specific area on the scalp is called alopecia areata. This type of shedding can be seen in the course of stress, skin diseases or chronic diseases. Depending on the cause, alopecia can be temporary or permanent.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Male pattern baldness can occur as a result of increased blood levels of essential sex hormones, including testosterone, in men. When the same conditions occur in women for various reasons, women may experience hair loss starting from the male-pattern temples, forehead and upper part of the scalp. Female pattern hair loss is generally seen throughout the scalp with thinning of the hair strands.

Infections

In the course of all kinds of infectious diseases, especially parasitic and fungal infections affecting the scalp, regional or general hair loss may occur in the scalp. Depending on the infectious agent, hair loss may be permanent.

Chronic Diseases

In the course of chronic diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and celiac disease, hair loss may occur due to the involvement of the scalp.

Hormone Disorders

In women, hair tissue is sensitive to different types of hormones, such as corticosteroids, thyroid hormones or growth hormone, as well as sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. In this sense, hair loss can be seen in women in conditions that cause hormone imbalances such as irregular menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Hair loss can also be encountered in diseases that can cause an imbalance in hormones such as Hashimoto´s disease, Addison´s disease or hypopituitarism (pituitary insufficiency).

Nutrient Deficiencies

Since the production of hair is directly related to healthy nutrition, hair loss may occur due to the lack of necessary minerals and vitamins in the presence of inadequate and unbalanced nutrition habits. In this sense, it is important to take substances such as vitamin D, B group vitamins, zinc, vitamin A, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids into the body in sufficient quantities and to supplement in case of deficiencies.

Psychological problems

Psychological factors such as depression, generalized anxiety and stress may result in deterioration and loss of hair tissue. Stress can also inhibit the production of new hair tissues by initiating an inflammatory reaction. Stress-induced hair loss can last for several months.

Trauma

Hair loss may occur due to hairdressing procedures such as the use of chemicals on the scalp, hair drying, and hard combing of the hair.

What is done in the treatment of hair loss in women?

Treatment of this condition can be long and difficult, as hair loss can be caused by a wide variety of causes and the regrowth and development of lost hair requires a long process. Although different treatment methods are used depending on the underlying cause, applications and drug treatments to support hair growth can also be applied.

In cases of hair loss caused by hormonal disorders, drug therapy to restore hormonal regulation and surgery if necessary.

Sources:

https://www.medicana.com.tr/saglik-rehberi-detay/15398/kadinlarda-sac-dokulmesi

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