Hair loss in women

Definition

Hair loss is a condition in which the hair loss is increased beyond the natural level. A person loses about 100 hairs a day, but they grow back. In the case of hair loss, these hairs do not grow back, which can lead to hairlessness (alopecia).

A loss of about 200 hairs per day is called hair loss. The hair loss is also called “effluvium” in the technical terminology. The terms effluvium and alopecia are often confused.

However, alopecia refers to the state of hairlessness, not the process of hair loss. Hair loss need not necessarily lead to alopecia. It can be temporary or permanent. Not only men are affected by hair loss and hairlessness, but also women. Especially after the menopause, some women experience increased hair loss.

Causes of hair loss in women

The causes of hair loss in women are very diverse. Some of them are temporary, but others lead to permanent hair loss. Malnutrition can lead to hair loss due to the lack of important vitamins and trace elements such as iron.

Iron deficiency is widespread among women due to increased menstrual bleeding. In addition, various drugs, especially chemotherapeutic drugs, can lead to hair loss. However, beta blockers, heparins, ASS or anaesthetic gases are also possible causes.

Allergic reactions, hair colouring or aggressive oxidants, which are mainly contained in bleachings, are still potential triggers of hair loss in women. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, a chronic infection or malignant cancer, are also important causes of hair loss. Furthermore, virus and fungal diseases of the skin, skin tumors, eczema or psoriasis are possible causes.

The topic “hormones” often plays a major role in hair loss. Hormonal causes are often to blame for a reduced hair density. Especially in women, the hormonal balance is an important factor in the development of hair loss.

A disturbance of the thyroid gland function and thus a disturbance in the metabolism of the thyroid hormones can be accompanied by a reduced hair density and a changed hair structure. The evidence of a disturbed thyroid function is provided by measuring the thyroid gland values in the blood. Additional accompanying symptoms such as heat intolerance, sleep disorders, nervousness and digestive disorders are possible.