Symptoms of hair loss in women

Except for the increased loss of hair, hair loss can be painless. Usually the increased loss is noticeable when showering or brushing out the hair. However, the occurrence of accompanying symptoms is possible depending on the cause.

The pattern of hair loss can be very pronounced, as is the case with androgenetic hair loss, for example. A typical symptom is increased hair thinning in the parting and forehead area. A diffuse hair loss is usually more likely to manifest itself as altogether lighter hair.

Bald areas are rather rare. Circular hair loss is characterized by a sudden onset and a sharply defined loss with bald spots. Typical here is the occurrence of so-called “exclamation mark hair”.

These are short hairs that grow back at the edges of the bald spots and have the shape of an exclamation mark. Furthermore, changes in the nails can be observed, which are called spotted or dimpled nails. Apart from the pattern of hair loss and its severity, accompanying symptoms are possible, which result from a causative disease.

These include itching, painful skin areas or skin changes in general. Iron deficiency can lead to lassitude and paleness. Disturbances of the hormone balance show the most diverse accompanying symptoms.

However, these are not directly related to hair loss. Even young women can already be affected by hair loss. Often, this is only temporary and not a cause for concern.

Stress, deficiency symptoms or hormonal fluctuations can be the causes of hair loss. Mostly it helps to analyze one’s everyday behavior and to reduce tension and stress. Deficiency symptoms, such as a vitamin or a slight iron deficiency, can also be well treated by dietary measures or the intake of substitute preparations.

Hormonal fluctuations are possible in the course of taking the pill, pregnancy or a metabolic disorder. It is best to consult your family doctor or gynaecologist for advice. Disorders of thyroid gland function are not uncommon in young women and often have an effect on hair density.

Taking medication can also be a possible cause. Circular hair loss can also be the result of autoimmune, inflammatory processes. Young women are particularly affected.

However, such hair loss persists in only 20% of cases. In most cases, it heals well. Hair loss in women aged 40 can have a variety of causes.

Hormonal fluctuations, stress, deficiency symptoms or the intake of certain medications are often causes for temporary hair loss. A functional disorder of the thyroid gland should also be considered in case of reduced hair density, dry or brittle hair. Androgenetic hair loss, which accounts for about 95% of the causes of female hair loss, usually does not occur until the menopause.

However, women in the premenopausal phase can also be affected. This is just before the menopause and begins in the woman’s 40s. The cause of hair loss is an increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens.

Therapeutically, antiandrogens such as cyproterone acetate or local estrogens are used. Circular hair loss can have many different causes, such as skin diseases, fungal infections or burns of the skin. In women, a special form of scarring, circular hair loss is known, which is called pseudo loading Brocq.

This disease mainly affects women between the ages of 30 and 55, and the cause of hair loss in Pseudobelade Brocq is not known. During the menopause, hormonal changes occur in women.The menopause begins before the last menstrual period. The first irregular menstrual cycles occur around the age of 40.

Dizziness, headaches and sweating are not uncommon in this phase. In the period after menopause, androgenetic hair loss can occur. This hair loss is caused by the excess of androgen, male hormone, in this phase of life.

Gradually, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease during the menopause and the androgen predominates. Hair follicles can react with increased sensitivity to these androgens, causing hair to fall out. This type of hair loss in women is classified into 3 degrees: Baldness does not occur, however.

For many women, hair loss represents an enormous psychological burden. Therapeutically, antiandrogens, such as cyproterone acetate, in the form of tablets or local estrogens applied to the scalp are used. In addition, the active ingredient Minoxidil, which is contained in the freely available product “Regaine”, is also approved for the treatment of women.

Grade 1: Light hair in forehead area
Grade 2: Clearing in the temple area
Grade 3: More extensive clearing in the area of the forehead, temples and surrounding skin.