Lesser-Known Facts About Hair Loss in Women

Experts estimate that more than half of women experience noticeable hair loss. It’s far less talked about than male hair loss, though, so many people don’t realize that it’s such a problem among women. 

Dr. Dana Brownell is highly knowledgeable about the reasons for hair loss as well as the best ways to restore it. If you’re concerned about hair loss, she and her team at NeoGraft Hair Restoration in Westport, Connecticut, can help, whether you’re a man or a woman. 

Female pattern baldness

Just about everyone has heard of male pattern baldness, but fewer people know there’s also a genetic condition called female pattern baldness. It’s the most common type of hair loss in women. 

In men, the pattern of the hair loss is recognizable, with thinning at the temples, increasing to a receding hairline, and thinning on the crown of the head. In women, the pattern is different. 

Women tend to lose hair all over, with the hairline remaining normal. Your part may slowly become wider. 

Hormones may play a role

Female pattern baldness isn’t fully understood, but scientists believe it’s the result of a combination of genetics, hormone changes, and aging. During menopause, when your body produces less estrogen, you may notice hair loss worsening.

Health problems and hair loss

Several medical conditions can cause hair loss. For example, hair loss is a common symptom of thyroid disorder. 

A condition called alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles. If you have alopecia areata, you lose hair in round patches rather than all-over thinning. 

Nutrition issues can also cause hair loss. If you have a deficiency in zinc or iron, you may lose hair. Mental stress, scalp ringworm, or the physical stress of a major illness are other potential causes of hair loss in women.

Medication and hair loss

You probably know that chemotherapy and radiation therapy can both cause hair loss. Other medications can also cause hair loss — gout medicine and some blood pressure medicines have hair loss as a side effect. 

Your style

Hairstyles that pull on the roots of your hair, like tight ponytails or braids, can cause hair loss. Overprocessing your hair, such as coloring it too often, can lead to hair breakage at your scalp. 

Weight loss

If you lose weight quickly, you may lose hair, as well. People who have bariatric surgery, for example, may experience hair loss. Losing a lot of weight in a fairly short time is a physical shock to your body. 

What NeoGraft can do

At NeoGraft Hair Restoration, we offer a type of hair restoration that’s safe, effective, and faster than older methods. We use an automated technique to remove hair from the back of your head — it moves follicles individually and gently — and each follicle is implanted where you need them without sutures or scarring. 

If you’d like to learn more about our hair restoration services for women, schedule an appointment today. Dr. Brownell is happy to answer your questions and tell you if you’re a good candidate for our services.