Causes of hair loss in women

All processes occurring in the body have a cause-and-effect relationship. To date, more than 50 causes of hair loss in women have been identified. The main ones include heredity and factors not related to genetic predisposition. All causes are divided into internal and external, let's consider them:

External

• Exposure to high and low temperatures – this category includes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, freezing, weathering and other weather factors.
• Improper care – lack of hygiene measures (washing, combing, drying), as well as exposure of the scalp to chemicals and other aggressive substances leads to disruption of the structure of the curls and their loss.
• Unbalanced nutrition – if the body does not receive the full amount of nutrients necessary for its normal growth and functioning, it begins to get sick. This also applies to hair. A balanced diet rich in vitamin foods has a beneficial effect on overall well-being and the condition of the hair.
• Violation of the daily routine – lack of physical activity negatively affects metabolism and blood circulation throughout the body, including the layers of the scalp. Regular exercise combined with adequate rest ensures good health and a healthy appearance.
• Bad habits – cigarette smoke makes hair brittle and gives it an unpleasant smell, the scalp loses elasticity. Alcohol has a destructive effect on the functioning of the entire body.

Internal

• Dermatological pathologies - diseases of fungal, bacterial or viral etiology are very often accompanied by increased hair loss. Moreover, the more advanced the disease, the worse the condition of the hair.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (upper spine) – with cervical osteochondrosis, there is a disruption in the connection between the blood vessels and nerve fibers that support the connection of the head with the rest of the body and transport oxygen and other nutrients to the scalp.
• Endocrine diseases – hormonal imbalances of varying intensity disrupt the physiological state of the hair and the entire body. In case of intense baldness, patients are advised to check the condition of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
• Gastrointestinal tract diseases – due to malfunctions of the stomach and intestines, the body does not receive enough nutrients and cannot fully absorb them. Malfunctions of the liver and gallbladder are manifested by increased oiliness of hair, baldness in the crown and temples.
• Kidney diseases – lead to a violation of the water-salt balance in the body. Because of this, the strands look greasy or, on the contrary, dry and lifeless. Both the first and second cases lead to the death of hair follicles.
• Disorders of the central nervous system - stress, nervous experiences, emotional shocks, depressive states and other factors - have a detrimental effect on the condition of the hair and can provoke its abundant loss.

To determine the true cause of baldness in women, you should consult a trichologist and undergo a series of examinations prescribed by your doctor.

Thyroid, Adrenal Glands and Hair Loss in Women

Hormonal changes in the body are one of the reasons for hair loss in women. Endocrine system disorders are most often associated with thyroid or adrenal diseases. Each of the conditions requires careful diagnosis and treatment.

1. Thyroid gland

This is an organ of the endocrine system, which is located under the larynx and in front of the trachea. It consists of the left and right lobes, connected by an isthmus. The gland produces thyroid hormones and regulates basic metabolic functions. It is responsible for the normal functioning of the central nervous system, bone growth, and development of the reproductive system. It also affects the condition of the epidermis, hair, and nails.

With a deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones, hair growth is disrupted. The follicles gradually atrophy, which leads to hair loss. The pathological condition can be caused by the following factors:

• Diffuse goiter.
• Oncological lesions of the thyroid gland.
• Decreased organ function.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Thyroiditis with increased secretion of thyroxine.

In addition to hair loss, thyroid disorders are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Rapid weight gain.
• Dry skin.
• Irritability.
• Increased fatigue.
• Problems with sleep.
• Increased sweating.
• Nail dystrophy.
• Tremor of fingers.
• Hyperthermia.

Thyroid hormone deficiency slows down all processes in the body, including hair follicle growth. Hair thinning is most noticeable on the back of the head and in the forehead area. Treatment consists of hormone replacement therapy, which promotes gradual hair growth and the elimination of associated pathological symptoms.

2. Adrenal glands

These are paired endocrine glands that are located above the upper part of the kidneys. They participate in the regulation of metabolism and produce hormones. The adrenal glands produce androgen and progesterone.

If a woman has a high concentration of androgen and a low level of estrogen, this leads to alopecia. When hormones change in the male direction, there is an increase in facial hair and other areas of the body.

The following main causes of adrenal dysfunction are identified:

• Frequent stress and emotional upheaval.
• Increased production of cortisone.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Tumor lesions of the adrenal glands.
• Secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Hormonal imbalance has a negative impact not only on the condition of the hair, but also on the functioning of the entire body. Treatment is aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the adrenal glands. The therapy is long-term and consists of taking hormonal drugs.

Hormones That Affect Hair Loss in Women

Changes in the endocrine system are one of the reasons for increased hair loss in women. The imbalance of sex hormones, which can cause alopecia, has a pathological effect on the condition of the skin and hair.

The female body contains both female and male sex hormones. Baldness and excess hair growth are largely associated with the work of estrogens, androgens and progesterone.

1. Estrogens – a disturbance in the level of this hormone contributes to the appearance of the first signs of aging. Changes affect not only the condition of the hair, but also the condition of the epidermis, body contours and general well-being.
2. Androgens are male hormones that affect the functioning of the ovaries, bone and muscle tissue, sweat glands and hair follicles. Increased levels of androgens cause baldness on the head and the appearance of unwanted hair on other parts of the body.
3. Progesterone is a sex hormone that affects pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and embryonic development. The concentration of this substance increases during pregnancy and is restored after childbirth. Due to the jump in hormone levels, temporary hair loss occurs.
4. Thyrotropic hormones – produced by the thyroid gland, affect tissue growth and metabolic processes in the body. Increase the survival of hair follicles, regulate the cell cycle of bulbs.

There are many reasons why hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss in women. The main ones include:

• Hormonal contraceptives – such drugs contain estrogens, which suppress male sex hormones. After stopping taking the drugs, the hormonal system is restored. At the same time, some contraceptives, in addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, suppress the growth of hair follicles, thereby causing alopecia.
• Pregnancy – during this period, there is an increased production of progesterone, which blocks dihydrotestosterone (the hormone of baldness). The life cycle of follicles and their intensive growth increases.
• Postpartum period – an imbalance develops due to the body’s attempts to normalize the increased level of progesterone. Hair becomes dull, brittle and dry, and falls out. As soon as the hormone level returns to normal, the pathological process stops.
• Thyroid and adrenal dysfunction – due to the body’s inability to produce hormones in the required quantity, metabolic processes are disrupted. The imbalance of vitamins and other nutrients necessary for normal nutrition and growth of hair follicles leads to their death and baldness.
• Menopause is a physiological process of ovarian function fading. The decrease in estrogen leads to baldness in women.
• Stress – chronic nervous tension and emotional shocks, sleep and rest disorders, fatigue, lead to an increase in the level of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that affects the amount of dihydrotestosterone. As a rule, about two months pass from the moment of a stressful situation to a visible problem with the hair.

Thinning hair caused by hormonal imbalance has characteristic symptoms:

• Excessive hair loss occurs in the off-season, that is, the autumn-spring period.
• If the level of male hormones is increased, then the curls become oily, and pimples and acne appear on the skin. Against this background, the appearance of hair above the upper lip and on the chin, menstrual irregularities, and weight gain are possible.
• Many women report increased irritability, sweating, depression, and blood pressure surges.

The problem of hormonal imbalances and hair loss against this background should be dealt with by a doctor. As a rule, treatment is carried out by a gynecologist and a trichologist simultaneously. If the problem is left to its own devices, it will lead to its aggravation and the development of alopecia.

Prolactin and Hair Loss in Women

Prolactin is a lactotropic protein hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates lactation in the postpartum period. Its level is disturbed, which leads to the development of hyperprolactinemia. One of the signs of this problem is baldness. The pathology can occur against the background of hirsutism, that is, a condition when the hair on the head becomes thinner, while on other parts of the body it becomes thicker.

In addition to milk production, the hormone affects the following important processes in the body:

• Reduces pain sensitivity.
• Participates in the formation of the embryo.
• Inhibits ovulation.
• Stimulates the immune system.
• Normalizes metabolic processes.

Hyperprolactinemia is dangerous because of infertility due to menstrual cycle disorders. Sexual disorders also occur: decreased libido, painful sensations during sexual intercourse, etc. Frequent fluctuations in hormones during adolescence are the cause of delayed sexual development.

Prolactin provokes serious metabolic disorders. It disrupts the secretion of enzymes and amino acids. Increased levels of the substance prevent calcium from being absorbed normally in the body, causing osteoporosis at a young age. Calcium deficiency is one of the causes of alopecia, structural disorders, increased fragility and dullness of hair. Vision also deteriorates, frequent headaches and various mental disorders occur.

Normally, prolactin levels increase during pregnancy, but there are other reasons that cause hormone imbalance. Hyperprolactinemia may develop in the following cases:

• Severe stress.
• Increased physical activity.
• Taking medications.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver and ovaries.

In order to check the prolactin level and solve the problem of hair loss, you should consult an endocrinologist. The doctor will prescribe tests that will confirm or refute the diagnosis. Timely and correct treatment allows you to restore the balance of prolactin and normalize the growth of curls.

Dihydrotestosterone and Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is a problem that arises due to many factors. Very often, alopecia is associated with hormonal imbalances in the body, for example, with an increase in the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone is related to male hormones and is responsible for puberty, the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. The substance is produced by the adrenal glands and testicles.

Dihydrotestosterone is also present in the female body. It participates in its normal functioning, performing the following functions:

• Regulates female libido.
• Participates in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
• Promotes the development of the skeletal and muscular system.
• Regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands and perspiration.
• Stimulates the growth of hair on the head.

In women, dihydrotestosterone is secreted by the adrenal cortex and ovaries. The substance is responsible for the condition of the epidermis, hair and genital area. The main reason for its excessive production is tumor lesions of the body that produce the hormone and polycystic ovary disease.

Increased levels of dihydrotestosterone lead to serious disorders:

• DHT accumulates in the hair follicles, causing the hair to become oily, brittle and gradually begin to fall out.
• Hormonal imbalance also affects the condition of the skin: acne and pimples, increased oiliness.
• Menstrual cycle disorders lead to amenorrhea and threaten infertility. Endometrial hyperplasia can also be diagnosed.

To exclude dihydrotestosterone as a cause of female baldness and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, the patient is prescribed a set of laboratory tests. Treatment consists of taking hormonal drugs and ovulation stimulants, which restore the balance. In particularly severe cases, that is, when tumors are detected, surgical intervention is indicated.

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Progesterone and Hair Loss in Women

Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Deficiency of this substance disrupts the maturation of eggs and the ovulation process. If the body has an increased level of estrogen, this prolongs the first half of menstruation and suppresses the secretion of progesterone. Against this background, a woman has problems with conception, and the condition of her hair and skin worsens.

Progesterone is produced by the hypothalamus and parts of the cerebral cortex. A deficiency of the hormone may be associated with damage to brain structures. Other causes of hormonal disorders are also identified:

• Irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
• Abortions.
• Malignant tumors.
• Diseases of the reproductive system.
• Pathologies of the urinary system.
• Long-term use of a number of medications.
• Increased physical activity.
• Emotional experiences and stress.
• Lack of sleep and poor nutrition.
• Bad habits.

The above factors threaten to disrupt the progesterone level, which in turn leads to pathological changes in the reproductive system. The condition of the hair deteriorates, its structure becomes thinner, dandruff and focal alopecia appear. There are also problems with the gastrointestinal tract, swelling of the lower extremities, enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands, headaches and emotional instability.

Treatment of pathologies in the production of progesterone is carried out by a gynecologist and endocrinologist. After normalization of the hormonal background, to restore curls, you should contact a trichologist. The therapy is long-term and consists of a vitamin-rich diet, proper hair care and a course of physiotherapy.

Alcohol and Hair Loss in Women

Alcohol-containing drinks have a negative impact on the functioning of many organs and systems. At the same time, alcohol affects not only the internal state, but also the external appearance. Alcohol abuse leads to thinning hair and contributes to premature aging of the skin.

Daily consumption of alcoholic beverages causes changes in the nervous system, which in turn leads to the following complications:

• Hair loss.
• Deterioration of skin condition.
• Depressive state.
• Nervousness and irritability.
• Diseases of internal organs.
• Disorders of the reproductive system.
• Deterioration of memory and mental abilities.

In this case, baldness is associated with increased stress on the liver. The organ is unable to cope with the processing of large volumes of alcohol and begins to malfunction.

Long-term use of alcoholic beverages provokes dehydration of the body and causes hangover syndrome. Against this background, the amount of water and oxygen in the body is significantly reduced. Due to oxygen starvation, cells begin to die, including hair follicles. The longer the alcohol experience, the more pronounced and severe the consequences.

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Smoking and Hair Loss in Women

Nicotine, like other bad habits, negatively affects the functioning of the body. Smoking leads to destruction of the respiratory tract, problems with the cardiovascular system, rapid aging of the skin, yellowing of tooth enamel and deterioration of the hair.

Mechanism of action of nicotine:

• Cigarette smoke contains many chemical components, some of which are toxic.
• Smoke negatively affects blood circulation in the body and causes vascular spasm, disrupting blood circulation in the hair follicles. This leads to a failure of the normal growth cycle and loss of strands.
• The roots do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, so the hairs become dry, brittle and gradually die off.
• Smoking significantly slows down the growth of hair due to the intense work of the endocrine glands.
• The bad habit affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, the immune system and other structures of the body, the disruption of which can lead to alopecia.

To restore the beauty and thickness of your hair, you should give up smoking. This is the only condition for eliminating the problem of baldness. To activate hair growth, you need to regularly take vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. Head massage, nourishing and strengthening masks accelerate the growth of curls and their thickness. A healthy lifestyle and physical activity improve the condition of not only the hair, but also the entire body.

Psychological Causes of Hair Loss in Women

A fairly common reason for the deterioration of general health and loss of hair in women is psychological problems. In some cases, they hide signs of hormonal disorders and more serious diseases.

Let's look at the main psychological factors that negatively affect the condition of your hair and your health in general:

1. Emotional exhaustion – occurs due to overwhelming emotions in life, most often negative. Leads to poor growth and accelerated hair loss, increased fragility and dryness. In particularly severe cases, dandruff and other dermatological problems with the scalp appear.
2. Chronic fatigue is the second most common cause of alopecia. The body is in a state of constant tension, trying to protect itself from the effects of negative environmental factors. Attempts to get enough sleep do not improve the painful condition. Only compliance with the work and rest regime can restore good health.
3. Reduced stress resistance – affects the normal growth of follicles and their strength. Most often, this problem arises against the background of internal conflict, lack of self-confidence, shyness, and stiffness. Women suffer from the peculiarities of their emotional background. If you let the painful condition take its course, it threatens the development of depression, apathy, emotional lability, and other disorders.
4. Depressive state - occurs due to many reasons and factors, can last for years. Contributes to changes in the density and structure of curls, leads to their loss. During depression, due to changes in hormonal levels, a woman begins to eat a lot of carbohydrate-rich food or, on the contrary, reduces food to a minimum. Deficiency of nutrients negatively affects the condition of the entire body.

In addition to the above, there are many other psychological causes of baldness. Timely response to signs of a painful condition and changing habits can help avoid complications. In particularly severe cases, help from a psychologist and treatment from a trichologist are required to restore the beauty and health of the hair.