Have you been going through a bad hair fall period and are worried nothing can bring your hair back?

Hair loss in women is actually quite common. Based on a survey from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, around 40% of women notice visible hair thinning by the time they turn 50. [1]

Many of those who struggle with such a problem have an underactive thyroid, some kind of illness, or other stressors. But what can you do when the shedding doesn’t stop? The guide below can help.

What Are the Cycles of Hair Growth?

To understand hair loss in women, you should understand the hair growth cycle. The hair can naturally shed once it reaches the end of its life cycle.

In cases such as these, the hair can fall directly from the roots, but there will always be new, finer strands taking their place. The hair growth process comprises of three clear-cut stages – anagen, catagen, and telogen.

1. Anagen phase

The anagen phase is the active growth period. This is when the hair follicle starts to take on a shape similar to an onion and begins producing the hair fiber. [2]

This phase has two sub-stages: proanagen, where the follicle multiplies hair precursor cells and starts the transformation process, and metanagen, when the new hair emerges on the skin’s surface. Altogether, the anagen phase can span several years.

2. Catagen phase

The catagen phase marks the end of active growth (anagen) and a transition to a resting state. During this phase, which could last a couple of weeks, the hair follicle shrinks. It experiences a natural regression.

About one-sixth of its usual thickness is lost. This is when a “club hair” forms. If many hairs form club hair simultaneously and then fall out, it can give the impression of thinning hair. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, stress, and post-childbirth can contribute to hair loss in women.

3. Telogen phase

The telogen phase is like a break for your hair. During this time, the hair follicle takes a rest (is dormant), and the hair doesn’t grow.

Around 10% to 15% of all the hairs on your body are in this dormant phase at any given moment. This phase can last different lengths of time depending on where the hair is – from a couple of weeks for eyelashes to almost a year for scalp hair.

What’s Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss in women is a condition that makes the hair thin and sparse, usually on the scalp. If felt untreated, some women could see baldness on their scalp. Women can experience female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia.

This means you’ve got genes from your family that make the roots where your hair grows get smaller and eventually stop producing hair. This shrinking process might develop during your teenage years, but it often happens when you’re older. [3]

What Are the Types of Hair Loss?

Hair loss can happen anywhere on your body. But it’s most commonly noticed on your head. Normally, there are about 100,000 hairs on your scalp that go through phases of growing, resting, falling out, and then growing again.

The types of hair loss can vary from person to person.

1. Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium is when hair starts to fall out during the active or growing phase of the hair cycle.

Anagen effluvium happens when something inside or outside the body causes sudden and widespread hair shedding due to a sudden injury to the hair follicles. This type of hair loss can occur rapidly over a few days. [4]

Note: This type of hair loss in women doesn’t lead to permanent scarring.

2. Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a typical reason for short-term hair thinning. It can happen because of an excess shedding of hairs in their resting phase after a significant shock to the body.

Don’t worry, new hair keeps growing. It’s completely normal to lose around 100 hairs a day when you brush, comb, or even just during regular activities.

However, when there’s a significant shock to the body, as much as 70% of the actively growing hairs (anagen hairs) can be pushed prematurely into the resting phase (telogen). This changes the usual balance. [5]

3. Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)

Androgenetic alopecia is a pre-determined type of hair loss in women. It is hereditary. This disorder involves an exaggerated reaction to hormones called androgens. Studies show it affects about 50% of women and men. [6]

For many women, FPHL typically starts in middle age, around the 40s, 50s, or 60s. However, it can occur sooner for some. [7]

FPHL is an ongoing condition, meaning that women generally continue to experience hair loss. It’s important to note that women don’t lose all of their hair like some men do.

The condition usually starts causing a gradual thinning of the main hair on the scalp anytime after puberty. In women, it often leaves the front hairline intact but leads to overall thinning, particularly at the crown and top of the head.

The thinning of hair is often noticeable because the part in the center of the scalp appears wider than usual. This is due to the reduction in hair density in that area. The hair texture might feel different due to the progressive thinning.

Symptoms of Hair Loss in Women

The symptoms are different for everyone. You may notice the first signs of hair thinning around the temples, particularly after menopause. There can also be thinner hair on the head, back, or crown. In some cases, people experience a receding hairline at the top of their head.

But one of the most obvious signs of losing too much hair, is when you see a drastic change in hair volume and the hair is falling out in clumps. This could be a clear sign of a potential health problem. Consult with a specialist to find out what is happening to your hair.

Hair Loss Stages

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Many factors could make your hair appear thinner. Some of these causes might include:

  • Bad hair care (bleach, coloring, perming, etc)
  • Hair pulling
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Old age
  • Hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia)
  • Disease (alopecia areata, traction alopecia, or scarring alopecia)
  • Cancer treatment
  • Childbirth, surgery, or other stressors
  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Scalp infection
  • Side effects from medication
  • Sexually transmitted infection

Wondering which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Deficiencies in zinc, protein, iron, or biotin are some of the most commonly recorded triggers of thinning hair. It is best to replenish these nutrients to naturally stimulate hair re-growth. [8]

Relationship Between Hair Loss in Women and Menopause

“Why is my hair not growing?” This is a common question among women who are going through menopause. According to the Wiley Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Journal, during menopause, estrogen levels drop because the ovarian follicles become depleted. [9]

Estrogen and androgen hormones play a role in controlling the hair growth cycle. Menopause is linked to conditions like female pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Diet and Nutrition

Not getting enough essential nutrients can affect how your hair looks and how fast it grows. For instance, sudden weight loss or not eating enough protein can lead to hair loss in women. Also, niacin deficiency can cause widespread hair thinning.

Research has suggested there are possible links between not getting the right nutrients and ongoing hair issues like female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and alopecia areata (AA). [10]

The Nufolix hair growth supplement is something many have found effective. One of the standout features of Nufolix is its scientifically formulated combination of key nutrients that are known for their positive effects on hair growth.

The Role of Hormones in Hair Loss

The hormones play a significant role in hair growth. They have a major influence on the entire process and the structure of our hair follicles. Changes in androgens, estrogen, cortisol, and prolactin levels can lead to hair thinning. [11]

Frequently asked questions

Can female hair loss grow back?

It depends on what’s causing it. If you’ve lost hair due to a hereditary condition or other disease, you might need treatment.

Which vitamin lack causes hair to fall?

Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, biotin, and riboflavin can make the hair more likely to thin and shed. [12]

How can I increase my biotin level?

You can change your diet. Start eating more sweet potatoes, seeds, mushrooms, avocados, legumes, organ meats, or anything else that has natural biotin. If your diet is not balanced enough, you might want to consider using a biotin supplement.

Does vitamin D regrow hair?

Vitamin D is not a magic pill for regrowing hair. But it can play a role in helping the system create new hair follicles.

What age does hair loss occur in menopause?

n women, starting around the mid-40s, the hair follicles begin to diminish in size, resulting in thinner hair as the years go by. Also, the overall quantity of hair follicles decreases over time.

Takeaway

Overall, it is important to understand the different factors that could lead to hair thinning. By recognizing the symptoms, doctors can pinpoint the exact cause. Remember, get professional advice and personalized care to give your hair the treatment it deserves.