The Different Types of Hair Loss in Women

While it is difficult enough for men to experience a thinning head of hair, hair loss in women can be a devastating condition from an emotional standpoint. For generations, women's hair has been one of the defining factors of style and a feature that women will care for and use to their fullest advantage. When that beautiful mane begins to thin and look less than its best, it can cause other problems like depression and low self esteem. Unlike men, hair loss in women is rarely a natural process, which means that an underlying medical issue is often involved. It can strike women at any age, and generally requires a trip to the doctor's office to find out why it is occurring and what can be done about it. There are many reasons for hair loss in women, and the good news is that many can effectively be treated with the right diagnosis from your doctor.

Hormones
Ah yes, another consequence of the delicate hormonal balance in a woman's body becoming out of synch. Sometimes hair loss in women due to hormonal fluctuations can be a temporary problem, like the thinning that occurs after childbirth. In these situations, no treatment is necessary since the problem will rectify itself. Other hormonal issues can be addressed by treating the underlying problem, like polycystic ovary syndrome. In fact, hair loss in women is actually the first symptom that is often seen in this particular condition, and is the problem that leads women into their doctor's offices to seek treatment.

Medical Conditions
Hair loss in women can also be the result of an autoimmune disorder like lupus. This is precisely why it is so important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice an unusually large amount of hair coming out during brushing or shampooing. If your hair loss is a symptom of another medical condition, effectively treating that condition may be enough to stop the thinning process. The medication that is necessary for some illnesses, such as the medicines used in chemotherapy can also cause hair loss in women. This type of thinning will also stop once the medications are no longer used.

If you are noticing that your hair is getting thinner, make an appointment to talk with your doctor about the situation. He can offer you an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment to deal with whatever the reason for your hair loss might be. Once you can address the "root" of the problem, you may be able to stop that thinning in its tracks and regain that gorgeous thick mane once again.