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Hair Loss Causes in Women Can Often Be Underlying Illness

February 8th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Hair Loss Causes in Women Can Often Be Underlying Illness

Hair loss in men can be distressing and embarrassing, although it is not usually surprising. Hair loss in women however, is much more unusual. Because of this, the problem in women can be even more upsetting, especially when you consider how closely a woman ties her style and appearance to her full head of hair. The hair loss causes in women can be as simple as the hormonal imbalance that is often seen as the cause of male hair loss. It can also be a complex issue that causes female hair loss, and can include underlying illnesses. This is why it is so important for a woman with thinning hair to see her doctor as soon as possible so that the cause of the hair loss can be correctly identified.

Hormones and Hair Loss in Women

In men, hair loss is often caused when testosterone in the body is converted to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. This hormone can actually shrink hair follicles, making new hair growth difficult at best, and sometimes actually causing the follicles to die off and become completely ineffective. The relationship between hormones and hair loss in women must also be considered, but there are other possible causes of female hair loss that must be considered. One of the clues that has led medical researchers to look at other causes of female hair loss is the fact that the pattern of loss in women is often much different than that in men. Because of this, researchers have discovered other potential causes that your doctor should look at when trying to diagnose the cause of your female hair loss.

The Medical Connection in Hair Loss

Today, medical professionals acknowledge that many of the causes of female hair loss are medical in nature. For example, it has been found that many women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome also experience hair loss. In fact, sometimes hair loss is the primary symptom that presents prior to a diagnosis of this condition. Another medical concern that can cause female hair loss is an autoimmune disorder like lupus or multiple sclerosis. There is also a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes female hair loss on a temporary basis. This can occur after events like childbirth, crash dieting or some surgery. This condition will generally reverse itself on its own.

There are many potential causes for female hair loss that need to be considered by any woman suffering from this condition. If you are noticing that more than a few hairs are going down your shower drain every morning, it is important to see your doctor to find out what the cause of your female hair loss is.