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Tips for Diagnosing Hair Loss in Women

By: Todd Mumford Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Since the beginning of time, long, luxurious hair has been associated with female beauty. This stereotype puts great pressure on women to achieve this trait. Hair loss, although prevalent in men, is not rare in women. Most often this problem of losing hair in females has been concealed with wigs or weaves. Ironically, traction alopecia is a form of baldness which is caused by the physical stress and tension by the continued use of wigs, hair weaves or use of corn rows.

Hair loss may be contributed by genetics, serious illness, prolonged use of medications, malnutrition or deficiency of vitamins. Hormonal changes due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause may also cause hair loss in women. Stress is yet another factor contributing to hair fall in women.

Stress is known to cause the hair follicles to enter the resting stage, which amounts to the appearance that less hair is active on the scalp. Thyroid related problems have also been known to cause hair thinning in women. It is advised to consult a physician to identify the exact cause of loss of in order to properly treat it.

Specific causes of hair loss in women may be chemotherapy used for the treatment of cancer, auto immune disorders, scalp yeast infection and chemical.

Genetic factors cause a diffusing pattern of hair loss. This is caused by the actions of a pair of enzymes called aromatase and 5-a reductase. The action of this enzyme, created by the follicle, causes it to be attracted to DHT in the scalp. DHT deteriorates the hair follicle over time, until it is miniaturized and then eventually dies.

Prolonged use of certain medications can cause diffusion hair loss. Some of these medications are blood thinners, anti inflammatory drugs such as prednisone, medications for gout and thyroid medications.

Whatever the cause, it does cause tremendous mental stress in women. Severe baldness among women has not yet been socially acceptable as with men. Psychological counseling may be helpful to such women.

It should be understood that lost hair amongst women is far more common than most believe. The traumatic effects of losing hair in women are suggested can be much more severe than men, possibly due to the effects of beauty and media on the woman from society. For those suffering with such a condition, immediate medical consultation is suggested. The sooner the problem is identified the sooner and more effective the treatment will be.