Unwanted hair loss can be extremely frustrating, upsetting and even embarrassing. Although it's just a cosmetic change, society's stigma when it comes to women having long, beautiful hair can make hair loss difficult to accept. Hair loss in women is often associated with a change in hormones. There are several hidden causes of hair loss in women that are often overlooked.
Here are five hidden reasons for hair loss most women don't know:
1. Female Pattern Hair Loss
One of the most common reasons that women suffer from hair loss is due to female pattern hair loss. About one-third of all women are genetically exposed to it. It can happen anywhere from puberty to menopause, beginning with the gradual thinning of the hair. Female pattern hair loss is caused by a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone. An excess of the hormone, which is found in both men and women, can lead to hair loss.
2. An Autoimmune Condition
An autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata can cause hair loss. In people who suffer from the condition, the body's immune cells are prone to attacking one another. The condition causes patches of hair loss when the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is associated with a wide range of problems when it comes to women's health, including hair loss. PCOS is a condition that causes an imbalance in female hormones. The ovaries overproduce testosterone, which can cause women to grow excess body hair or lose hair.
4. Medication
Hair loss can be a side effect of many different medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Changing medication can help stop or reverse hair loss in many situations.
5. Pregnancy
Hormones change tremendously during pregnancy. Women may experience hair loss during any stage of pregnancy. For many women, hair loss occurs soon after the baby is born, due to more hormonal changes in the body.
Natural Remedies For Hair Loss
1. Try Herbs
Saw palmetto and ginko biloba can help increase hair density. When researchers applied saw palmetto extract in lotion and shampoo base for three months, they found that 35% of participants showed an increase in hair density. Ginko biloba has been shown to encourage blood flow while providing an antioxidant boost to the body to help strengthen hair.
2. Balance Your Hormones
Hair thinning often occurs when your hormones are off balance. Adding some hormone-balancing foods to your daily diet can help keep your hormones levels on the right track. Try avocados, nuts, pomegranates, organic apples and chia seeds.
3. Use Essential Oils
Studies have shown that rosemary oil can work as a topical hair loss treatment. It has the ability to increase cellular metabolism to stimulate hair growth. You can try mixing peppermint oil and sage oil to reduce hair thinning.
Sources:
Power of Positivity
Harvard Health
National Alopecia Areata Foundation
Mayo Clinic
Everyday Health
American Pregnancy
