Dr Bicer’s Consultant
Valued member
Hello, hair loss is becoming more prevalent for women, with over a third suffering a degree of hair loss overtime. The causes can range from genetic, systemic or outside influences, and commonly include female pattern hair loss (FPHL), or androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a hereditary hair loss condition and the most common cause of female hair loss. It characteristically results a diffuse thinning pattern over the top of the scalp, as well as a widening of the parting. The hairline often remains intact with little to no recession, although it may lose fullness, with the pattern of hair loss varying. This is measured using the Ludwig scale, categorising hair loss patterns.
Telogen Effluvium (TE) is another common hair loss condition, temporary with widespread hair shedding over the head. It occurs when hair follicles enter the telogen or resting phase prematurely. Hair usually regrows once the underlying cause is addressed and the body recovers. Triggers include:
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition, causing the immune system to attack the hair follicles in specific areas around the head, but can occur anywhere hair grows on the body. As a result, it leads to circular, patches of hair loss and often smooth skin in the affected areas. There can be a genetic disposition to the condition, and it can affect women of all ages. In severe cases it can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
The risk for women developing a thyroid condition is estimated to be around 12%, with women significantly more prone to thyroid issues. Severe and continued hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss. The hair loss pattern is diffuse and occurs over the entire scalp and can also cause the hair quality to reduce. If the underlying condition is treated the hair can improve in regrowth and quality.
Hair loss due to thyroid disease becomes apparent months after the onset of thyroid disease. This is due to the long hair cycle. In such cases, paradoxically the hair loss may follow the treatment for the thyroid, and the thyroid medication may be wrongly blamed, leading to the withdrawal of treatment, which in turn may worsen the hair loss. Other medical conditions that can trigger hair loss include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an iron deficiency or Anaemia.
Traction Alopecia hair loss is more common than expected, although the severity can vary greatly from not visible to extensive hair loss. The hair loss is caused by constant pulling on the hair shaft, and follicles from tight hairstyles, such as tight ponytails, braids, or hair extensions. If caught early, the hair often regrows after the hairstyle is changed; however, prolonged pulling can cause permanent damage and scarring. Another similar condition is Trichotillomania, a self-induced pulling of the hair, often subconsciously, that causes traction alopecia.
Scarring Alopecia or Cicatricial Alopecia is an inflammatory condition, and not that common, an example being lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia. This damages the hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss.
With any hair loss, uncommon, sudden, or excessive hair loss it is important to consult a doctor, often blood work will be required as it can isolate a cause. And from this a plan can be made, whether a direct hair loss treatment is required, whether it can be treated systemically or whether a hair transplant would be a viable option.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a hereditary hair loss condition and the most common cause of female hair loss. It characteristically results a diffuse thinning pattern over the top of the scalp, as well as a widening of the parting. The hairline often remains intact with little to no recession, although it may lose fullness, with the pattern of hair loss varying. This is measured using the Ludwig scale, categorising hair loss patterns.
Telogen Effluvium (TE) is another common hair loss condition, temporary with widespread hair shedding over the head. It occurs when hair follicles enter the telogen or resting phase prematurely. Hair usually regrows once the underlying cause is addressed and the body recovers. Triggers include:
- Childbirth or other significant hormonal shifts.
- Severe physical or emotional stress, such as major surgery or the death of a loved one.
- Significant weight loss or poor nutritional status (e.g., vitamin D deficiency).
- High fever or severe infection.
- Certain medications.
The risk for women developing a thyroid condition is estimated to be around 12%, with women significantly more prone to thyroid issues. Severe and continued hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss. The hair loss pattern is diffuse and occurs over the entire scalp and can also cause the hair quality to reduce. If the underlying condition is treated the hair can improve in regrowth and quality.
Hair loss due to thyroid disease becomes apparent months after the onset of thyroid disease. This is due to the long hair cycle. In such cases, paradoxically the hair loss may follow the treatment for the thyroid, and the thyroid medication may be wrongly blamed, leading to the withdrawal of treatment, which in turn may worsen the hair loss. Other medical conditions that can trigger hair loss include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an iron deficiency or Anaemia.
Traction Alopecia hair loss is more common than expected, although the severity can vary greatly from not visible to extensive hair loss. The hair loss is caused by constant pulling on the hair shaft, and follicles from tight hairstyles, such as tight ponytails, braids, or hair extensions. If caught early, the hair often regrows after the hairstyle is changed; however, prolonged pulling can cause permanent damage and scarring. Another similar condition is Trichotillomania, a self-induced pulling of the hair, often subconsciously, that causes traction alopecia.
Scarring Alopecia or Cicatricial Alopecia is an inflammatory condition, and not that common, an example being lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia. This damages the hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss.
With any hair loss, uncommon, sudden, or excessive hair loss it is important to consult a doctor, often blood work will be required as it can isolate a cause. And from this a plan can be made, whether a direct hair loss treatment is required, whether it can be treated systemically or whether a hair transplant would be a viable option.
