Women sometimes experience excessive hair loss which can be quite stressful. Genetics, hormonal imbalance and some serious diseases may cause this condition. Not all hair loss is the same though.
Keep reading to find out three main types of hair loss in women.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia comes as a result of the activity of androgens – male hormones that are normally present in very small amounts in the female body. It can be caused by numerous conditions, such as ovarian cysts, pregnancy, menopause or genetics. Women who suffer from it usually notice a diffuse hair thinning throughout the scalp. They usually don’t develop it until their 40s, although there may be exceptions.
Tellogen Effluvium
This type of hair loss is a common response to very traumatic events such as major surgeries, excessive stress, child birth, and many more. Luckily, this is usually a temporary hair thinning that occurs when most of the hair enters a resting phase at once. As a consequence, it changes the hair growth cycle. First symptoms may not occur for up to 6 weeks after the traumatic event. Women often complain about suddenly losing large amounts of hair.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen Effluvium occurs when the hair follicles in the growing phase are impaired. This type of hair loss is the most common consequence of cancer treatment. The main purpose of chemotherapy is to attack and quickly divide cancer cells. However, it may affect other cells, such as hair cells. This type of hair loss is very rapid, as nearly 90% of hair can fall out shortly after chemotherapy begins.
The Bottom Line
While there are many more conditions that can result in hair loss, these are the three main types of hair loss in women. Fortunately, not every hair loss is permanent. Depending on the cause and the treatment, full recovery may be possible.
