Hair loss in women over 40 is becoming increasingly more common. Hair loss at any age is a problem and disconcerting, but what if we say there are ways to deal with female hair loss? Let’s understand more about how to treat hair loss in women. Shall we?
What’s Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Female pattern hair loss is a common hair loss condition that affects women. Did you know at least 40% of women get this condition before they turn 50?
Not just hair loss, thinning hair is quite common with this condition. Thinning usually starts around the top and crown of one’s scalp.
Female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia is caused due to one’s genetics, though hormonal imbalances play a key role too.
Causes of Hair Loss in Women Over 40
Hair loss in women could be due to multiple factors. Let’s take a look at the most common causes, shall we?
Stress is not only linked to hair loss, it’s one of the major causes for hair loss in women over 40.
Hormonal changes is another factor to consider when talking about female pattern baldness. After all, hormonal changes are unavoidable post 40 and that’s another major hair loss trigger.
Though common to both men and women, nutritional deficiencies can play a key role in causing hair loss in women. Most common nutrients that are responsible include zinc, iron, biotin, vitamin D, niacin and selenium. Rings a bell?
Genetics is another key factor to consider. Does male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness run the family? Or do your near and dear experienced hair thinning or hair loss?
Styling is another major trigger especially in women. Traction alopecia anyone? It’s a type of alopecia and caused due to damaging hair styles or excessive styling.
It’s not just about hair loss, hair follicles shrink and that results in hair thinning or reduction in hair thickness and density. Irrespective of hair loss triggers, any hair loss treatment yields results when the root cause is identified and dealt with. Isn’t it?
Hair Loss in Women – What Happens?
Male or female hair loss, the symptoms are the same. It’s more of observations and what’s happening and never the same between individuals.
Every one with hair on their head loses a few strands everyday. But when it crosses 100 strands a day, consistently, it’s hair loss. However, the good news is that female hair loss is less obvious.
The key difference in female hair loss and that of men is the way it happens. In women, it’s more of a gradual loss of hair. They could lose less or more hair, but it happens over a period of time. This is probably when most women don’t notice hair loss right away!
Diffuse thinning or loss of hair all over the scalp widening of the hair part and hair thinning is most common. Bald patches though are quite rare in women.
Sudden hair loss, or noticeable hair loss is usually due to an underlying condition or caused by stress or hormonal imbalances. Also, hair loss in women could be due to medications or treatments due to health issues.
So, What Can be Done?
Not always is it female pattern hair loss when women lose hair, though it is quite common. When talking about hair loss treatment options, it’s important to acknowledge that not always will result in growth or regrowth of hair. Sometimes, it’s just about not losing more hair!
Natural Remedies
Ever given it a thought? Like it or not, hair loss happens to many but the key lies in how it’s handled. Isn’t it? There are many natural remedies you can consider to combat hair loss in women over 40 and improve hair growth and regrowth.
Natural Treatments
Many have seen positive changes in their hair health and noticed reduction in hair loss with natural or alternative treatments like acupuncture and sujok. Many reported their hair health improves and hair loss has reduced, coupled with an improvement in hair growth. What more can we ask for?
Modern Treatment Options
have you heard about LLLT? Low level plasma therapy as it’s otherwise called, is currently gaining popularity for treating hair loss in women. Another option is Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP Therapy). Both these treatments have given a ray of hope for those who don’t want to go under the knife, or use medications.
Surgical Options
Female pattern hair loss varies between individuals and for some, the only option might be going the surgical route. While it does not help with new hair growth, it can arrest hair loss and prevent complete loss of hair. Hair transplant is suggested as a last resort for those enduring hair loss and don’t want to lose their locks.
Supplements
Nutritional deficiencies are often behind hair loss, a reason many suggest supplements to combat hair loss. It’s often the first suggestion we give those who walk in to Vitamins Revive, especially when their hair loss is linked to their nutrition levels. Biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin D are some examples of nutrients that are behind hair loss in women or men. Even natural DHT blockers are recommended.
Medications
Spironolactone and minoxidil are used to treat hair loss in women. They’re given for oral consumption or topical application.
Prevention
Prevention is the best cure – this saying is true and relevant even for hair loss. Did you know there are ways to prevent hair loss and thinning?
Taking good care of hair and following a healthy and active lifestyle keeps stress at bay. After all, stress is one of the key triggers for hair loss. Don’t you think so?
Also, having a healthy diet and keeping styling to a minimum can prevent hair issues. With a good lifestyle, even female pattern hair loss can be managed better.
Tips That Help
We all love lustrous locks. Don’t we? So, what can we do to keep it bouncy and healthy?
Have a regular hair care routine that works for you. Don’t know where to start? A specialist can help you with it. Consulting one is good in more ways than one! Sometimes, they can identify issues we don’t catch!
Did you know thinning hair is not just due to hair loss, it could also be due to lack of hair care or too much styling? Keep styling to a bare minimum even if you can’t avoid it. It really helps keep hair healthy and prevents hair damage.
Our hair is only as healthy as our hair follicles. Wondering why? Our hair follicles decide the health of our hair, hair growth and more. Keeping them healthy means our hair is healthy. Did you know if hair follicles are damaged and hair growth stops?
Get regular trims to keep split ends at bay. Did you know they can trigger hair loss?
Have a balanced diet and get your daily dose of exercise in – this keeps your hair healthy too! After all, just applying products on your hair alone is not enough to keep it healthy. Your hair is as healthy as you are!
Use mild and gentle products on your hair. Make sure they’re free from harmful or damaging ingredients or chemicals. You know what’s funny? It’s easier said than done, what with companies throwing in just about anything and everything in their products!
Keep stress at bay. That’s not possible, but try. But learn stress management techniques if you want to manage stress – stress not only damages your health, but your hair too! It’s one of the leading causes of hair loss, so you better watch out!
They say if you snooze you lose, but in this case, you should get enough sleep. It’s the key to health and lustrous hair!
Conclusion
Hair loss in women over 40 depends on a lot of factors including genetics, stress and hormones. But the good news is that – you have a say and there’s something you can do to change things around.
Now, there are treatment options one can consider ranging from medications, to supplements or even resort to hair transplant as a last resort. But what’s the best course to take? Only a specialist can guide you on that. Don’t you think it’s time to make an appointment now?
Prevention and caring for hair can make a lot of difference in how things pan out. Many have reported improved hair regrowth with proper hair care. So, it is still a possibility for some.
Hair loss happens, but the good news is that there are ways to handle it. Now we have more options to consider when looking to treat hair loss. Look for natural options to deal with hair loss and consider professional help when your efforts aren’t yielding results. You’re not alone and there’s hope!
FAQs
Is thinning hair common with hair loss?
Yes, thinning of hair is becoming quite common with women facing hair loss. Hair becomes thinner and there’s also an overall reduction in volume.
Is hair regrowth possible after hair loss?
Yes, many women have reported hair regrowth when remedial measures are taken. It’s a good idea to consult a specialist especially when considering supplements.
What’s androgenetic alopecia?
Commonly called as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss it’s a chronic hair loss condition that’s due to excessive response to androgens.
Can hair regrow only from healthy hair follicles?
Yes, hair follicles should be healthy for promoting hair growth or regrowth. If hair follicles are really damaged, it’s irreversible.
Can we get thicker hair with natural remedies?
Yes, we can.
Do natural hair treatments help?
Yes, many have reported positive changes in their hair health and improved hair growth with hair treatments like scalp massages, using hair packs, taking hair supplements, etc.
What are some ways to stimulate hair growth?
A good scalp massage is one way to stimulate, though using stimulating essential oils can also do the trick. Why do you think thyme or pine essential oils are used in hair care products?
Do modern hair loss treatments curb hair loss?
Yes, doctors suggest the treatments that are most suited after tests and diagnosis. There might be hiccups, but they do help many.
Is hair shedding normal?
Everyone loses hair. It’s normal to lose a few strands (50 – 100) a day but any more than 100 is considered hair loss.
How to nourish hair roots?
Regular scalp massages with natural oils and extracts is said to help strengthen the roots.
Hair breakage – why does it happen?
Hair breakage is common when hair is dry, or when it lacks nutrition. Keeping your hair healthy and hydrated helps prevent or manage breakage.
