Increasing phenomenon, hair loss affects one in four women. The triggering causes can be multiple, linked to hormonal factors, genetics, stress, diseases.
The bald man is fashionable. Just think of some famous actor who does not hesitate to flaunt the peeled to realize it.
But the problem of hair loss is not the exclusive prerogative of the male. Although rarer, it can also affect women.
A few strands that remain attached to the brush is normal. A few tufts on the shower tray, and oh well they can also be there. But how to understand if the amount of hair lost is physiological or destined to turn into real alopecia?
First of all, let’s say that it is normal to lose 10 to 50 hairs a day. But if between 100 and 600 hairs remain on the comb or if small strands fall out during washing, it would be appropriate to investigate the situation with a dermatologist.
Different forms and causes
In medical jargon, hair loss is called alopecia. There are different forms, depending on the way in which hair thinning takes place.
| Type of alopecia | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Alopecia aerata | Hair loss is sudden and affects circumscribed areas of the head, mostly the temporal and occipital zone, which remain completely hairless |
| Androgenetic alopecia | More common, it is manifested by a progressive thinning, which usually affects the temples and tops of the head, near the scrimination. Gradually, the scalp becomes visible |
Even the causes that can underlie hair loss can be different, although under the responsibility is almost always hormones.
It is no coincidence that adolescence, pregnancy and menopause are the stages of women’s lives in which hormonal imbalances occur that can also have consequences for the hair.
Adolescence. Heavy menstruation resulting in iron loss, low-calorie diets or frequent fluctuations in body weight and even lack of sleep can result in hair loss.
Pregnancy. Hair follicles have a life cycle that, during gestation, lengthens. It depends on the greater amount of estrogen in circulation during the 9 months. After giving birth, however, hair that had grown so luxuriantly tends to fall out. The phenomenon can last from 3 to 6 months. Postpartum stress and iron deficiency during breastfeeding are other possible causes.
Menopause. Decrease in estrogen hormones and increase in androgynous ones, this is the main cause of alopecia that occurs with the disappearance of the menstrual cycle. In addition to thinning and falling out, hair becomes thinner as a result of the physiological shrinkage of hair follicles. Smoking, unbalanced diet, stress and medication use are possible causes.
Finally, hair loss can be a symptom of a disease. In fact, women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, alterations in thyroid function or seborrheic dermatitis are at risk.
Good habits to avoid the problem
In the absence of triggers, you can try to prevent alopecia by following certain rules of behavior. Here they are.
- Check for any deficiencies of iron and vitamin D, the latter of fundamental importance for the functionality of the follicles.
- Protect hair during sun exposure and limit the use of tanning lamps/showers.
- Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables but also proteins (meat, eggs, fish). Favor millet, wheat germ and quinoa; Avoid refined sugars, alcohol and fatty foods.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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