Hair loss in women — types, causes, and treatment

Hair loss can be difficult to navigate. Understanding the types of hair loss and potential causes can be the first step towards treatment.

Hair loss — also known as alopecia — comes in many forms. You might notice your hair thinning gradually, or it might fall out in clumps. The hair might grow back over time, or it might be permanent. It is common to experience hair loss on your scalp, but people may also experience it on other parts of the body such as the eyebrows.

However, hair loss treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the underlying cause of hair loss will determine how it is treated.

Hair loss could be caused by genetics, medical conditions (like autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, or iron deficiency), hormonal changes during pregnancy or childbirth, or even tight hairstyling. Sometimes a stressful or traumatic event can cause temporary hair loss, but not all hair loss is associated with stress.

Here is a guide to the various types of hair loss, causes, and treatment options for each.

Types of hair loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia

This is a common type of hair loss that occurs in middle-aged women or older women, sometimes around the same time as menopause.

Female pattern hair loss is hereditary and researchers believe that androgen activity has a role to play. Androgens are hormones, like testosterone, involved in male sexual development. Women also produce a small amount of androgens.

Women may notice gradual thinning at their hair part, or hair loss that radiates from the top of the head outwards. This is due to the shrinking of the hair follicle, which results in shorter and finer hairs.

Over time, there might be widespread thinning, but the hairline does not typically recede in the way that it does for men who experience male pattern hair loss. Women also rarely go completely bald.

This type of hair loss can be treated with medication to stimulate hair growth.

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss happens in patches and appears as a round, circular or oval-shaped bald spot. The bald skin appears smooth and people with this type of hair loss may not experience other symptoms.

Unlike androgenetic hair loss, alopecia areata can be asymmetric and only affect a limited area.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it’s caused by the immune system attacking the body’s cells. Hair loss can occur when hair follicles are under attack.

This type of hair loss is also thought to be genetic, and often begins in children or young adults under 30 years old. Sometimes it is associated with other conditions such as lupus, asthma, hay fever, or thyroid disease.

For some people, hair can grow back without medication — sometimes within a year — though the patches may return later. In some cases, alopecia areata can progress to alopecia totalis, i.e. hair loss on the entire scalp.

Treatment includes corticosteroid injections that can suppress the immune reaction, topic medications, or immunotherapy.

Traction Alopecia

Tight hairstyles and constant pulling at the scalp are the culprit with this type of alopecia. These hairstyles might include braiding, tight ponytails, cornrows, or extensions which can cause hair loss at the site of pulling.

Without intervention, traction alopecia may cause permanent hair loss. However, wearing looser hairstyles that strain the scalp less can help hair regrow.

Excessive chemicals — such as hair dyes or chemical relaxers — and exposing hair to high heat without protection can also cause breakage and hair loss, known as traumatic alopecia.

Some people have a mental disorder called trichotillomania, which is the urge to pull one’s hair out, leading to bald spots.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Also known as scarring alopecia, this type of hair loss is permanent as hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue.

There may also be itching, pain, or a sensation of heat on the scalp. It is caused by inflammation to the scalp which damages the hair follicle, but the underlying cause is unknown.

Cicatricial alopecia is sometimes associated with conditions like syphilis, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, or scalp trauma.

If detected early, medication (oral, topical, or injected) can help regrow hair before the follicle scars permanently.

Telogen Effluvium

Stress is the underlying cause with telogen effluvium and hair typically regrows once the source of stress is removed.

Examples of stressors that can trigger this type of hair loss include traumatic events, childbirth, malnutrition, infections, or major surgery.

It appears as increased shedding — or in some cases clumps of hair falling out at a time — as hair shifts into a resting phase and eventually sheds. The hair loss might appear months after the stressful event and can be treated by removing the source of the stressor or treating the underlying cause.

Anagen Effluvium

This type of hair loss is associated with chemotherapy, and occurs during the growth phase — or anagen phase — of the hair cycle.

Chemotherapy causes damage to the hair shaft and hairs may shed within two weeks of chemotherapy. This type of hair loss is usually reversible once the chemo ends.

To diagnose a specific type of hair loss, a doctor will need to examine the scalp and appearance of hair loss, ask questions about your medical history and other symptoms, and sometimes do lab tests to rule out underlying conditions.

To treat hair loss, doctors may prescribe medication such as minoxidil, spironolactone, or finasteride.

Alpha offers treatment for male and female hair loss, from the comfort of your home. Once you complete our online consultation, our medical providers will help determine the cause of your hair loss and prescribe appropriate treatment. If needed, we can refer you to other specialty treatments like laser therapy, injections, or a hair transplant.

Seeking treatment for hair loss? Get started with Alpha today!