Top Causes of Hair Thinning in Women | Dr Batra's

Science demonstrates that hair loss is not simply a “beauty issue.” Your hair goes through its own cycle of growth and rest, which is a delicate balance. When that balance breaks, you notice thinning, shedding, or bald spots.

The good news is that many tran are treatable, especially when detected early, as dermatologists frequently remind us. We’ll talk about the various types of hair loss, the most common causes, and practical ways to effectively manage it in this article.

Understanding Alopecia areata

When the normal cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted, hair loss occurs. Every hair on your scalp typically grows for two to seven years, rests for a few months, and then sheds to make room for new hair. Hair density decreases and bald spots may appear when that cycle breaks due to health issues, hormones, or genetics. Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss.

How often does hair loss occur?

Hair loss occurs more frequently than most people realize: Men: By the age of 50, between 30% and 50% of men have noticeable hair loss. Women: Between 20% and 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. The majority of men experience hair loss in their late 20s or early 30s, whereas women typically experience thinning between the ages of 40 and 60. Although age plays a role, genetics and hormones can cause hair loss as early as your teens or 20s.

Men versus Women’s Hair Loss Patterns Women

Hair loss appears differently in men and women

Pattern Baldness in Men Men typically experience hair loss that begins at the temples and crown and progresses to an M-shaped receding hairline or complete baldness on top of the scalp. The Norwood Scale, a standard chart utilized by dermatologists and trichologists to monitor progression, is used to classify this pattern.

Pattern hair loss in women

Hair loss in women tends to be less obvious and diffuse. While the frontal hairline frequently remains intact, it typically begins with a widening part at the crown or top of the head. Thinning can be emotionally distressing, though complete baldness is uncommon in women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid imbalance all contribute to women’s hair loss and can either temporarily or permanently affect hair density.

How to Treat Common Types of Hair Loss

Identify Yours Based on data from AAD and the National Institutes of Health, I will concentrate on the major five alopecia types. Each individual has their own distinct causes of hair loss, and identifying the signs that correspond to yours helps tailor hair loss treatment.

1. Alopecia androgenetica:

The Cause Is Genetic About 95% of male hair loss and at least half of female hair loss cases are caused by androgenic alopecia. This condition is brought on by a combination of genetic predisposition and hormonal influences, especially those that involve the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). How Hair Loss Is Caused by DHT An enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase converts some of the testosterone that both men and women produce into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The hormone binds to the hair follicles of people who are genetically sensitive to DHT, causing them to shrink (minimize) over time. Because of this, hair eventually stops growing and becomes weaker, shorter, and thinner. Sensitivity is more important than hormone levels. It’s interesting to note that studies have shown that how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT is more important than the amount of the hormone. If a person’s hair follicles are genetically prone to a strong response to the hormone, even people with normal or low DHT levels can experience hair loss. This explains why, despite having normal hormone levels, some men with high testosterone maintain full heads of hair while others begin balding earlier.

2. The Stress Shedder in Telogen:

Effluvium Diffuse shedding occurs two to three months after the trigger for this non-scarring hair loss. According to a 2022 JAMA Dermatology study, up to 25% of survivors experienced a surge following COVID. 10% of hairs typically shed daily. Over 20% of telogen effluvium undergoes shedding as a result of physical, emotional, or physiological stress. Hair loss can be brought on by illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, or hormonal changes like those that occur after childbirth. With the removal of the trigger, it goes away in six to nine months, but supplements like biotin can help regrowth.

3. Areata Alopecia:

The Immune System’s Attacker a form of autoimmunity in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in sudden, uneven hair loss. According to estimates from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, it affects 6.8 million Americans. Mild: small, round spots on the beard, eyebrows, or scalp. Severe: Alopecia totalis (total hair loss on the body) or alopecia universalis (total hair loss on the scalp). It affects everyone of the same age and ethnicity. Corticosteroids and JAK inhibitors like baricitinib, which was approved by the FDA in 2022, are two treatments for hair loss. In 50-80% of cases, regrowth is possible.

4. Styling Mistakes Cause Traction Alopecia:

This is common in people with textured hair, especially people of African descent. At first, it doesn’t hurt, but if you ignore it, it can hurt. According to AAD data, it is growing as a result of popular hairstyles like weaves and ponytails. Causes of hair loss: Breakage occurs when the shaft of the hair is weakened by constant tension from tight braids, extensions, or relaxers. Due to its helical structure, curly, coily hair is prone to snapping and drying out. Thinning of the fringe along the hairline is a sign. Use moisturizing products and loosening up your hairstyles to treat hair loss. The key to avoiding permanent damage is prevention.

5. The Growing Scar in Central Centrifugal:

Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) A scarring alopecia that mostly affects Black women, according to a review published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2023. It spreads outward from the crown. Genetic mutations, such as those found in the PADI3 gene, as well as triggers like heat styling or inflammation are the causes of hair loss. Previously known as “hot comb alopecia,” it no longer applies to combs alone. Patchy vertex loss is one of the first warning signs, followed by a shiny, scarred scalp in later stages. The treatment of hair loss focuses on stopping aggravators and anti-inflammatory medications for stabilization.