Hair shedding is a common concern for many women. While losing some hair daily is natural, an increase in shedding can be unsettling. This article explores typical patterns of hair loss and various factors contributing to increased hair shedding in women.
Understanding Normal Hair Shedding
Hair growth occurs in a continuous cycle involving several distinct phases. The anagen phase is the active growth period, lasting several years. This is followed by the catagen phase, a brief transitional period where growth stops and the follicle shrinks. Next, the telogen phase, or resting phase, lasts approximately three to four months. Finally, the exogen phase is when old hair sheds, making way for new hair to grow from the same follicle.
It is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs daily as part of this natural cycle. This daily loss is typically not noticeable, as new hair simultaneously enters the growth phase, maintaining overall hair density. Understanding this cycle helps differentiate typical shedding from more significant hair loss.
Key Reasons for Increased Hair Shedding
Hormonal fluctuations often play a significant role in increased hair shedding for women. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels can prolong the anagen phase, leading to thicker hair. After childbirth, estrogen levels rapidly decline, causing many hairs to enter the telogen phase simultaneously, resulting in noticeable shedding, known as postpartum telogen effluvium. Menopause also brings hormonal shifts, particularly a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to hair thinning and increased shedding. Thyroid imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, disrupt metabolic processes and can cause hair loss if unaddressed. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), characterized by elevated androgen levels, can also contribute to hair shedding and thinning on the scalp.
Physical and emotional stress can trigger temporary hair loss. Major physical stressors like surgery, severe illness, or rapid weight loss can shock hair follicles, pushing many hairs into the resting phase prematurely. Intense emotional stress from significant life events can similarly disrupt the hair growth cycle. This type of shedding, known as telogen effluvium, typically appears a few months after the stressful event.
Nutritional deficiencies are another common contributor to excessive hair shedding. Iron is essential for hair growth, and iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Vitamin D plays a role in hair follicle cycling, and insufficient levels may impair hair growth. Zinc is important for hair tissue growth and repair, while biotin, a B vitamin, is involved in keratin synthesis.
Certain medical conditions and medications can also induce hair shedding. Autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata, cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss. Other conditions like lupus can also lead to hair thinning. Various prescription drugs, including some used for blood pressure, depression, or contraception, list hair loss as a potential side effect.
Hair care practices can also contribute to breakage and shedding. Excessive use of heat styling tools can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Tight hairstyles can create constant tension on hair follicles, leading to traction alopecia, where hair is pulled from the scalp. Harsh chemical treatments can also damage the hair structure and lead to increased shedding.
When to Consult a Professional
If you experience sudden or severe hair shedding, consult a healthcare professional. This is particularly important if shedding is accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, significant weight changes, or noticeable changes in your scalp, like redness or scaling. Persistent shedding for several months without improvement also warrants medical attention.
A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of increased hair shedding. They may conduct a thorough examination of your scalp and hair, and often recommend blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or other medical conditions. Professional guidance ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.