Causes of Female Hair Loss

  • Androgenetic alopecia - hereditary pattern hair loss with a typical pattern of diffuse hair thinning over the central scalp.
  • Alopecia areata - a recurrent disease of unknown cause that results in patchy loss of hair from the scalp and/or eyebrows.
  • Telogen effluvium - a condition that causes shedding of hair over the entire scalp; it may be chronic but also may be acute following a stressful event such as high fever, severe dietary deficiency, and chronic blood loss from heavy menstruation.
  • Hypothyroidism - thyroid deficiency can be associated with thinning, patchy loss of hair.
  • Loose anagen syndrome - a condition that causes hair to shed before its normal growth cycle is completed.
  • Pregnancy - hormonal changes and stress of pregnancy may cause temporary hair loss.
  • Traction alopecia - tight braiding and corn-rowing can, over time, cause permanent damage to hair and scalp and result in hair loss.
  • Chemical processing - some chemicals used in hair styling can, over time, cause permanent damage to hair and scalp and result in hair loss.
  • Trichotillomania (compulsive hair plucking) - a person feels compelled to pluck hair in regular or bizarre patterns, resulting over time in traction alopecia and permanent hair loss.