Preventing Hair Loss in Women
Good to know!
Losing hair—between 50 to 100 strands per day—is perfectly normal. When all goes well, most grow back, so there's nothing to worry about.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a temporary or permanent, partial or total loss of hair. There are several forms of alopecia, ranging from sparse hair to no hair at all.
Androgenic alopecia is the most common form and is better known as baldness for men and female alopecia for women. Men lose all their hair on the forehead and the top of the head, while women’s hair becomes increasingly thinner, revealing the scalp.
Alopecia areata is another form of hair loss, but results from an autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack the hair follicles. This causes a loss of hair in round patches, most often on the scalp.
Occasional or chronic alopecia?
While baldness is socially accepted in men, female alopecia remains a delicate subject. Yet, one in three women experience excessive hair loss at least once in their lifetime. This type, known as occasional alopecia, is temporary and can be triggered by various causes, such as surgery, the postpartum phase after childbirth or physical or psychological stress.
However, over three quarters of the cases of female alopecia are related to family history. When this is the case, it’s called chronic alopecia. The blood vessels atrophy, disrupting the growth of the hair follicle. The follicle eventually dies, making this form of alopecia a permanent issue
Reasons for hair loss in women
There are many causes of female alopecia. If you suffer from significant, sudden and unexplained hair loss, consult a dermatologist. The reasons for your hair loss may include:
- Aging: The older you get, the more hair you lose. This is normal! Aging causes a decrease in the production of estrogen, a hormone linked to hair health.
- Hormonal changes: Postpartum or during menopause, your ovaries and adrenal glands produce more male hormones. Your scalp becomes depleted and this triggers hair loss.
- Stress, fatigue and overwhelm: In these situations, your body activates the production of certain hormones (adrenaline, cortisol and adrenal androgens). Each burst of stress contracts the blood vessels at the root of your hair. The result? Hair that thins and falls out.
- Side effects: After medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or certain medications, you may experience hair loss. But don't worry, it's temporary!
- Dietary deficiencies: A lack of iron, zinc or silicon is directly linked to hair loss. If your body is deficient in these minerals and other vitamins, it will stop feeding your hair follicles to support your vital organs instead.
- Certain skin diseases: Psoriasis, lupus, skin lesions and scars can cause hair loss or impede hair growth.
- Oily dandruff and styling: As it accumulates on your scalp, oily dandruff smothers your hair follicles and contributes to hair loss. Braids or ponytails that are too tight can also do this. In this case, it is called traction alopecia.
Prevention and solutions to slow hair loss in women
For occasional alopecia (sudden, but temporary), time, diet and relaxation will be your best allies for stimulating hair growth. More targeted treatments are available for chronic alopecia.
Natural solutions for female hair loss
For healthy hair, good life habits are the key to success!
- Avoid overly hot showers and tight hats, caps and elastics.
- Reduce your use of chemical hair treatments (colouring, perming) and even hair dryers and styling irons. Their overuse can damage your scalp and set off hair loss.
Remember!
Balancing your diet, reducing your stress and getting a good night’s sleep will help keep your scalp healthy.
Products for female alopecia
Various hair loss shampoos and other products are available on the market to prevent hair loss. With a concentration in specific active ingredients, they stimulate microcirculation in your scalp and hair growth
Medication and treatments
If you suffer from chronic alopecia, consult a specialist who can identify the root causes of the problem and suggest a treatment adapted to your needs. Ideally, you should start treatment before your hair loss becomes too severe.
- Minoxidil is a topical medication that can slow down hair loss and, in some cases, even cause hair to grow back. But beware! It can cause side effects, including itchy scalp, acne and weight gain, as well as lower your blood pressure and libido.
- Since minoxidil isn’t effective for some women, spironolactone may be an alternative to try.
- Some birth control pills contain desogestrel or norgestimate, which may have an antiandrogenic effect that in turn reduces hair loss.
Talk to your dermatologist or doctor about all these options!
Pharmacy services
Do you have concerns or questions? Your family pharmacist can help. Don't hesitate to ask their advice!
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.